Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis (universally recognized across military aviation rosters and simulation hangars as the MiG-15, MiG-15bis, MiG15, Fagot, and Lim-2) represents the refined, definitive operational variant of the Soviet Union's legendary swept-wing jet fighter. Powered by an upgraded Klimov VK-1 centrifugal-flow turbojet producing nearly 6,000 pounds of static thrust, the "bis" variant corrected early handling quirks, introduced hydraulic boost to the ailerons, and provided the backbone of Communist air superiority efforts during the Korean War. Developed by veteran simulation outfit MLADG (ML Aero Design Group), this package brings a comprehensive, mature simulation of the swept-wing fighter into native X-Plane 12 with support for both combat sorties and modern civil warbird operations.

A highlight of the MLADG simulation is its dual-cockpit philosophy. Pilots can choose between a period-authentic Soviet military cockpit—complete with Cyrillic labeling, metric instruments (airspeed in kilometers per hour, altitude in meters), an ASP-1N gyro gunsight, and active weapon management switches—or a modern Western civil restoration. The civil cockpit converts the instrument panel to knots and feet, translates placards into English, strips out military armaments, and integrates standard civilian VOR/DME navigation avionics. Both versions feature functional cabin pressurization switches, high-altitude oxygen regulation, simulated in-flight refueling receiver logic, and operational Jet-Assisted Take-Off (JATO) solid rocket boosters for short-strip operations.

In the X-Plane 12 flight environment, the aircraft exhibits the authentic, high-thrust handling of an early swept-wing fighter. Without modern fly-by-wire protections, high-speed dives require respect for Mach tuck and transonic pitch changes, while low-speed pattern flying demands disciplined throttle management to prevent the centrifugal engine from bogging down. Evaluated under our directory classification rubric, the package earns a solid Procedural rating: while the 3D texturing and audio engine reflect its lineage from earlier simulator versions and circuit breakers are cosmetic, the operational systems, authentic performance curves, dual cockpit configurations, and JATO dynamics deliver a thoroughly engaging warbird package.

Primary Missions & Operational Roles

• Cold War Air-to-Air Combat Reenactments: Flying tactical interception and dogfight sorties against period opponents like the North American F-86 Sabre over historical combat theaters.

• Modern Civil Warbird Airshow Flying: Piloting the demilitarized civilian version with Western imperial instruments and VOR/DME navigation for cross-country hops and aerobatic airshow routines.

• JATO Rocket-Assisted Short-Field Scrambles: Firing the auxiliary solid rocket boosters to execute high-weight, high-acceleration takeoffs from austere or battle-damaged airfields.

• Transonic Aerodynamic Envelope Training: Practicing high-speed dive recoveries, managing high-drag split speed brakes, and maintaining trim authority near critical Mach boundaries.