Despite the presence of many other remarkable aircraft, the MiG-21 was the main star of the air show at Kuopio. Without doubts, it’s a legendary aircraft, one of the most characteristic in the world of military aviation of the 20th century. Even today MiG-21 is still in service, though its glory passed a long time ago. And so their story goes on, in armies of several countries. A day before the airshow, MiG-21 celebrated its 60th anniversary. This article will be fully focusing on this amazing machine!

All Photos by Fyodor Borisov/Transport-Photo Images

#1. The first thing that appeared on the airport was the MiG-21. Not the Romanian one as it was written in the information, but Finnish. And it was in an excellent shape!

#2. The aircraft was properly secured and maintained for moving it from place to place.

#3. What’s so special in small airshows? Spontaneity and accessibility. There was no fence with guards, here you could even ‘undress’ the plane and the organizers had a very kind attitude and they were even willing to uncover the plane when asked 🙂

#4. And here it is! The handsome star of the event.

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#6. An interesting thing – the aircraft have both Russian and Finnish label. And it’s not duplicated, as many labels are simply different. It includes the minimum knowledge about tech parameters and about crew that Russian neighbor apparently needed.

#7. The kindness from the organizers side goes on – we opened the cockpit

#8. And again – interior of the cockpit is in both langauges, Russian and Finnish.

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#10. Everything is just compact. It have just everything it needs.

#11. It’s irresistible even for the photographer (Fyodor Borisov).

#12. And not just for him!

#13. Here is some range of past and present aircraft of the Finnish Air Force.

#14. And this is our fighting crew (photographers).

#15. Romanian guests with their MiG’s.

#16. Landing separately.

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#21. The airport at Kuopio acquired such a peculiar appearance.

#22. Day Two – aircraft is preparing for flight program.

#23. Ascending.

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#29. Passage at low attitude.

#30. With fire behind its tail.

#31. Approaching…

#32. And turning away!

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#35. Landing.

#36. Folding the break-parachute.

#37. It’s a wonderful thing to see this aircraft flying after 20 years.