Development, Operational History, and Variant Lineage
Origins and Development
The MiG-3 was a Soviet high-altitude interceptor developed in 1940–41 by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau as an evolution of the earlier MiG-1.
Designed to counter German reconnaissance and bomber aircraft at altitude, it was powered by the Mikulin AM-35A inline engine and featured aerodynamic refinements for improved speed and stability.
First flown in October 1940, the MiG-3 entered mass production in December of that year.
Key improvements over the MiG-1 included
Forward-shifted engine for better center of gravity
Increased wing dihedral for lateral stability
Enlarged fuel capacity and revised armament layout
Reinforced airframe and improved cockpit armor
At altitude, the MiG-3 could reach speeds of up to 640 km/h, making it one of the fastest fighters of its time above 5,000 metres.
Operational History
Despite its impressive high-altitude performance, the MiG-3 was poorly suited to the tactical realities of the Eastern Front.
Most Luftwaffe operations occurred at low altitude, where the MiG-3 was sluggish, difficult to manoeuvre, and hampered by poor cockpit visibility.
By June 1941, over 1,000 MiG-3s were in service, but pilot training lagged behind.
Many regiments received the aircraft without adequate instruction, leading to high accident rates and limited combat effectiveness.
Nonetheless, elite units such as the 4th Fighter Regiment adapted to its quirks and achieved moderate success, particularly during the defence of Moscow in late 1941.
The MiG-3 was also used in reconnaissance and ground attack roles, with some aircraft modified to carry cameras or bombs.
However, by late 1941, production ceased in favour of more versatile designs like the Yak-1 and LaGG-3.
The remaining MiG-3s were gradually withdrawn from frontline service by 1943.
Built and Experimental Variants
The MiG-3 served as a testbed for numerous experimental configurations, engine upgrades, and aerodynamic refinements.
These variants are summarised below
MiG-3
(Production Variant)
Standard interceptor powered by the Mikulin AM-35A engine.
Over 3,400 units were built between 1940 and 1941.
MiG-7
A single MiG-3 re-engined with the Mikulin AM-37.
Project discontinued due to engine unreliability.
I-210
(Samolet IKh / Izdeliye 65)
Five prototypes fitted with Shvetsov ASh-82A radial engines.
Also known as MiG-3-82 or MiG-9
(not to be confused with the later jet fighter).
Performance inferior to the Lavochkin La-5; not pursued.
I-211
(Samolet Ye)
Derivative of the I-210 with a redesigned fuselage and an ASh-82F engine.
A single prototype was built in 1943.
I-230
(Samolet D)
Planned successor to the MiG-3 with aerodynamic refinements and an AM-35A engine.
One prototype and five pre-production aircraft were built.
Intended production designations
MiG-3U or MiG-3D.
I-231
(Samolet 2D)
The improved I-230 was fitted with the more powerful Mikulin AM-39 engine.
Intended production designation
MiG-3DD.
The project was halted due to engine issues and shifting priorities.
Undesignated Experimental MiG-3s
One MiG-3 was tested with the Mikulin AM-38 engine (from the Il-2).
One was tested with leading-edge slats in 1940.
One fitted with a six-bladed propeller.
Five aircraft equipped with AFA-I cameras for high-altitude reconnaissance.
Legacy
The MiG-3 was a bold but flawed attempt to field a high-performance interceptor during a period of rapid technological change.
Though it struggled in combat, its design innovations influenced later Soviet fighters, and its variant lineage reflects the experimental spirit of wartime aviation.
The MiG-3 remains a symbol of early Soviet aeronautical ambition and a cornerstone of Mikoyan-Gurevich’s developmental history.
