The 518th Fighter Aviation Regiment was a fighter aviation regiment of the Soviet Air Forces during World War II that became part of the Soviet Air Defence Forces after the end of the war. Between 5 July 1952 and 27 July 1953, the regiment served with 216 IAD as part of the 64th Fighter Aviation Corps in the Korean War, flying MiG-15s. It was credited with destroying 38 UN aircraft, while losing fifteen aircraft and five pilots. Captain Mikhail Mikhin was credited with nine victories during the regiment’s tour and was made a Hero of the Soviet Union.

Designed to meet a Soviet Air Force requirement for a high-performance jet fighter, the MiG-15 was first flown on December 30, 1947. The MiG-15 was used by several communist nations-including the USSR and North Korea-and was one of the first truly successful swept-wing fighters. It could shoot down heavy bombers and could climb faster and higher than its American rival, the F-86. Fortunately for the F-86, it also turned poorly and had high mach instability, which limited it as a dogfighter. It was poorly matched with the F-86 but excelled in its role as a bomber interceptor, frequently preventing B-29s from operating during the day.

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.