J-8 (Chinese Mig-21 ) Finback 1/72 Scale Diecast Metal Model by Air Force 1

1:72 Scale  Metal Die-Cast – Shengyang J-8  – Length: 13"  Wingspan:5.25”

This J-8 model is a single seat version. The landing gear is fixed in the extended position and the box includes a metal stand where the model can be attached for display.  The stand is made entirely of metal, it is very sturdy and it is actually held together by a nut/screw assembly. The wheels can roll freely and are quite smooth (so be careful where you put this thing, or it could roll downhill). The fuselage is all metal and really quite heavy.

The cockpit is fixed shut and there is no pilot inside.

The model comes with 4 missiles attached (of 2 different types: two short ranged AA, two medium ranged ) and a pair of external fuel tanks. The missiles come already attached to the model, the user does not need to do any assembly.

The maker of the model, Air Force 1, really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very crisp and one can see the little dots that represent the rivets holding down the panels.

This is really a "no-play" model or a "display-only" model. It is mostly metal and very heavy. It also has a number of antennas which look great but are very fragile. If you have small kids that like to play with your models, save yourself some frustration (and money) and wait till later to get a model like this one. The box is labeled as not suitable for children under 14.

The box is HUGE at 13.25 inches by 11.25 inches by 4.5 inches and looks like a little suitcase (it has a little plastic handle).

The Shenyang J-8 (Chinese: 歼-8; NATO reporting name: Finback) is a high-speed, high-altitude Chinese-built single-seat interceptor fighter aircraft.

The J-8 project was made possible largely due to the transfer of MiG-21 technology from the Soviet Union in 1961. However, this aircraft lacked the speed, range, altitude, and radar capability the PLAAF needed in an all-weather interceptor. The nascent Chinese jet aircraft industry was established mostly with Soviet assistance and Chinese designers followed Soviet design methodology for the J-8. A Soviet experimental aircraft known as the Ye-152 "Flipper" with similar configuration may have influenced the J-8 layout, as did the Sukhoi Su-15 'Flagon-A' airframe.