Hasegawa 1:72 MiG-23S Flogger B (1970s)

The Hasegawa 1:72 MiG-23S Flogger B (1970s) is a vintage injection-moulded model kit representing the early production variant of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 “Flogger”, a variable-geometry (swing-wing) Soviet interceptor and fighter.

This example is one of the original 1970s Hasegawa releases, acquired by Pathfinder Models as part of their Legacy Collection. The kit is complete, with all parts and decals contained in a sealed internal bag, though it is supplied without instructions.

About the aircraft

The MiG-23S (Flogger B) was an early pre-production variant of the MiG-23 family, which introduced swing-wing technology to improve performance across different flight regimes. Although the S variant itself was limited, it formed part of the development path toward the widely produced MiG-23 series.

The MiG-23 was used by many Soviet and allied air forces for:

• interceptor duties

• air defence missions

• limited ground-attack roles in later variants

• Cold War frontline deployment across multiple theatres

Kit features

✔ 1:72 scale Cold War Soviet fighter
✔ 1970s Hasegawa tooling (vintage kit)
✔ Swing-wing variable geometry design representation
✔ Basic cockpit and airframe detail typical of period kits
✔ Optional landing gear configuration
✔ Clear canopy parts
✔ Includes decals
✔ Internal parts sealed in bag

Condition notes

✔ Legacy Collection item
✔ Original 1970s edition
✔ Parts sealed internally
✔ Decals included
✔ No instructions supplied
✔ Boxed item (collection provenance noted)

Skill level

Intermediate

Best suited for modellers familiar with:

• older kit fit and engineering

• alignment of swing-wing mechanisms

• seam cleanup and basic detailing

• using reference material for assembly (due to missing instructions)

Aftermarket detailing can significantly improve cockpit and surface realism.

Recommended finishing options

✔ Soviet Air Defence Force grey schemes
✔ Early Cold War prototype-style finishes
✔ Weathered operational interceptor look
✔ Eastern Bloc air force markings (where applicable)
✔ Display builds highlighting swing-wing mechanism

Ideal for

• Cold War aviation enthusiasts

• Soviet aircraft modellers

• 1:72 scale jet collectors

• vintage Hasegawa kit builders

• experimental aircraft and development-era subjects

Summary

The Hasegawa 1:72 MiG-23S Flogger B (1970s) is a vintage Cold War jet kit representing an early swing-wing Soviet interceptor development aircraft, offering historical interest and collectible value, especially as an original 1970s release with sealed parts but no instructions.