The Mikoyan MiG-29 (NATO reporting name: Fulcrum) is a twin-engine jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. Developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as an air superiority fighter during the 1970s, the MiG-29, along with the larger Sukhoi Su-27, was developed to counter new U.S. fighters such as the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. The MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1982.

While originally oriented towards combat against any enemy aircraft, many MiG-29s have been furnished as multirole fighters capable of performing a number of different operations, and are commonly outfitted to use a range of air-to-surface armaments and precision munitions. The MiG-29 has been manufactured in several major variants, including the multirole Mikoyan MiG-29M and the navalized Mikoyan MiG-29K; the most advanced member of the family to date is the Mikoyan MiG-35. Later models frequently feature improved engines, glass cockpits with HOTAS-compatible flight controls, modern radar and infrared search and track (IRST) sensors, and considerably increased fuel capacity; some aircraft have also been equipped for aerial refueling.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the militaries of a number of former Soviet republics have continued to operate the MiG-29, the largest of which is the Russian Air Force. The Russian Air Force wanted to upgrade its existing fleet to the modernized MiG-29SMT configuration, but financial difficulties have limited deliveries. The MiG-29 has also been a popular export aircraft; more than 30 nations either operate or have operated the aircraft to date. As of 2013 the MiG-29 was still in production by Mikoyan, a subsidiary of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) since 2006.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a Hungarian MiG-29A Fulcrum multirole fighter. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 9-1/2-inches
Length: 13-3/4-inches

Release Date: January 2021

Historical Account: "Red Puma" - The 101st Home Air Defense Fighter Wing (101. Honi Legvedelmi Vadaszrepulo Osztaly) was an elite fighter-wing of the Royal Hungarian Air Force in World War II. Also known as the Puma after the unit's insignia, it was the most famous and well known of all Hungarian fighter units during the war. Created in the spring of 1944, it operated against US Fifteenth Air Force and the Soviet VVS during 1944-45 over Hungary and later, Austria. Analogue to Jagdverband 44, many of the highest scoring and most experienced Hungarian fighter pilots served in the unit, including the top scoring Hungarian ace of World War II, Szentgyorgyi Dezso.

The howling red puma head of the unit first appeared in the Royal Hungarian Air Force in 1938. Heppes Aladar designed it, and Barath Laszlo drew the original graphic. Unlike other unit insignia, the red Puma head was not attached to a particular unit, but to the commander, Heppes Aladar, following him to his new commands. It was first used by the 1/3. (later renamed 2/2.) vadaszrepulo szazad (fighter squadron), and then the 5/I. vadaszosztaly (fighter wing) on the Eastern front. Ultimately, it was the unit insignia of the 101. Honi Legvedelmi Vadaszrepulo Osztaly and later, the 101. Honi Legvedelmi Vadaszezred.

The motto, "Vezerunk a batorsag, kiseronk a szerencse!" (Courage leads, luck escorts us) is originating to the commanding officer of the 1/3. vadaszrepulo szazad, Nagy Mihaly.