Following the end of WWII in Europe, there was a mad rush by theAmericans, British and Soviets to grab as much German technology as possible.This included those technicians and scientists who were working forMesserschmitt, Junkers, Arado and other aviation industries. 

The Soviets did their aircraft as they did everything; in asshort a period of time as possible. It was known that they would have access toGerman equipment, so Soviet designers were told to produce a jet aircraft asquickly as they could. The best design was by Sukhoi, but since it looked likean Me-262 it was not chosen. 

Mig had come up with a pretty safe design that was powered bytwo engines. Not having a jet engine of their own, the Soviets produced BWM 003engines and called them RD-20s. These were mounted low in the forward fuselageand had a short intake and exhaust pipe as these items robbed thrust. Because of this arrangement, the underside of the fuselage and tail had to bereinforced to protect them from damage by hot exhaust gasses.

The nose wheel arrangement was a new one for Soviet pilots, butthey soon got used to it and preferred it to the tail wheel arrangement of propplanes. The aircraft had a very heavy armament of 2 23mm and 1 37 mm cannon,something that continued on with later aircraft. First flight was in April of1946, less than a year after the end of the war. Though not built in largenumbers, the Mig-9 allowed the Soviet Air Force to gain practical experience inthe operation of jet aircraft. 

Here's another interestingkit from MPM. It is typical of its type offering medium pressure injectedplastic bits with a vac canopy and the obligatory etched metal fret. The cockpitis quite complete and with the help of the etched fret can be made into a nicerepresentation. The instructions offer drawings of the cockpit and other partsof the airframe. to help you with placement of bits. Why MPM doesn't do this onall its kits is a shame as it is quite helpful.

Though it doesn'tshow it this kit will probably be a tail sitter so look for room to putweight.  The only option given is whether to install the wing tanks or not.If you choose not to, you'll have to sand off the small pylon stubs. The overallmolding of this kit is better than some of MPM's earlier releases. I guess itjust depends on who does the molds as I understand they are farmed out all overeastern Europe!

There are just two decal options, both of them overall baremetal.(Editor's note. I have been informed by reader Andrew Desautels thatthe Mig-9 was actually painted in an overall light grey. His reference is MIG:Fifty Years of Secret Aircraft Design, by Belyakov/Marmain). Frankly, it is the 'natural metal with red stars' syndrome that makesSoviet aircraft so uninteresting to many modelers. What is really needed aresome neat camo schemes, but you won't find that with the Mig-9. It is metal ornothing! Decals are by Propagteam so are excellent.

Having built a soapy Czech resin kit of this plane, I can tellyou that it is definitely a bit different and does bring some comments fromthose who see it.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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