When the Tu-144 Supersonic airliner was being designed, the exact wing form had not been decided upon, and so it was proposed the a couple of MiG-21S fighters would be fitted with either of the two wing shapes to test their efficiency. They took so long to produce, that the Tu-144 was completed and undergoing ground testing before they were ready. The story circulated that Andreri Tupolev, who shared an apartment building with Artyom Mikoyan, would sidle up behind his fellow designer and whisper 'When am I going to get my Analog?' 'When?'
A1 waas ready to act as chase 'plane for the first flight of the Tu-144. It was later lost in a crash. A2, whichn has a number of differences, is preserved at Monino Air Force Museum, parked next to the Tu-144 prototype
This is the Retrokit conversion, modified into A1. Just because it has a more attractive colour scheme!
A1 waas ready to act as chase 'plane for the first flight of the Tu-144. It was later lost in a crash. A2, whichn has a number of differences, is preserved at Monino Air Force Museum, parked next to the Tu-144 prototype
This is the Retrokit conversion, modified into A1. Just because it has a more attractive colour scheme!
