Kitty Hawk Models 1/48 MiG-25PU Foxbat Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Kitty Hawk has returned with a new member of the Foxbat family - the Foxbat C. You'll recall that they've previously released the MiG-25PD Foxbat E and the MiG-25RB/RBT Foxbat B in 1/48 scale, and ICM followed with their own versions of these two subjects. This latest release represents the two-seat trainer version of the interceptor (MiG-25PU) though the reconnaissance trainer (MiG-25RU) is also designated as Foxbat C since you can't easily tell if the distictive dual-cockpit profile is a solid nose like the MiG-25PU or has port holes under the nose for cameras for the MiG-25RU unless the photos were taken from relatively short range. Where a 'normal' trainer has both crewmembers under one canopy, the Foxbat C has two separate cockpits and the only other example of that configuration that I can recall is the SR-71B - ironic since the MiG-25 was designed to counter the cancelled B-70 Valkyrie and was instead used to hunt the SR-71. With the exception of the SR-71's cousin, the YF-12, the MiG-25 was the only interceptor that could cruise above 50,000 feet at Mach 2.8.

One of the compromises of having a two-seat MiG-25PU interceptor trainer is the second cockpit left no room for the sizable radar system of the single-seat interceptors. Even so, the MiG-25PU can still employ the R-40T (AA-6 Acrid) which is the IR-guided variant of the missile. Those MiG-25PUs that were upgraded along with the MiG-25P to become the MiG-25PD/PS also were equipped with the R-60 (AA-8 Aphid) IR dogfight missile (for lower-speed employment).

Molded in light gray styrene, this kit is presented on 14 parts trees and two fuselage halves plus one tree of clear parts, one small fret of photo-etched parts, one box of resin parts, and one ball bearing for ballast. Among the features and options in this kit:

• VERY nicely detailed resin cockpits
• Positionable canopies
• Detailed gear struts with metal cores in the main gear struts
• Detailed wheels
• Very nice (and huge) R-15B afterburners
• Distinctive tri-vane array is recreated in both intakes
• Positionable low-speed intake flaps
• Positionable trailing edge flaps
• Positionable ailerons
• Positionable stabilators
• Positionable rudders
• Positionable speed brakes
• Optional pilot figures in pressurized flight suits

External store options include:

• 4 x R-60 (AA-8 Aphid)
• 2 x APU dual-rail launchers
• 2 x R-40RD (AA-6 Acrid)
• 2 x R-40TD (AA-6 Acrid)
• 2 x Kh-31
• 2 x Kh-58
• 2 x FAB-1500 bombs
• 4 x FAB-500 bombs
• 2 x dual bomb racks (fore/aft)
• 2 x dual bomb racks (side-by-side)
• 1 x centerline fuel tank

Markings are included for four options:

• MiG-25PU, Bort 001, Ukrainian AF
• MiG-25PU, Bort 94, Soviet AF
• MiG-25PU, Bort 32, Russian AF
• MiG-25PU, DS362, Indian AF

Notes:

• As with some of Kitty Hawk's previous releases, you get a number of weapons and racks that aren't relevant for the subject. You'll have some nice extras for your spares box for future projects.
• The resin landing gear looks nice though the nose gear strut's support arm looks really delicate so careful handlnig of the complieted model is in order.
• The previous Foxbat releases from Kitty Hawk depict the intake ramps like MiG-29 FOD doors and this release is the same. You can simply reposition the doors according to online photos looking down the intakes to get the right positions for the ramps.
• The resin cockpits are particularly nice as they have the tubs, rear bulkheads, instrument panels, sidewalls with side consoles, and ejection seats finely cast.

As usual, this is a nice-looking model and the addition of the resin cockpits really sets this model apart from their previous Foxbat releases. In addition, this is the first kit in styrene of the two-seat Foxbat, so by default, this is the best kit of this subject in any scale!

My sincere thanks to Kitty Hawk Models for this review sample!