MiG-15Bis number 15 of the Soviet Air Force,
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Top of the Soviet aviation line, the MiG-15 is one of the most iconic jet fighter aircraft designs from after the Second World War. Earning its reputation on fame over the skies of Korea against its US contemporary, the F-86 Sabre.

The MiG-15 in War Thunder

Representing the pinnacle of Soviet Aviation within War Thunder, the MiG-15 and MiG-15Bis are located at the very top of the Polikarpov and MiG fighter line at Rank V. The MiG-15 can be researched from its predecessor, the MiG-9/L and has a BR of 8.3 in Arcade and Simulator Battles, with a BR of 8.0 in Realistic Battles. The MiG-15 features a powerful cannon arrangement of 2 x 23mm and 1x 37mm, excellent high altitude performance and is highly effective in vertical maneuvers. Unlike the MiG-9, the MiG-15 is also the first soviet jet aircraft to feature an airbrake which is extremely useful in combat situations. The aircraft does however have its downsides

X-ray view of the MiG-15 in War Thunder.

 The lack of an “All-flying tailplane” (such as that featured on the Sabre) leads to less control over the aircraft at higher speeds approaching 1000 kph. Whilst the MiG is initially faster in acceleration by comparison to the Sabre, this does mean that when higher speeds are achieved, the Sabre will hold some advantages over the MiG-15. As well as this, the combination of 37mm and 23mm cannons creates aiming issues for pilots not familiar with their ballistic properties or velocity. Due to the size of these cannons, ammo is also restricted by comparison to other top tier jet aircraft.

Once pilots have learned to use the MiG-15s excellent rate of climb, acceleration and high altitude capabilities to their advantage, the downsides of the aircraft are far less significant than the positives. In the right hands the MiG-15 can be a devastating combatant, capable of dealing with any aircraft in game swiftly. Teamwork, Squads and communication will also be beneficial when flying the MiG-15 as effective coordination between multiple pilots allows you to use this aircraft to its maximum potential. After mastering the MiG-15, you can research its improved variant, the MiG-15Bis.

Featuring a BR of 9.0 in Arcade Battles and 8.7 in Realistic and Simulator Battles, the MiG-15Bis is commonly regarded as one of the best aircraft in game. As well as being available to USSR pilots, German pilots can also take to the controls of the MiG-15Bis after researching the He-162.

The MiG-15 in history

First taking to the air in December of 1947, the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet fighter aircraft came as a massive shock to the west when it appeared in the skies over Korea in the early 1950s. The swept wing fighter quickly proved itself as a capable and effective combat aircraft and forged a fearsome reputation.

A North Korean MiG-15Bis in the hands USAF

The prototype I-310 was designed around the British Rolls Royce Nene engine which was purchased under licence from Great Britain as the RD-45. Featuring sleek swept back wings, tricycle undercarriage and the same armament as its predecessor, the MiG-9, in the form of 2 x 23mm NS-23 cannons (Later replaced by NR-23 cannons in the MiG-15Bis model)  and a single 37mm N-37D cannon all mounted centrally under the nose intake. The new aircraft was designed as an interceptor with heavy armament capable of quickly taking out bomber formations and was one of the most advanced aircraft in the world at the time.

Entering service between 1949-50, the MiG-15 made its operational combat debut in the Korean War, completely outclassing the first generation jet fighter aircraft of the UN forces such as the F-80 and F-84. The MiG’s excellent rate of climb, high speed performance and deadly weaponry proved superior to the early jets and was only challenged by the arrival of the North American F-86 Sabre. At the time, the Sabre was the only aircraft capable of effectively combating the MiG in aerial combat and the pair became synonymous with the conflict.

From 1950, the MiG-15 was later developed into the Bis model, featuring a new engine, armament changes and minor overall improvements, however the aircraft would ultimately lead to the development of the MiG-17. The MiG-15 was also a hugely successful export aircraft, operated by countless nations such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, China, North Korea and Vietnam to name but a few. Licence built versions of the MiG-15 also existed such as the Chinese J-2, Czech S-102/3 and Polish Lim-1.

The MiG-15 is a true icon of aviation and will provide experienced pilots with an impressive top tier jet fighter when employed to its strengths, being more than a match to any other aircraft in game. 

Author: Scott “Smin1080p” Maynard

With an upcoming update, we will add the following decals to War Thunder,
People's Volunteer Army (Air Force) of China Insignia, Cuban Air Force Roundel & DDR Air Force Roundel: