AN ENTRY FOR CHALLENGE 50s JET DOGFIGHT
MiG-15Bis: Red Sabre of The Skies

✈️ MiG-15Bis Overview

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15Bis was one of the most iconic jet fighters of the early Cold War. Developed in the Soviet Union, it was an improved version of the original MiG-15, introduced in the early 1950s. The suffix “Bis” means “second” or “improved” in Russian.

🔹 Key Features

Role: Jet Fighter / Interceptor

First Flight (Bis version): 1950

Crew: 1 pilot

Engine: Klimov VK-1 turbojet (more powerful than the MiG-15’s RD-45)

Maximum Speed: ~1,075 km/h (668 mph)

Range: ~1,200 km (750 mi)

Service Ceiling: ~15,500 m (50,800 ft)

🔹 Armament

1 × 37 mm Nudelman N-37 cannon (with 40 rounds)

2 × 23 mm NR-23 cannons (with 80 rounds each)

Capability to carry rockets or bombs underwing (Optional)

🔹 Improvements over MiG-15

More powerful VK-1 engine (better thrust and reliability)

Strengthened fuselage and landing gear

Enlarged air brakes for better control during high-speed flight

Enhanced armament stability

🔹 Operational History

Played a major role in the Korean War (1950–1953) where it fought against U.S. F-86 Sabres in legendary jet-vs-jet dogfights.

Exported widely to Soviet allies and became the backbone of many air forces during the 1950s–60s.

Served as a symbol of Soviet air power, influencing fighter design worldwide.

✅ In short: The MiG-15Bis was a fast, heavily armed, and influential jet that helped define aerial combat in the early jet age, cementing its place in aviation history.