History

The Vympel R-3 was one of the earliest Soviet air-to-air missiles to see operational service. It is also referred as the K-13. This missile has been used by the armed forces of many nations, and probably still sees some use in the Developing World. The K-13 is derived from the US-made AIM-9B Sidewinder. It should be noted that the R-3 designation applies to a family of missiles, but not to each model specifically. Western reporting name for these missiles is AA-2, or Atoll.
The R-3Rmissile is a radar-guided version of the R-3. The use of radar guidance allowed aircraft using the R-3R to engage targets from any side, including head-on attacks, and also allowed for engagements at longer ranges than possible with the R-3S' infrared seeker. Its Western reporting name is AA-2 or Atoll-C.
Info from http://www.military-today.com/

In the box

Packed in the now standard cardboard box, the 8 resin parts and one small fret of P.E are sealed in thier own bags, with a set of instructions folded at the bottom of the box. A small decal sheet is also supplied.
The main body of the R-3R missiles, of which four are supplied, are one piece and beautifully cast, with no discrepancies in the resin at all.
Each missile is made up of five photo etch parts, four forward fins and an exhaust.

Each missile comes with the APU-13U2 launcher rail, and has a few decals to attach, which are supplied.
The launcher rails are nicely reproduced with some very fine detail moulded onto them.

Instructions and decals

The instructions are easy to follow, with the build sequence extremely easy to follow.
Each missile and launch rail has 16 decals to attach for the various stencils, and actually doesn't take long to do, as most are symmetrical.

Conclusion

This is a nice set which is a lot more detailed then the kits parts, and will add to the effect of the MiG-21.
Eduard do produce a range of underwing weapons for the MiG, with rocket pods and different missiles in the Brassin range.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.