Academy 12664 - 1:144 MiG-21PF Fishbed

Plastic model kit of the MiG-21PF fighter in 1:144 scale

Academy 12664 is a plastic model kit for self-assembly representing the MiG-21PF – the interceptor version of one of the most widely produced jet fighters in the world, recognisable by its considerably widened air intake and raised fuselage spine. This is a 2026 Academy boxing; the moulds are of Academy/Minicraft origin dating from 1993 and were released over the years under the Minicraft brand as well. The box contains one model.

The parts are laid out on three plastic sprues that include the clear components. This is a small, simple kit with a clear parts breakdown – it works well as a quick build between larger projects, or as a starting point for a collection of Cold War fighters in 1:144.

The waterslide decal sheet covers five marking options, including machines known from the fighting over North Vietnam and aircraft based at Kubinka.

What's in the box:

• 3 sprues of plastic parts including clear components
• Waterslide decal sheet for 5 marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Marking options:

• North Vietnamese Air Force, MiG-21PF '4326'
• Soviet Air Force, MiG-21PF '19', Kubinka, 1967
• MiG-21PFM, 4th display squadron, 234th Guards Proskurov Fighter Aviation Regiment, Kubinka
• Russian Air Force, MiG-21PF '16'
• North Vietnamese Air Force, MiG-21PF '4324'

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:144
• Catalogue number: 12664
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Assembled length: approx. 98 mm
• Assembled wingspan: approx. 50 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Simple engineering and a low parts count make this kit approachable for modellers who are just starting out. It is worth taking care over the fit of the fuselage halves and the intake shock cone, and over cleanly sanding the sprue gate marks before painting. The smallest parts – landing gear legs, guided missiles, the drop tank – are easiest to handle in 1:144 with a pair of fine modelling tweezers.

For painting we suggest colours typical of MiG-21s of the period: natural metal or silver lacquer for uncamouflaged aircraft, and greens and browns for camouflaged schemes, depending on the chosen option. Decals are usually applied over a gloss coat, which prevents decal silvering; aircraft models are typically finished with a satin varnish. On a natural metal finish it is worth considering subtle variation between individual panels – in this scale restraint gives a better result than strong contrast.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Fine modelling tweezers for small parts
• Brushes in a range of sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Gloss varnish for the decals and satin varnish for the final finish
• Decal setting and softening solutions
• Modelling wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – MiG-21PF:

The MiG-21PF (NATO reporting name Fishbed-D) is the interceptor version adapted for all-weather operations – the first production variant of the MiG-21 fitted with an RP-21 Sapfir airborne radar, housed in an enlarged intake shock cone. The distinguishing external features of this version are the considerably widened air intake and the raised fuselage spine, which accommodated a larger fuel load.

The PF had no internal cannon – it was omitted in line with the doctrine of the time, which assumed combat conducted solely with guided missiles. Only later did some aircraft receive the podded GP-9 gun pack with a GSh-23L cannon. Experience from the fighting over North Vietnam in 1966–1968 showed that the lack of a cannon was a serious limitation in manoeuvring combat.

The MiG-21PF was produced between 1962 and 1965. Operators included the USSR, North Vietnam, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Cuba, India, Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Finland. Poland received 84 MiG-21PFs in 1964–1965; the first aircraft landed in Poznan in April 1964 and, together with the earlier MiG-21F-13s, equipped seven interceptor squadrons of the National Air Defence Forces.

Original aircraft specifications (MiG-21PF):

• Length excluding pitot tube: 14.10 m (approx. 15.76 m including the pitot)
• Wingspan: 7.15 m
• Height: 4.81 m
• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: Tumansky R-11F2-300 turbojet, approx. 38.7 kN dry and approx. 60 kN with afterburner
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 2.05 (2,175 km/h) at 13,000 m
• Service ceiling: approx. 19,000 m
• Armament: 2 x R-3S (K-13) infrared-guided missiles, or 2 x UB-16 pods with 57 mm unguided rockets
• Additional equipment: 490 l drop tank
• Production: 1962–1965
• Operators: USSR, North Vietnam, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Cuba, India, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Finland

About the manufacturer – Academy:

Academy is one of the largest plastic model manufacturers in South Korea, active on the market since 1969. The company built its position on a broad catalogue covering aircraft, armoured vehicles, ships, cars and figures in all the popular scales – from large collector kits to compact 1:144 models. Academy kits are valued for a sensible balance between parts count and final result, and for clear, illustrated assembly instructions, which makes them a frequent choice for modellers starting out in the hobby. The brand consistently develops new tooling while also reissuing proven kits with new decal sheets and boxings. The catalogue covers both historic types and modern machines, including aircraft operated by the Korean and American air forces. Academy products are available in dozens of countries and are a permanent fixture in model shops worldwide.