Mikoyan-Gurevich I-250 (MiG-13)
Mikoyan-Gurevich OKB · Soviet Union · first flew 1945 · fighter
The MiG I-250 was a Soviet experimental fighter using a novel 'VRDK' combined piston-and-motorjet propulsion system to reach near-820 km/h — among the fastest piston-engined aircraft ever built.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | narrow fuselage with both propeller and jet exhaust |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- sleek mid-wing piston fighter with a jet-style air intake under the nose
- combined piston-VRDK motorjet propulsion
- narrow fuselage with both propeller and jet exhaust
The I-250's key recognition feature is the ventral air intake scoop below the spinner — unusual for a propeller-driven aircraft — which feeds the VRDK compressor. The very clean, narrow fuselage and straight mid-wings give it a more modern look than contemporary piston fighters.
Specifications
- The Mikoyan-Gurevich I-250 (MiG-13) has a length of 8.2 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.5 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 820 km/h (510 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
In 1944–45, Mikoyan-Gurevich developed the I-250 to explore the VRDK (vozdushno-reaktivny dvigatel kompressorniy) system designed by K.V. Kholshchevnikov. A Klimov VK-107A piston engine drove a compressor that mixed fuel and ejected it as a motorjet, boosting speed far beyond conventional piston limits. The prototype first flew in March 1945, and small-scale production was ordered as the MiG-13, though jets quickly superseded it.
Variants
The MiG-13 was the limited production version; approximately 10 were built alongside the prototypes. A naval version was evaluated but not produced.
Where you'll see it
Delivered to Soviet Air Force evaluation units in 1945–46 but quickly rendered obsolete by jet fighters. Never saw operational combat service.
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