What Is The MiG-15 Fagot?
The MiG-15 Fagot. A high-altitude jet interceptor that shocked Allied pilots in the Korean War with swept-wing speed and heavy cannon.
Russia
Origin
Fighter
Role
1,077 km/h
Top speed
15,500 m
Service ceiling
MiG-15 Fagot Specifications
The Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 shocked Western forces during the Korean War with its swept-wing aerodynamic efficiency and high-altitude climb rates. Powered by a Klimov VK-1 centrifugal turbojet, it achieved 669 mph and packed a 37mm cannon, capable of destroying heavy strategic bombers.
Performance
Top speed
669 mph (1,077 km/h)
Service ceiling
51,000 ft (15,500 m)
Combat radius
220 nmi (400 km)
Rate of climb
10,000 ft/min (51 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
33 ft 2 in (10.10 m)
Wingspan
33 ft 1 in (10.08 m)
Empty weight
8,113 lbs (3,680 kg)
Engine
1x Klimov VK-1 centrifugal-flow turbojet
Service
First flight
30 December 1947
Unit cost
$100,000 (Historical)
Operators
Soviet Union, China, North Korea (Historic/Retired)
What Weapons Does The MiG-15 Fagot Carry?
The MiG-15 Fagot is armed with a heavy gun package comprising two 23mm Nudelman-Suranov NS-23 cannons and one 37mm N-37 cannon, designed specifically to shred high-altitude Allied strategic bomber formations.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
Nudelman N-37
Category
37 mm Cannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon (40 rounds)
Range
1,000 metres (effective)
Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23
Category
23 mm Cannon
Loadout
2 internal cannon (80 rounds each)
Range
1,000 metres (effective)
FAB-100
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 2 bombs
Range
Gravity released
S-5 Rocket Pod
Category
55 mm Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 2 pods
Range
2 km (1.2 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The MiG-15 Fagot?
The MiG-15 reaches Mach 0.89, around 668 mph, which made it a close match for the American F-86 Sabre it faced over Korea. It could out-climb and out-ceiling the Sabre thanks to a superior thrust-to-weight ratio, though the American aircraft had better high-speed handling and gunsights. Its performance came largely from Rolls-Royce Nene engines, which Britain exported to the Soviet Union in 1946 in a decision later regarded as a serious error.
How Was The MiG-15 Fagot Developed?
Mikoyan-Gurevich began work in 1946 on a high-altitude interceptor to counter American strategic bombers. The breakthrough came with access to captured German swept-wing research and the Rolls-Royce Nene, which the Soviets reverse-engineered as the Klimov RD-45. The prototype flew on 30 December 1947, and production eventually exceeded 13,000 airframes – more than 18,000 including licence-built examples.
Has The MiG-15 Fagot Seen Combat?
The MiG-15 fought over Korea from 1950, where it outclassed every United Nations aircraft except the F-86 and forced the withdrawal of the B-29 from daylight operations. It later saw action in the Middle East, the Taiwan Strait and numerous smaller conflicts, remaining in front-line service into the 1970s with some operators.
Who Operates The MiG-15 Fagot?
More than forty air forces flew the MiG-15, and the two-seat MiG-15UTI trainer served as the standard Soviet jet conversion trainer for decades. Airworthy examples fly today in civilian hands, and Jetify offers passenger flights in a MiG-15 from Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic.
MiG-15 Fagot FAQs
Common questions about the MiG-15 Fagot, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the MiG-15 Fagot as a passenger?
Yes, you can fly as a passenger in the MiG-15 Fagot through Jetify, with flights from Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic, about an hour from Prague. You fly in a two-seat example with a qualified pilot, and no licence or flying experience is required. The MiG-15 Fagot is one of 7 aircraft types Jetify offers from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the MiG-15 Fagot?
Yes, in most cases you can take the controls of the MiG-15 Fagot. It has dual controls, and pilots routinely hand over in level flight and gentle turns once satisfied you are comfortable. Takeoff, landing and low-level flying stay with the pilot.
How much does a MiG-15 Fagot flight cost?
A MiG-15 Fagot flight with Jetify starts from around £2,800, $3,800 or €3,400 per person, flying from Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic, about an hour from Prague. The price includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening. Prices depend on the aircraft and location: L-39 Albatros flights start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, and the Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600.
Is there a weight or height limit to fly in the MiG-15 Fagot?
Yes, a flight in the MiG-15 Fagot has strict height and weight limits, set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Across jet experiences, height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force will I feel in the MiG-15 Fagot?
The G-force you feel in the MiG-15 Fagot depends on the profile you agree with your pilot: on civilian jet experiences, aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load, and the profile can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a MiG-15 Fagot flight?
Book a MiG-15 Fagot flight 2 to 4 months in advance, because limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances restrict slots on real ex-military jet experiences. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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