1/48 Mikoyan MiG-31BM/BSM Foxhound - AMK

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 (in NATO code: Foxhound) is a two-seat, twin-engine, heavy, supersonic attack fighter that was developed in the Soviet Union as a replacement for the older and very fast but more limited MiG-25 "Foxbat". The first prototype (Je-155MP) flew on 16 September 1975 and entered operational service with the Soviet Air Defense Forces (ADF) in 1981.

The MiG-31 was the world's first operational fighter to be equipped with the Zaslon passive-phase array (PESA) radar, which allows it to track up to 10 targets and simultaneously engage four of them with R-33 long-range missiles. Its primary role was to protect the vast territory of the Soviet Union from low-flying American B-1B bombers and newly developed cruise missiles.

The MiG-31BM/BSM variant represents a major upgrade that significantly extends the life of the machine and increases its combat capabilities. The upgrade includes an upgraded Zaslon-AM radar (with a range of up to 320 km), a digital cockpit, the ability to track and simultaneously engage up to 6 targets (some sources reportup to 24 tracked targets), a new fire control system and the ability to carry a wider range of weapons, including the R-77 (Vympel) and R-73 missiles. This has transformed the MiG-31 from a pure ambush fighter to a capable multi-role fighter, with the added capability of maintaining flight above Mach 2.83, making it one of the fastest operational combat aircraft in the world.

Detailed view of the AMK 88003-A kit

The 1:48 scale MiG-31BM/BSM Foxhound kit from AvantGarde Model Kits (AMK) is one of the most anticipated and best kits of this aircraft on the market. The manufacturer has used advanced technologies such as slider molding to achieve maximum accuracy and detail.

The model includes:

• 27 grey plasticframes with clean and crisp details.

• 1 frame with transparent parts for the cockpit.

• 1 photo-etched planchettes for increased detail (especially the K-36D ejection seat belts and cockpit details).

• 2 noseweights for proper center of gravity.

• 2 decal sheets for several attractive Russian Air Force camouflage variants.

• Detailed building instructions (partly in color, 27 pages).

The model allows you to build the aircraft with an open or closed cockpit, install detailed K-36D ejection seats (one of the best replicas), and render detailed landing gear shafts and engine outlets. Also included are detailed replicas of the D-30F6 engines and optional moving surface positions (flaps, rudders, brake shields). The included armament covers the upgraded version and includes: 4x R-33 missiles, 4x R-73T missiles and 4x R-77 missiles.

Note: This kit is a static plastic model. It does not contain paint or glue!

• Period.

• Soviet / Russian

• Type.