MiG-23MLA 'Flogger-G' (Clearprop 1:72)

MiG-23 is a Soviet third generation jet fighter. It was one of the first Soviet fighters equipped with ‘beyond visual range' missiles (R-23 and R-24) and its RP-23 radar was capable of ‘look down-shoot down' mode. Production started in 1969 and with over 5.000 aircraft built, it is the most produced variable-sweep wing aircraft in history. It was designed in the early '60s as the successor to the hugely popular MiG-21 ‘Fishbed'; the main focus to improve was the better radar and longer ranged missiles, but retaining the dogfighting agility of its predecessor.

Like so many projects, the -23 had a lot of teething problems. The first version to be fielded, -23S, was lacking the look down-shoot down radar modes an the Saphir-23L radar was unreliable. After several minor upgrades, the -23M version was released, which featured a much improved Saphir-23D radar, correcting the shortcomings over previous versions, as well as radar and IR guided R-23s, new R-60s short range IR-guided “dogfighting” missiles as well as a number of other air-to-ground guided and unguided ammunition. MiG-23Ms were also nuclear capable via special adapter. Second generation -23ML and -23MLD had improved handling, better acceleration, better avionics and radar and even more different weapons at their disposal.

The aircraft saw action in Afghanistan by Soviet forces, Syria, Iraq, Angola by Cuban forces, Lybia, Ethiopia, India against Pakistan and Sudan and was or still is in use in over 30 counties around the world.

The kit

I have to say building this kit was a bittersweet deal for me. It had some amazing features but at the same time was killing my mood and patience with certain design choices you can read in the build article below. I always loved the looks of -23 and it is such a Cold War icon I just had to have it on my display shelf even if I am more of a Sukhoi guy. And knowing that the currently available model kits was pretty poor – even the ex RV, now KP -23s, which are fine when finished, require lots and lots of work to get them there. My guess is the modular design, by replacing a few sprues to achieve new Flogger versions, resulted in complex design and far from perfect fit. Have no doubt – Clear Prop MiG-23 is the finest MiG-23 kit in the market – just be prepared to work for it and thus I would recommend it only to experienced modellers. Would I build another? Probably not. Would I build another Clear Prop kit? Yes. I am looking forward to the Su-25 kit, which is due to be released soon. And their Skyshark and Mohawk are very tempting as well… Oh well, so many kits, so little time.

The good:
– the most accurate MiG-23kit in the market in any scale
– excellent surface details
– very good interior details (cockpit, wheel wells)
– large selection of weapons
– many photo-etched parts which improve some parts immensely
– extensive decals including full stencils for the airframe, weapons and pylons

The bad:
– due complex construction, the fit is quite terrible in several places
– due fit issues, you are guaranteed to loose some PE parts
– some PE parts are too thick
– PE parts melting under flame during annealing attempt
– painting instructions mixed left with right compared to top drawing

Link to the in-progress article: https://vvsmodelling.com/2023/11/22/clear-prop-172-mig-23mla-flogger-g-build-article/

Model Data
Company: Clearprop / CP72030
Scale: 1:72
Aftermarket: Clearprop CP72080 MiG-23ML, MLD, P, MLAE Exhaust and air scoops
Clearprop CP72079 MiG-23ML, MLD, P, MLAE Wheel set

Paints used: Mr.Paint
Camouflage: MRP-164 Olive Green, MRP-165 Grey Green, MRP-166 Chestnut Brown, MRP-168 Grey Blue, MRP-276 7K Tan
Metallics: MRP-008 Duraluminium, MRP-081 Anodized Aluminium, MRP-147 Burnt Iron, MRP-148 Exhaust Metal, MRP-152 Pale Burnt Metal
Other: MRP-001 Turquoise cockpit, MRP-004 White, MRP-077 NATO Black, MRP-173 Tyre-Rubber, MRP-032 Green for Wheels

14 additional images. Click to enlarge.