The spectacular MiG-15 fighter used a combination of Russian ingenuity and "borrowed" advanced European aviation technology to become one of the most famous aircraft designs of its era. Called the "aircraft-soldier" by Russian pilots, the aircraft was exceptionally strong and dependable. The MiG-15 is still respected for its speed, maneuverability and firepower; advantages that made it a worthy adversary of the North American F-86 during the Korean War.

The Mikoyan and Gurevich (MiG) design team utilized captured German technology when developing the layout of the MiG-15. The plane's 35 degree swept wing, fuselage mounted engine and clean lines gave the aircraft exceptional performance. Powered by a unlicensed copy of the famous British Nene centrifugal flow jet engine, the MiG-15 was capable of speeds up to Mach .934. The initial prototype, the I-310, made its first flight in December 1947 and won a fly-off against the Lavochkin La-15. The MiG-15 went into production and entered front line service in 1949.

Shortly after its introduction the MiG-15 entered combat over Korea. Flown by Russian, North Korean and Chinese pilots, the swept wing MiG fighter terrorized U.S.A.F. B-29 bombers flying strategic bombing missions over North Korean cities. The MiG-15's speed, maneuverability, and heavy armament (two 23mm and one 37mm cannon) allowed it brush aside escorting fighters and rip through the B-29 formations. B-29 losses to MiGs reached such high levels that the U.S.A.F. stopped daylight B-29 bombing raids and flew all strikes under the cover of darkness. Although several MiG-15s were brought down by B-29 gunners and other U.N. aircraft, only the North American F-86 Sabre was the MiG-15's equal in combat. The MiG's combat success and its dependability made the plane very popular with Eastern Bloc and Communist nations around the world. Since 1950 roughly 7,500 MiG-15s have been built in Russia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and China. In addition to the Korean War, the MiG-15 has been used extensively as an air defense fighter, an air superiority fighter, a ground attack aircraft and reconnaissance fighter in a number of conflicts in the Middle East and the Orient.(courtesy Cavanaugh Flight Museum).

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a North Korean Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis "Fagot" fighter Major that was piloted by Soviet flier Mikhail Ivanovich Mikhin, and attached to 518th IAP, then deployed to North Korea during May 1953. Pre-order! Ship Date: September 2024.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-1/2-inches
Length: 6-inches

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Hero of the Soviet Union" - Though externally very similar to the MiG-15, the MiG-15bis was a much improved variant. Some Soviet units began using the MiG-15bis early in 1951, and by the middle of the year the Soviets began replacing all of their MiG-15s flying over Korea with the MiG-15bis. It is believed that MiG-15bis 'White 384' was flown by Colonel Yevgeni Pepelyayev from an airbase in China. It is said he scored 19 kills with 14 of them being F-86 Sabres.

Mikhail Ivanovich Mikhin was a Soviet MiG-15 pilot who became a flying ace during the Korean War, credited with nine to twelve victories. He was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.