MiG I-222

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1944 · fighter

The MiG I-222 was a Soviet single-seat high-altitude piston fighter prototype developed in 1944 as part of the series of specialised interceptors (I-220 to I-225) intended to counter German high-altitude reconnaissance intruders.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.9 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

High-altitude Soviet piston fighter prototype
Two-stage supercharged AM-39A engine
Extended wing for high-altitude performance

Similar in external appearance to the I-221 but with a noticeably wider wing; the high-altitude supercharger installations give the nose a distinctive elongated profile compared to standard MiG fighters.

Specifications

The MiG I-222 has a length of 8.9 m (29 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
Its maximum speed is 707 km/h (439 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Like its predecessor the I-221, the I-222 was powered by a two-stage supercharged Mikulin engine and featured an extended wing for improved high-altitude aerodynamic efficiency. It achieved impressive altitude performance in testing but was not ordered into production.

Variants

The I-222 was one of a family including the I-220, I-221, I-224, and I-225; each explored different engine and aerodynamic configurations for the high-altitude role.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service; the Luftwaffe's high-altitude threat diminished before these prototypes could influence Soviet production planning.

Related aircraft

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