MiG-15bis "Wang Hai, Chinese PLAAF, North Korea, 1953" (1:72)

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 It wasn't long into the war when it was felt they had been trained enough and the Soviet pilots were withdrawn.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