The MiG-21F-13 was the first MiG-21 model to be produced in large numbers. Unlike the MiG-21F, the MiG-21F-13 had only one NR-30 cannon on the starboard side, with only 60 rounds; however, it added the capability to use the K-13 missile system, of which two could be carried on underwing hardpoints. On early-production MiG-21F-13s the launch rails were of the APU-28 type; later models had these replaced by APU-13 rails. The launch rails were removable, allowing the MiG-21F-13 to carry two UB-16-57 unguided rocket launchers, two S-24 rockets on PU-12-40 launch rails or two FAB-100/250/500 bombs or ZB-360 napalm tanks. The F-13 had further upgrades: an improved ASP-5ND optical gunsight and an upgraded SRD-5ND ranging radar. The MiG-21F-13 was also built under license in China as the Chengdu J-7 or F-7 for export, as well as in Czechoslovakia as the Aero S-106, though the S-106 designation was not used for long; subsequently, the Czech-built units were referred to as "MiG-21F-13" just like the Soviet-built aircraft. The type was fairly widely exported.

While Eduard's MiG-21 series is more detailed, I have found that Trumpeter's offerings have been easier to build. This was true of the MiG-21MF and I'm sure it will be the same with this earlier F-13 variant. Though less detailed, it isn't by very much. It just doesn't rely on p.e. as much as the Profipack kits. It has a nicely done ejection seat with photo etch harness, a well done cockpit with detailed sidewalls that make into a tub. There is a decal for the instrument panel as well.

When one builds up the nose gear well, the nose gear has to be installed. This is not the same with the main gear which will hellp some when painting. All the gear wells are built up from flat pieces. There is a nicely detailed, multi-piece exhaust that needs to be built up at this time as well.

Before closing the fuselage halves, the exhaust, gear wells, cockpit, a nose radio section, and the intake radar will need t be installed. There is no indication of any nose weight needed, but it wouldn't hurt to add some. You can leave off the nose radio piece as it will be covered by an upper fuselage section in the next step. That next step involves attaching the stabs, forward armored glass, and nose ring along with various small intakes, the fin and the exhaust covering.

Before moving on to the wings, Trumpeter would have you install the clear parts, inner main and nose gear doors along with the ventral fin, long pitot under the nose and the aft speedbrake housing. Both the front and rear speed brakes can be posed open.

For things under wings/fuselage you have many options. The centerline only gets a drop tank. However the two wing pylons can handle R-3S missiles, 250kg bombs, or UB-16 rocket pods. Note that the RS-2US missiles are not valid with the F-13. Next the wings are dealt with. The outer wing fences are photo etch. Separate ailerons and flaps are provided and designed to be installed in the neutral position. For the final steps, the main landing gear are installed and the wings are attached to the fuselage.

Instructions are nicely drawn with large illustrations. Color info during the build are with Gunze paint numbers. For the overall painting guide several other paint references are provided. Six markings options are provided. Five of them are in overall natural metal and those are for aircraft from USSR, China, North Vietnam, Czechoslovakia, and Finland. An East German option is in green/brown over light blue. The large decal sheet is well done and should work just fine. If that isn't enough for you, there are aftermarket sheets available for this kit.

This should be a fairly trouble-free build. Its lack of fiddly bits is a real plus and it will look just fine when complete.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-21_variants

January 2026

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