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 NL-37 cannon. The production versions of the MiG-9 were commonly armed with a single 37-mm cannon and two NS-23 23-mm cannon.

The I-300 reached a speed of 565 mph (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 550 aircraft were built in different versions by the time production ended in 1948.

The MiG-9 was allocated the NATO reporting name of "Fargo" and Soviet designation I-301. An earlier MiG fighter, a development of the MiG-3 was also called "MiG-9", but did not enter production.

Specifications

General Characteristics

• Wing Span : 10 m
• Length : 9.75 m
• Empty Weight : 3540 kg
• Max.Weight : 5500 kg

Performance

• Speed : 910 km/h
• Ceiling : 13,000 m
• Range : 1100 km

Armament

• single 37-mm NL-37 cannon and two NS-23 23-mm cannon.