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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 Mig-15 entered the Korean War in November 1950 flown by Soviet pilots because the North Korean and Chinese were still being trained on this aircraft. It wasn�t long into the war when it was felt they had been trained enough and the Soviet pilots were withdrawn. The Mig-15 came as a complete shock to the UN Forces so they hurried the F-86 into production to counter the MiG. There were several Aces on each side with Chinese pilot Wang Hai accumulating 9 kills during the war. Wang Hai went on to become the first PLAAF (People�s Liberation Army Air Force) Commander in July 1985 and held the post until November 1992.
Specifications (MiG-15bis)
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. (15.5km)
Range - 1,156miles (1860km)
Weight
Empty - 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
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