MiG Fighter Jets from 1950s to 1960s

MiG fighter jets have been in the sky since 1950s. They are great dogfighters and the guardians of air territory of many countries, clearing out their skies of any incoming bogeys. As an aviation lover, you should know the history of MiG fighter jets because for sure you will always want to follow their future story. Here they are:

MiG-9 Fargo

The first generation of MiG fighter jets was the MiG-9 Fargo. It was produced in 1946 to 1948 and around 600 units were made. MiG-9 Fargo is a light attack aircraft, its empty weight is 3,420 kg with 9.83 m. At full tank, it can fly up to 800 km away and its maximum speed is 910 km/h. MiG-9 is able to climb up to 13,000 m. There were only Soviet Air Force and People’s Liberation Army Air Force of China who became the operators of MiG-9 Fargo.

MiG-15 Fagot and MiG-15UTI Midget

MiG-15 and its variants were one of the most produce MiG fighter jets in history. In Soviet alone, more than 12,000 were built and approximately 6,000 units were produced under license. During Korean War, MiG-15 often meet in dogfight against F-86 Sabre which manufactured by North American. Many air forces operated this light jet fighter which can fly at a maximum speed of 1,075 km/h and its service ceiling is 15,500 m. The Fagot and Midget can carry 2 cannons and 200kg bombs under its wings.

MiG-17 Fresco

Around 10,600 units of MiG-17 Fresco were produced in early 1950s. No less than 40 air forces became the operators of this fighter which has maximum speed at 1,145 km/h and can reach maximum altitude of 16,600 m. The Fresco can carry up to 500 kg armament at its external pylons. At the time, MiG-17 was comparable to Dassault Mystere IV, F-86 Sabre and Hawker Hunter.

MiG-19 Farmer

MiG-19 is the first of supersonic MiG fighter jets which firstly introduce in March 1955. The Farmer can fly at 1,455 km/h and its service ceiling is 17,500 m. This single-seat and single-engine jet fighter operated by some countries but mostly they were in Warsaw Pact. MiG-19 had experienced many dogfights in some conflict zones including Korean War.

MiG-21 Fishbed

Balalaika was popular name of MiG-21 Fishbed. This supersonic fighter is one of most produced combat aircraft in the world. Since 1959 MiG-21 had been in production until 1985, no wonder the Fishbed had the longest production run. Around 60 countries operated this agile one-manned fighter which can fly at Mach 2.05 and able to climb up to 19,000 m. And one of the best things from MiG-21 is it can carry 1000 kg bombs.

Until 1960’s and years those MiG fighter jets has become a good proof of how the persistence of Mikoyan and Gurevich since the beginning of World War 2 paid off all of their efforts and made their works becoming great dogfighters in the world and battle-proven ones.

David is an aviation specialist interested in arranging jet flights for individuals and business groups. He specializes in writing about Russian MiG-29 flights that captures the interest of MiG fighter jets enthusiasts and those wishing to fly jet, Russia.