Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1940 · fighter
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 was a Soviet high-altitude interceptor that served in large numbers during the early phase of the Great Patriotic War, designed to counter German high-altitude reconnaissance and bombing. Though fast at altitude, its handling at lower levels and light armament were weaknesses.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet high-altitude fighter with long pointed nose
- Single Mikulin AM-35A liquid-cooled inline engine
- Distinctive hump behind cockpit blending into spine
Identified by its long, pointed liquid-cooled engine nose, the distinctive dorsal spine running from cockpit to fin, mid-set tapered wings, and retractable undercarriage with main legs that rotated through 90 degrees when retracting.
Specifications
- The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 has a length of 8.25 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.2 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 505 km/h (314 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Over 3,000 MiG-3s were produced and the type equipped much of the Soviet fighter arm at the time of Operation Barbarossa in June 1941. As the war's air battles shifted to low altitude, the MiG-3's advantages disappeared and it was gradually replaced by the Yak-1 and LaGG-3 families better suited to the actual combat environment.
Variants
Several series with progressive improvements to engine, armament, and equipment; a two-seat version was considered but not produced in quantity.
Where you'll see it
Served extensively with the Soviet Air Forces in 1941–42; a small number were used in the air defence of Moscow throughout the war. Not exported.
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- MiG I-230
- MiG I-221
- MiG I-222
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-8
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- Bell XFL-1 Airabonita
- Bloch MB.700
- CANSA FC.12
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