MiG-15 (fighter): Difference between revisions
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Originally designed, by the Mikoyan & Gurevitch (MiG) design bureau as an [[fighter aircraft|interceptor]], the MiG-15 (NATO reporting name '''FAGOT''') was the first jet combat aircraft flown by the Communist side during the [[Korean War]]. Equipped with relatively heavy but slow-firing cannon (1 37mm and 2 23mm) needed to kill heavy bombers, it was was quite competent against early U.S. jet fighters such as the [[F-80 Shooting Star]]. It should be considered a [[fighter aircraft#first-generation|first-generation jet fighter]]. | |||
Nevertheless, against the threat of the more competent [[F-86 Sabre]] [[fighter aircraft#air superiority|air superiority fighter]], the designers made changes that may not have improved its chances. MiG-15bis aircraft had a more powerful engine that could let climb faster and higher than the F-86. Given the lighter but faster firing [[machine gun]]s of the F-86, which also had a lead-computing radar gunsight, the MiGs were at a distinct dogfighting disadvantage with the Sabre. When concentrated against bombers, it was effective. The [[MiG-17]] was far more capable in air combat, but was not available in sufficient numbers to be significant in Korea. | |||
Nevertheless, against the threat of the more competent [[F-86 Sabre]] [[fighter aircraft|air | |||
Latest revision as of 02:10, 29 September 2008
Originally designed, by the Mikoyan & Gurevitch (MiG) design bureau as an interceptor, the MiG-15 (NATO reporting name FAGOT) was the first jet combat aircraft flown by the Communist side during the Korean War. Equipped with relatively heavy but slow-firing cannon (1 37mm and 2 23mm) needed to kill heavy bombers, it was was quite competent against early U.S. jet fighters such as the F-80 Shooting Star. It should be considered a first-generation jet fighter.
Nevertheless, against the threat of the more competent F-86 Sabre air superiority fighter, the designers made changes that may not have improved its chances. MiG-15bis aircraft had a more powerful engine that could let climb faster and higher than the F-86. Given the lighter but faster firing machine guns of the F-86, which also had a lead-computing radar gunsight, the MiGs were at a distinct dogfighting disadvantage with the Sabre. When concentrated against bombers, it was effective. The MiG-17 was far more capable in air combat, but was not available in sufficient numbers to be significant in Korea.