Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis "Fagot B"

Arch rival to the U.S. F-86 in Korea, the MiG-15 shocked the West with its capabilities. The Soviets designed the aircraft in 1946 to answer an urgent need for a high-altitude day interceptor. It first flew in late 1947. The MiG-15 was the first Soviet jet to benefit from the British sale to Russia of the new Rolls Royce Nene and Derwent jet engines, which the Soviets immediately copied and refined. The resulting RD-500, Klimov RD-45, and modified VK-1 engines gave a powerful boost to Soviet jet technology.

The MiG-15 featured the first production swept wing, pressurized cockpit, and ejection seat on a Soviet aircraft. Although Mikoyan and Gurevich were aware of German turbojet and swept-wing work, this design was wholly Russian, except for the engine. This MiG-15bis is a Chinese Ji-2 modification. The Smithsonian acquired it in 1985.

Photo 158, Udvar-Hazy Center, 2013

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

Photo mig15a, New England Air Museum, 2001

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

Photo mig15b, New England Air Museum, 2001

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

Photo 385, USS Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum NYC, 2010

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

Photo 387, USS Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum NYC, 2010