Assemble me. Defend the skies above Kyiv!

This 1:72 scale wooden model of the MiG-29 fighter jet pays tribute to the legendary Ghost of Kyiv. Designed with impressive realism, the model features movable ailerons, wing flaps and tail rudders, retractable landing gear, detachable missiles, and an opening canopy. Its standout feature is the gravity-defying tensegrity display stand. Using fine tensioned lines and a clever structural engineering principle known as tensegrity, the aircraft appears to hover in mid-air above the base. Adjustable controls allow the model to roll left and right and alter its pitch angle, creating the illusion of flight.

Model size: 17*27.5*20 cm
Number of components: 181
Estimated time for assembly: 5 hours
Level: Intermediate

The Ghost of Kyiv became one of the defining legends of the early stages of Ukraine’s defence against the 2022 Russian invasion. Said to be a MiG-29 fighter pilot who repeatedly appeared where least expected, the Ghost symbolised courage, resilience and hope during a critical moment in the country’s history. Whether represented by a single pilot or inspired by the collective actions of Ukrainian air defenders, the story captured the imagination of people around the world.

This 1:72 scale wooden model recreates the MiG-29 fighter aircraft associated with the Ghost of Kyiv. Rich in detail, the model includes movable ailerons, wing flaps and tail rudders, retractable front and rear landing gear, detachable missiles and an opening canopy for added realism.

The most striking feature of the model is its tensegrity display stand. Tensegrity - short for “tensional integrity” - is an engineering principle that uses balanced tension and compression to create stable floating structures. Fine tensioned lines allow the aircraft to appear as though it is hovering above the stand, creating a dramatic gravity-defying effect. A rear slider lets you roll the aircraft from side to side to simulate flight, while hidden adjusters beneath the base allow the pitch angle to be changed.

The display stand also tells a story. The base features a stylised wooden map of Kyiv, while the sides include a panoramic skyline of the city. A downed enemy aircraft mounted on the support arm references the legend surrounding the Ghost and the defence of Ukrainian airspace.

This DIY wooden model kit contains 181 parts and offers approximately 5 hours of assembly time. All components are precision laser-cut from quality plywood boards and designed to fit together without glue or special tools. Illustrated step-by-step instructions guide the build process, making it an enjoyable project for hobbyists, families, and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Part mechanical puzzle, part display piece, this MiG-29 model combines engineering, storytelling and aviation history in a unique tensegrity design. It makes an eye-catching addition to a desk, shelf or collection, and a thoughtful gift for fans of aircraft modelling, military history, engineering or modern aviation.