Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

The Mikoyan‑Gurevich MiG‑15, developed by the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG in the late 1940s, became one of the most iconic jet fighters of the Cold War. Designed by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich, the aircraft first flew in May 1947 and entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1949. Its swept‑wing layout, influenced by German research captured at the end of World War II, allowed the MiG‑15 to achieve speeds exceeding 1,075 km/h (667 mph) and an operational ceiling near 15,000 m. Key features included a powerful Klimov VK‑1 centrifugal‑flow turbojet, an armament of one 37 mm Nudelman N‑37 cannon and two 23 mm NR‑23 cannons, and hydraulic‑boosted control surfaces that ensured stability at high angles of attack. The fighter saw its most famous combat during the Korean War, where it challenged United Nations aircraft and forced rapid advances in Western jet design. Its success cemented the Soviet Union’s reputation for high‑performance jet engineering, influenced subsequent MiG models, and highlighted the strategic importance of air superiority in modern warfare. Over 13,000 units were produced, and the aircraft was exported to allied nations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, serving as the backbone of many post‑war air forces.

Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

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