Walk Around
MiG-21 Fishbed Part 1

Now here's one Walk Around that I've been looking forward to - the MiG-21. The best part is that they've broken this complex subject up, with Part 1 covering the early Fishbeds and Mongols. Coverage includes the MiG-21F-13, MiG-21PF, MiG-21PFM, MiG-21U and MiG-21UM.

The MiG-21F-13, MiG-21U and MiG-21UM were all based on the early generation of day fighter design with the smaller intake centerbody containing a range-only radar. The MiG-21PF and PFM were the first versions with a true intercept radar in an enlarged centerbody radome. These two differed primarily by their ejection seats and the tail. The MiG-21F-13 and MiG-21PF had the forward-hinged canopies that would lock over the ejection seat as it departed the aircraft and protect the pilot from supersonic airflow - at least that was the intent. It evidently wasn't too reliable as all MiG-21s from the MiG-21PFM onwards had conventional seats and side-hinged, jettisonable canopies. Likewise with the vertical tail surfaces - the MiG-21F-13, MiG-21PF and MiG-21U had the narrow chord tail, whilst the MiG-21PFM and MiG-21UM had the wider chord tail.

The author has collected a nice array of photos of these early MiGs, despite their age. Many include aircraft that were exported to numerous countries around the world, offering a look at each aircraft in a variety of markings. As with the other titles in this Walk Around series, the title contains a nice selection of color and black and white photographs, each with detailed captions. In addition, there are a number of nice color profiles illustrating the more interesting color schemes shown in the book.

This is another nice release from Squadron/Signal Publications and you'll definitely want to have this one on your shelf. I can't wait for Part 2! You can get this title from your favorite book seller, hobby shop, or directly from Squadron Mail Order (www.squadron.com).

My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!