Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-9 was a first-generation Soviet turbojet fighter and attack aircraft developed in the years immediately after World War II.

The MiG-9 was developed from the I-300 prototype which first flew on April 24, 1946. Its powerplant comprised two RD-20 turbojets, which were derived from the war-time German BMW 003, these being mounted side-by-side to the rear of the cockpit. Initial armament consisted of a 37-mm Nudelmann cannon. The production versions of the MiG-9 were commonly armed with a single 37-mm cannon and two 23-mm cannon.

The I-300 reached a speed of 565mph (910 km/h) during initial tests, and after further refinement, it entered service with the VVS as the MiG-9 during the winter of 1946-47. The jet had many performance and steering related problems, however it was put into service mainly because of political considerations.

The MiG-9 was deployed largely in the ground-attack role and it is believed that more than 1,000 aircraft were built in different versions by the time production ended in 1948.

The MiG-9 was allocated the NATO reporting name of "Fargo".

Technical characteristics

• Wing Span: 10 m
• Length: 9.75m
• Empty Weight: 3540kg
• Max.Weight: 5500kg
• Speed: 910km/h
• Ceiling: 13000m
• Range: 1100km