I used to think that Midland's MiG-29 book was the biggest book on an aviation subject I had ever seen, but with this release of their book on the MiG-21, that has been surpassed by at least 30% in terms of pages, photos and information.

An aircraft that is easily in one's 'top five' for jet fighters, the MiG-21 is one of the great success stories of the age. A plane that started as a point defense interceptor, much as was the F-104, and was later developed into a fighter bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. The MiG-21 has been used by probably more countries post WWII than just about any and even today, the aircraft in upgraded forms is still front line equipment. Much of this is thanks to the Chinese who reverse engineered the MiG-21F into versions to meet their own needs and have since continued to upgrade the airframe into aircraft that, at first glance, seem to have nothing in common with the MiG-21 until one starts to take a careful look. Then its origins are obvious.

It is all in here. The development of the requirement, the development of the aircraft through a multitude of design studies and prototypes. Entry into service and the plethora of upgrades and modifications performed on the airframe over its life time. Its war record and service with all the various nations is also part and parcel of the book. This also includes all known information on every MiG-21 and variant ever built.

Want information on the Analog, it is here. Want to see photos of USAF operated MiG-21Fs, you'll find it. Interested in the highly modified Chengdu J-7GB with its 'cranked arrow' wing or the Guizhou JL-9 trainer with the side mounted intakes and revises nose section, it is in here. Never seen a photo of a Madagascan MiG-21 MF, it is also in here. Want to know how the MiG-21 fared against the Northrop F-5E, you'd be surprised.

Perhaps it would be best to give you the chapter titles, as they will tell as much about what is here as anything.

1.  The origins of the family
2.  Off to a fine start
3.  The interceptors
4.  Mass production
5.  The trainers
6.  Experiments and projects
7.  Beyond the Great Wall
8.  In Soviet Air Force service
9.  MiG-21 at war
10.Face to face with the adversary
11.The MiG-21 in detail
12.MiG-21 Operators

As an appendix, there is a full production listing that includes to whom the aircraft was first sent.

The book is full of high quality images, superb profiles and outstanding drawings. The detail into which the we see the design, construction and operation of the aircraft is second to none. Not only that, but it is not a boring, plodding book, but the story is told in such a way as to keep your interest. I know it kept mine.

If you don't get the idea by now, this one makes all your other references obsolete. Take them to the flea markets, sell them off, and buy this book. It is that good.

August 2008

Review book courtesy of , where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books. Visit their website at the link above or call them at 1-800-895-4585

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