MIG-21 Fishbed print-in-place micro jet fighter

About the MIG-21 Fishbed

The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union.

Approximately 60 countries across four continents have flown the MiG-21, and it still serves many nations seven decades after its maiden flight. It set aviation records, becoming the most-produced supersonic jet aircraft in aviation history, the most-produced combat aircraft since the Korean War and, previously, the longest production run of any combat aircraft.

The MiG-21 was the first successful Soviet aircraft combining fighter and interceptor characteristics in a single aircraft. It was a lightweight fighter, achieving Mach 2 with a relatively low-powered afterburning turbojet, and is thust comparable to the American Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and the French Dassault Mirage III. 

However, the characteristic layout with the shock cone and front air intake did not see widespread use outside the USSR and ultimately proved to have limited development potential, mainly due to the small available space for the radar.

About the model itself

You can find hundreds of fighter models on the Internet. 

Some of them are, however, a faithful reproduction of the machine itself, but such a model is not great to 3D print (because of the thin wings, complicated engines and landing gear, it needs tons of supports etc.). 

On the other side there are simple models of aircraft that are easy to print, but no longer represent the original plane.  

I tried my best to create something in between, a model that is both easy to print and looks like the real aircraft. I spent a lot of time to adjust the wing thickness, the acceptable landing gear design and the optimal way to get rid of default supports and to make the plane look so reliable that even a person not interested in aviation could tell the difference between several models.

Printing

• High quality settings, 0.12mm-0.15mm layer height (I am using 0.12mm)
• 0.4mm nozzle
• NO supports
• 100% infill 
• I reccomend to use raft to ensure that the model will not peel off mid-printing.
• Printing (on my 3D printer) takes from 1h to 1h 40minutes depending on settings, printer efficiency and the size of a jet.
• I recommend NOT to scale down the model, because some parts (air intakes, engines, nose) might be deformed, or not even printed, because they will become too thin for the slicer and printer. I also do not guarantee good results when scaling up.

Cleaning the model

Here's a small instruction how to remove the unnecessary parts after printing.

The photos show a MIG-29, but the instructions apply to all models.

First, remove the raft with side cutters.

Then find the gaps in the wings (marked with red arrows). Don't forget about the engines and stabilizers.

CAREFULLY break the supports with pliers, I do not reccomend to use hands, because the wing may break along the layers, not where it should be.

Remember, that even if that happen, there is no need to print the model again. Sometimes it is enough to glue the wing with superglue. 

You can also smooth the wings with a small file or sandpaper and burn the strings with a lighter.

For the MIG-21 you need to cut off a small cone supporting its tail. There is no gap where it can be safely broken. You have to use sharp tools. The cone is connected to engine nozzle support, so they have to be removed together. You should first  cut off the cone, and then break the support.

Additional information

If you enjoy my micro jets please leave a nice comment. I am working on some new arcrafts I will be uploading soon. I would be grateful if you would share with me your ideas for new fighters or something completely different. I am open to your suggestions.

I would just like to point out that I am not a professional and I treat creating models for 3D printing as a hobby. Therefore, I am asking for your understanding towards my work.

I wish you successful printing and lots of fun!