MiG-15Bis “518th IAP” Die-Cast Model

Precision made at 1:72 scale, this model replicates a MiG-15Bis that collected 9 aerial victories in the hands of Captain Mikhail Mikhin.

Flying for the first time in the late months of 1947, the jet powered MiG-15 fighter was part of the new era in combat, with high speed and climb rate that propeller driven aircraft would only dream of. With a turbine powerplant derived from the Rolls Royce Nene, the early MiG was powerful and fast, but it suffered in high-speed dogfights where the Sabres held an advantage; superior training and G-Force reducing suits. Seeing need for improvement, the Soviets upgraded the Klimov VK-1 turbojet with additional power and enhanced the airframe with new hydraulic boosters.

– Features a high-quality camouflage livery with engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details

– Includes deployed or retracted landing gear and display stand to show the aircraft in flight

– Comes with a pair of underbody fuel tanks and flaps which simply press-fit into place

– Has an opening canopy and pilot figurine which can be placed inside.

– Measures 6”l with a 5.5” wingspan at 1:72 scale

– Highly collectible and officially licensed model

Flying for the first time in the late months of 1947, the jet powered MiG-15 fighter was part of the new era in combat, with high speed and climb rate that propeller driven aircraft would only dream of. With a turbine powerplant derived from the Rolls Royce Nene, the early MiG was powerful and fast, but it suffered in high-speed dogfights where the Sabres held an advantage; superior training and G-Force reducing suits. Seeing need for improvement, the Soviets upgraded the Klimov VK-1 turbojet with additional power and enhanced the airframe with new hydraulic boosters.

Contributing to increased roll control and energy retention, the rival F-86 Sabres advantage was decreased greatly. Weighing just 11,000lbs with the improved VK-1 engine, each MiG-15Bis harnessed 6,000 lbs of thrust for an excellent 0.54 power to weight ratio. Reaching 668 mph in level flight, it could fly more than 1,100 miles non-stop. Fitted with a unique set of two 23mm NR-23 cannons and a single 37mm N-37 cannon, the Soviet aircraft was intended for use against heavily armored targets. Relocated to Kala Airfield after the end of WWII, the 518th IAP regiment received the new MiG-15 fighter for operations in the Baku region during late 1952. Within just one year, this squadron was credited with the destruction of 38 UN aircraft over the skies of Azerbaijan. Of these victories, Captain Mikhail Mikhin is said to have collected nine, becoming a Hero of the Soviet Union for his accomplishments. Die-Cast version features a high-quality paint scheme, pad printed details, engraved panel lines, and surface detailing. Includes retracted or deployed landing gear, fuel tanks, optional flaps, and display stand to show the model in flight. Measures 6”l with a 5.5” wingspan at 1:72 scale.