Wings №3987 02.06.2004 (2004)

The amazing "MiG", or the jet legend of the 20th century.

The MiG-15 was the first model of the series with a swept wing.

The MiG-19 was the first aircraft in the world capable of reaching supersonic speed in horizontal flight.

After successful tests of this fighter, its various modifications with increased armament appeared, but although it was released in a fairly large series, another supersonic fighter received mass recognition.

The third-generation MiG-21, developed by the Mikoyan design bureau, first took to the skies on June 16, 1956, entered mass production in 1959 and over the decades of its faithful service has become a truly legendary model.

This unique aircraft has been repeatedly modified, used in many armed conflicts around the world, was in service and used in the air forces of more than 60 countries.

Finally, it gave birth to many other models, more advanced, but continuing to carry the best qualities of their predecessor.

The history of fighter aircraft from the MiG-21 to the MiG-31 is told by servicemen of the State Flight Test Center of the Russian Ministry of Defense named after V.P. Chkalov in Akhtubinsk: deputy commander of the aviation squadron of military unit 18374 Oleg Mutovin, head of the test pilot training center of military unit 18374 Sergey Seregin, head of the State Flight Test Center of the Russian Ministry of Defense Radik Bariyev, test pilot Vyacheslav Petrushka, senior test pilot Rafael Suleimanov.