Hobby Master 1/72 HA5601 MIG-25P Foxbat Red13, flown by Lt. (Sg.) V. Belenko, Chuguyevka Airbase, Japan 1976

The MiG-25 Foxbat is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. The prototype flew in 1964 and entered service in 1970 with an operational speed of Mach 2.83 but if needed Mach 3.2 possibly damaging the engines. The MiG-25 caused concern for the U.S. who demanded increases in the performance of the F-15 Eagle under development. The MiG-25s large wings gave the impression of a highly maneuverable aircraft but it was later realized the wings were needed because of the weight of the stainless steel used to manufacture the MiG-25.

Lt. Belenko was a MiG-25P pilot with the 513th Fighter Regiment, 11th Army, Soviet Air Defence Forces. On September 6, 1976 while flying his MiG-25P Red 13 Belenko defected to Japan where he was granted asylum. The Japanese seized the opportunity to examine the aircraft and eventually allowed the Americans access to the aircraft. The MiG-25P and Belenko were transported to the U.S. where he was granted citizenship in 1980 and the aircraft was completely disassembled. The aircraft eventually was returned to the Soviets in crates.