MiG-3-15 (BK)

MiG-3-15 (BK)

I-16 type 24

MiG-3-34

MiG-3-15 (BK)

I-16 type 24

MiG-3-34

USSR

II Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
2.7	2.3	2.3

Class:

Fighter

Interceptor

Research:7 900

Purchase:10 000

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Description

The MiG-3-15 (BK) is a Rank II Soviet interceptor with a battle rating of 2.3 (AB/RB) and 2.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.

The MiG-3-15 (BK) is a Rank II interceptor in the Mig/I-185 line. It follows the MiG-3, and differs only in the additional non-synchronized suspended armament. It is armed with 2 x ShKAS 7.62 mm MGs and 3 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB MGs. It also has twin-row Mikulin AM-35A engine sporting 1,350 hp.

Being a fighter with an inline engine distinguishes the MiG-3 greatly from its predecessors, the I-16 Ishak line, and they have very different play styles. The MiG-3 is an excellent early Boom & Zoom fighter, and should be used accordingly.

The Mig-3-15 is relatively unique owing to the fact that it has the highest number of Berezin UB MGs as main armament of any plane in War Thunder. To put this into perspective, compare the efficacy of the Berezin to the M2 Browning. The Berezin UB has a heavier round due to the longer length (12.7 x 108 mm vs. 12.7 mm x 99 mm) which thus gives it a higher muzzle velocity, also. Additionally, the fire rate of the Berezin UB is faster at about 900-950 rpm (vs. about 850 rpm with the M2). Also, the Berezin has access to cermet-core rounds, which give it better penetration.

Now how does this benefit the MiG-3-15 (BK)? Well, when combined with the ShKAS for range finding, the Berezin MGs can be devastating. A 2-3 second burst is all that is needed to either slice off a wing or set the engine on fire, whether it be a BF-109 F-1 or an A6M2 (especially). Always aim for the wings, however, as many air-frames can absorb the 12.7 mm bullets. Against bombers, however, the MGs may be slightly less effective than cannon. Use either the Air-Targets Belt, pure AP-IT (Tracers), or Ground Targets (which have cermet core rounds). The MGs are also more effective than the ShVAKs at longer range, as they are generally more accurate and lose less velocity.

Therefore, depending on whether you enjoy the larger ammo reserve or are a weaker player who prefers spraying over taking careful shots, the Mig-3-15 could be the plane for you, or it may not (in terms of armament).

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 7,800 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
606	592	12,000	25.7	26.2	12.7	12.7	300
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 7,800 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
663	633	12,000	22.4	24.0	23.3	16.0	300

Details

Features
Combat flap	Take-off flap	Landing flap	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
✓	✓	✓	X	X

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flap (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
645	645	???	~22	~22

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 380	< 380	< 380	> 250

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
6,600 m	1,210 hp	1,458 hp

Survivability and armour

• 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
• 8.5 mm Steel plate under the pilot.
• No armour glazing
• Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
• More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

Armaments

Offensive armament

The MiG-3-15 (BK) is armed with:

• 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, nose-mounted (280 rpg)
• 2 x 12.7 mm Berezin UBK machine gun, wing-mounted (145 rpg = 290 total)
• 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, nose-mounted (750 rpg = 1,500 total)

Usage in the battles

Even in Arcade, the Mig-3-15 is relatively inferior to most competitors. Its BR of 2.3 puts it with fighters such as the A6M2-N, F4F, and even the early Yak line. However, high altitude performance is one redeeming aspect, as is its top speed as well as level speed. Use this to your advantage, and BnR is very effective and BnZ is do-able as well.

The armament in AB is actually quite effective. The Berezin UB MGs are more than effective for bringing down any fighter, but may struggle with larger and faster bombers such as the A-20. In most aspects, the Berezin UB is more effective and versatile than the M2 Browning .5 caliber MG.

Like the successor to the I-16 and ultimately itself, the I-185, the Mig-3-15 is an excellent BnZ fighter. Strangely enough (for a Russian plane), it has better performance at higher altitude than it does at low alts due to the specialized high-altitude engine meant to remedy the problems of the Mig-1 (not in War Thunder). Additionally, it has a good climb rate and excellent speed for a BR of 2.3. Start a match by climbing fairly high- 3-4 km should be enough depending on your opponents (biplanes or Bfs). From there you can either make work of the bombers or lower-altitude fighters. Roll rate is average while durability is also average for a plane at 2.3. The high speed make BnR (Boom and run) maneuvers a breeze.

The armament, though considered weak by some players, can be extremely deadly if used correctly. Aim for the wings and/or engine of all planes, bomber or fighter. The Berezin UB is very effective when used with the Tracers (APIT) or Ground Targets (with the fantastic cermet core rounds). Visit the "Armament" section for more details.

Visibility is quite poor due to the lack of a good canopy. However, most other planes at this BR or similar do not have good visibility either.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
		Oil	Water	Type
Controllable	Not controllable	Not controllable	Not controllable	Separate	Not ontrollable	Not controllable

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage Repair	Radiator		Offensive 7 mm
II		Compressor	Airframe	New 7 mm MGs
III	Wings Repair	Engine		Offensive 12 mm
IV		Engine Injection	Cover	New 12 mm MGs

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High speed, especially for its battle rating
• Good climb rate, though inferior to most biplanes and the Spitfire
• No cannons, which can be a pro or a con depending on your battle style.
• Cermet core ammo belt option
• Good acceleration and energy retention
• Engine is forgiving in terms of overheating
• Able to use interceptor spawn.

Cons:

• Poor turn rate when compared to other fighters at 2.3
• Average durability, wings can rip fairly easily at high speeds, which are easily attainable
• No leading edge slats
• No cannons
• High wing-loading
• Difficulty pulling up from a high speed dive attack

History

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Media

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Read also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

Sources

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• page on aircraft encyclopedia;
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