Exigencies of the times precluding fundamental redesign of the MiG-1 to eradicate the fighter's less acceptable characteristics, a series of what were, in effect, palliatives were applied to the basic design to result in the MiG-3. Power plant and (initially) armament remained unchanged, but some structural simplification and strengthening was introduced. The engine was moved forward 10cm; dihedral of the outer wing panels was increased by one degree; a 250 l supplementary fuel tank was introduced beneath the pilot's seat; the aft fuselage decking was cut down; the radiator bath fairing was enlarged and extended forward; the supercharger intakes were revised; 9mm seat armour was provided, together with radio, and four wing points were introduced for a maximum external load of 220kg. The first MiG-3 left the factory in December 1940, 11 being completed by the end of the month; 140 were produced in January 1941, and, by June, production had peaked at 25 aircraft every 24 hours. The first MiG-3 was delivered to a VVS regiment in April 1941 - simultaneously with the MiG-1 - and production continued until 23 December 1941 with approximately 3,120 built, but 50 more were completed from component stocks in the early summer of 1942. Some MiG-3s had a supplementary pair of 12.7mm BK machine guns under the wings - raising take-off weight to 3510kg - and others were fitted with two UBK guns of similar calibre in the wings. Tests were also performed with two fuselage-mounted 20mm ShVAK cannon.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1667 x 1207)