Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>MIG-15>HA2402

General Background

The MiG-15 (NATO name Fagot) was designed from information and technology gathered from captured WWII Germans. The main features of the Mig-15 were its simplicity and swept wings. The MiG-15bis was an improved single-seat fighter with better cannon, fuel capacity, avionics and a Klimov turbojet engine developed using an unlicensed Rolls-Royce Nene engine. All this was put in a strengthened airframe. The Allies were completely surprised when the Mig-15 arrived in Korea and quickly brought about the development of the F-86 Sabre.

The Aircraft

Suffering heavy daytime losses over North Korea the B-29s switched to night raids. The Soviets followed by training their Mig-15bis pilots for night-time warfare. Using ground based data and searchlights the B-29s were spotted and the Migs would intercept. Major Karelin’s 6th and final night victory with the 351st Fighter Aviation Regiment (night) based at Antung was a B-29. Karelin managed to land his Mig with 117 bullet strikes and 9 of them through the cockpit and Karelin was not hit. In February 1953 the 351st was rotated back to the Soviet Union.

Specifications :

Country of origin:	Russia
Manufacturer:	Mikoyan-Gurevich
Role:	fighter/interceptor
Crew:	1 X pilot
Performance
Engine:	1 X 5,952 pound thrust Klimov VK-1 turbojet
Maximum Speed at Sea Level:	668mph (1,075km/hr)
Ceiling:	50,855ft.
Range:	1,156miles (1860km)
Weight
Emptyt:	8,115lbs. (3,681kg)
Max Takeoff:	13,327lbs. (6,045kg)
Dimensions
Wing Span:	33ft. 0.75in. (10,08m)
Length:	35ft. 7.5in. (10,86m)
Height:	12ft. 1.75in. (3,70m)
Armament:	1 X 37-mm N-37 cannon
	2 X 23-mm NS-23 or NR-23 cannon
	Up to 1,100 pounds of mixed stores on under-wing hard-points