MiG-21 PFM Fishbed F for Poser 3D model

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The MiG-21, the first Soviet aircraft combining fighter and interceptor characteristics, was a lightweight fighter that achieved supersonic speeds with a relatively low-powered afterburning turbojet engine, comparable to American Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, and French Mirage III. Its basic layout served as the basis for numerous other Soviet designs, such as delta-winged aircraft like the SU-9 Interceptor and fast E-150 prototype from the MiG Bureau, as well as the mass-produced frontline fighter SU-7 and Mikoyan's I-75 experimental interceptor. However, its characteristic layout with a shock cone and front air intake did not see widespread use outside of the USSR and had limited development potential due to the small space available for radar. Similar to many interceptors, the MiG-21 had a short range, exacerbated by a design flaw causing the center of gravity to shift rearwards once two-thirds of the fuel had been used, making the plane uncontrollable and resulting in an endurance of only 45 minutes in clean condition. The issue led to the development of the MT and SMT variants, which increased range by 250 km (155 mi) at the cost of worsening other performance figures such as service ceiling and time to altitude. The MiG-21's delta wing was ideal for fast climbing interceptors but resulted in a rapid loss of speed during turning combat. However, its light loading allowed for a climb rate of 235 m/s (46,250 ft/min) with a combat-loaded MiG-21Bis, nearly matching the performance of the later F-16 fighter. Its G-limits were increased from +7Gs in initial variants to +8.5Gs in later ones, and it was replaced by the newer variable-geometry MiG-23 and MiG-27 for ground support duties. Despite being technologically inferior to more advanced fighters, the MiG-21's low production and maintenance costs made it a favorite of nations buying Eastern Bloc military hardware. Several Russian, Israeli, and Romanian firms have offered upgrade packages to MiG-21 operators, enhancing avionics and armaments to modern standards. The North Vietnamese Air Force received the first MiG-21s in 1965, and their devastating effectiveness during Rolling Thunder bombing raids led to Operation Bolo specifically targeting MiGs over North Vietnam. The challenge of dealing with the MiG-21 influenced the development of top US Navy Fighter Weapons and Red Flag USAF Dissimilar Air Combat Schools, shaping NATO aircraft designs for years to come. The MiG-21's numerous points of articulation, including moving flaps, ailerons, spoilers, rudder, stabilator, speed brakes, opening landing gear doors, deployable slats, folding wings, and an emergency drag chute, make it a detailed figure for use in images and animations. With nine separate conforming weapon sets that can be mixed and matched, the MiG-21 offers nearly 100 variations of weapons loads based on mission requirements.