The conflict saw the use of various aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and reconnaissance planes. The MIG fighter planes used in the Korean War were crucial in providing air support to ground troops and controlling the airspace. In this article, we will examine the types of MIGs that were flown during the Korean War.
Introduction
The Korean War saw the use of two main types of Soviet-built MIG fighter planes by North Korea and China: the MIG-15 and the MIG-17. These planes were flown by Soviet and Chinese pilots, who were trained to fly and maintain them.
MIG-15
The MIG-15 was a Soviet-built jet fighter that was flown by North Korea and China during the Korean War. It was designed to counter the American F-86 Sabre fighter plane, which was flown by the United States Air Force. The MIG-15 was known for its superior climbing ability, but it was slower than the F-86 Sabre. It was armed with one 37mm cannon and two 23mm cannons, and its top speed was 670 mph.
MIG-17
The MIG-17 was a Soviet-built jet fighter that was introduced in 1952, towards the end of the Korean War. It was an upgraded version of the MIG-15, with improved engine power and a redesigned wing for better maneuverability. The MIG-17 was armed with two 23mm cannons and two 37mm cannons, and its top speed was 710 mph.
Comparison
The MIG-15 and MIG-17 were both effective fighter planes during the Korean War, but they had some differences. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
Speed
The MIG-17 was faster than the MIG-15, with a top speed of 710 mph compared to the MIG-15’s 670 mph.
Maneuverability
The MIG-17 had better maneuverability than the MIG-15 due to its redesigned wing.
Armament
The MIG-17 had more powerful armament than the MIG-15, with two 23mm cannons and two 37mm cannons compared to the MIG-15’s one 37mm cannon and two 23mm cannons.
Final Thoughts
The MIG-15 and MIG-17 were the two main types of Soviet-built MIG fighter planes that were flown by North Korea and China during the Korean War. The MIG-15 was slower than the American F-86 Sabre, but it had a superior climbing ability. The MIG-17 was an upgraded version of the MIG-15, with better maneuverability and more powerful armament. These planes were crucial in providing air support to ground troops and controlling the airspace during the Korean War.
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