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 that was piloted by Soviet flier Mikhail Ivanovich Mikhin, and attached to 518th IAP, then deployed to North Korea during May 1953. Now in stock!

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

Release Date: October 2024

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.

The regiment was based at Schonefeld Airport from the end of the war in May to December. After the disbandment of 193 IAD in December, the regiment joined 282 IAD of the 16th Air Army of the Group of Soviet Occupation Forces in Germany. In January 1946, it was relocated to the Osnova Airport near Kharkov with the 282 IAD. 282 IAD was renumbered 216 IAD in 1949, and in that year transferred to the Baku Air Defense Army. The 518th was accordingly relocated to Kala airfield near Baku. Between July 5th, 1952, and July 27th, 1953, the regiment served with 216 IAD as part of the 64th Fighter Aviation Corps in the Korean War, flying MiG-15s. It was credited with destroying 38 UN aircraft, while losing fifteen aircraft and five pilots. Captain Mikhail Mikhin was credited with nine victories during the regiment's tour and was made a Hero of the Soviet Union.