From "balalaika" to the fighter of the future: 90 years of MiG evolution in one video

Avideo has appeared online, covering the entire history of MiG fighters - from the MiG-1 aircraft, which first took to the sky in 1940, to the promising MiG-41 interceptor, which may take to the sky in the coming years. The video demonstrates how the speed, appearance, and capabilities of the aircraft, which have become a true symbol of Russian aviation, have changed over nine decades.

From propeller to jet propulsion

The whole story began with the MiG-1, a light fighter that was produced in a limited edition of only a hundred machines. It was replaced by the more powerful high-altitude MiG-3, capable of not only intercepting enemy aircraft, but also striking ground targets and conducting reconnaissance.

Then came the jet age. The MiG-9 became the first representative of the new generation, and the MiG-15 became famous in the skies of Korea, where it successfully resisted American F-86 Sabre fighters and even heavy B-29 bombers.

Legends of the Cold War

The MiG-17 and MiG-19 followed, and then the iconic MiG-21, nicknamed "balalaika" by pilots. This supersonic fighter remained a symbol of the Soviet school for decades and fought all over the world - from Vietnam to the Middle East, where it shot down the famous F-4 Phantom II and even B-52s.

Speed on the verge of the possible

The era of speed was opened by the MiG-25, which accelerated to 3000 km/h and was nicknamed the "Flying Fox". Its successor, the MiG-31, became not only an interceptor, but also a carrier of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, proving the indispensability of the heavy fighter class.

The modern MiG-29 and MiG-35 continue to develop the idea of a universal front-line fighter, getting as close as possible in capabilities to the fifth generation.

A look into the future

In the finale of the video - intrigue. The mysterious MiG-41, known as PAK DP, should become the fastest and most high-tech aircraft in the history of the MiG Design Bureau. According to plans, it will take to the air as early as the end of this decade, opening a new page in the development of Russian combat vehicles.

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