“Nearly every single model of an Iraqi MiG-25PD from 1991 I’ve seen so far is missing at least one, sometimes two, of the following three details,” Tom Cooper.
Here’s a note for all the MiG-25-modellers out there.
Although frequently helping modellers with tips regarding camouflage colours, markings, and weapons configurations, I’m out of loop when it comes to model-building already since years, and thus cannot but observe I’ve got no clue what is available on the market and about modern-day modelling techniques.
Nevertheless, nearly every single model of an Iraqi MiG-25PD from 1991 I’ve seen so far is missing at least one, sometimes two, of the following three details.
These can be seen on attached photos.
1.) National flag: effective with Jan. 16, 1991, the ‘takbir’ title (i.e. inscription ‘Allah-u-Akbar’) was added in green on the white field, in between the three stars. (Sure, you can still find photos of Iraqi MiG-25s from 2003-2004, showing no such titles; but, this only means the aircraft was out of service already before Jan. 16, 1991).
2.) All Iraqi MiG-25s in service as of 1991 were equipped with chaff & flare dispensers – installed on top of their wings in form of wing fences. There was no exception from this rule (so much so, even two-seat conversion trainers like MiG-25PUs have got these). These were nearly two times higher than ‘normal’ wing fences.
3.) All Iraqi MiG-25PDs and MiG-25RBs have got RWR-blisters on their intakes. Blisters on MiG-25PDs were bigger than those on MiG-25RBs – and triangle-shaped.
Photo credit: Tom Cooper, Iraqi Air Force and Romain Flechon Facebook Page
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Some great tips thank you Tom – I am part way through building a 1/48 Iraqi Foxbat right now and your tips have all been taken into account. One thing which puzzles me is the position of the National markings on the wings. I have seen reference to this in a few places and I think I will be able to position them correctly. Unfortunately I cannot get a copy of your book which explains this but why were the Iraqi Foxbat markings applied differently to their other MiGs?