The MiG-15 is a highly-capable clear-weather interceptor and light ground attack aircraft that saw much action in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Known as “Fagot” to NATO and “Type 15” to the USSR, it was the first swept-wing jet fighter to come out of the Mikoyan-Gurevich stable in the late 1940s. The MiG-15 served in large numbers during the 1950-53 Korean War, where its maneuverability and high transonic speed made it superior to all UN aircraft except the F-86 Sabre. The MiG-15 is credited with the first ever air-to-air jet kill, downing a USAF F-80C Shooting Star on November 1, 1950.
The DCS variant is the improved MiG-15bis ("second") type, which entered service in 1950 with a Klimov VK-1 engine giving it an effective top speed of Mach 0.92 (685 mph)
A powerful 37mm autocannon in the lower right fuselage (40 rounds total) and 2 × 23mm autocannon in the lower left fuselage (80 rounds per gun, 160 rounds total) give the MiG-15bis tremendous punch. In the secondary light ground attack role, the Fagot can also carry 100 kg bombs or rocket pods on its twin underwing hardpoints.
On 23 October 1951, 56 MiG-15bis intercepted nine B-29 Superfortresses escorted by 34 F-86 Sabres and 55 F-84E Thunderjets. Despite being outnumbered, the Soviet-piloted MiG-15s shot down/and or seriously damaged eight B-29s and two F-84Es, losing only one MiG in return, leading the Americans to call that day "Black Tuesday".
Some 18,000 MiG-15s were built and served in every nation under the Soviet sphere of influence during the Cold War and on into the 21st century. Battle the equally superb DCS: F-86 Sabre and see who comes out on top.
The primary mission of the MiG-15bis is destruction of airborne targets, including hostile fighter aircraft. However it can be used for limited ground attack operations using onboard cannon systems or two 100 kg bombs.
The armament system includes cannon systems, bombing system, ASP-3N automatic gunsight, S-13 gun camera, cockpit armoring, and signal flares.
- cannon armament (1 x 37 mm N-37D; 2 x 23 mm NR-23);
- 1 x 100 kg bomb carried on each wing;
- ASP-3N automatic gunsight.
Unlike the original MiG-15, the MiG-15bis model is powered by the Soviet-produced VK-1 engine in place of the Rolls-Royce Nene I (II). The engine produces 2700 kg (5950 lbs) of static thrust.
The VK-1 engine model in DCS: MiG-15bis is created as a gas flow chamber, the dynamic specifications for which are determined in real time by a complex system of supporting individual models of primary powerplant elements like the air intake, centrifugal compressor, combustion chambers, compressor turbine, exhaust. The model also includes the fuel supply system and its operational characteristics. Together, these individual model elements combine to provide the following important engine operation specifics:
The engine fuel control system provides atomized fuel to the combustion chambers as required to ensure normal engine operation. Fuel flow is provided by fuel pumps according to throttle position set by the pilot in the cockpit, while actual fuel supply to the engine is metered main fuel regulator.
The airplane fuel system is designed to store onboard fuel and provide fuel supply to the engine through the fuel control system.
The fuel system consists of two main tanks with a total capacity of 1410 L. The forward tank has a capacity of 1250 L; the rear tank 160 L. The rear tank is constructed of two separate, interconnected containers of 80 L each. The fuel quantity is displayed by the fuel quantity gauge (6) installed on the forward tank, however the gauge only displays up to 1050 L.
A fuel warning light illuminates in the cockpit when remaining fuel quantity reaches 300 L.
Two drop tanks with a capacity of 300, 400, or 600 L can be carried on the wings.