Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Soviet Union |
| Products | Military aircraft, including the I-75 interceptor |
The Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75 represented the concluding iteration in a trio of experimental swept-wing interceptors engineered in the Soviet Union during the mid to late 1950s by the Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau. These designs originated from the Mikoyan-Gurevich I-3 airframe. Each of the aircraft within the I-3 series was hindered by setbacks related to the Klimov VK-3 turbojet engine’s development, culminating in its cancellation and substitution with the Lyulka AL-7F turbojet.
Design and development
The I-75 emerged as an upgraded variant of the experimental Mach 2-capable I-7, incorporating a new engine and radar system. Development commenced in early 1956 under the designation I-7U, evolving from the initial Klimov VK-3-powered I-3 prototype fighter, which produced 82.37 kN (18,518.83 lbf) thrust. The original I-3 airframe was adapted to accommodate the larger and more potent Lyulka AL-7F afterburning turbojet. After a brief flight test phase concluding on 24 January 1958, the prototype was converted into the I-75 by installing an AL-7F-1 engine delivering 6240 kg of dry thrust and 9215 kg with afterburner, alongside modifications to the nose section to house the Uragan-5 radar interception system.
The I-75 conducted its inaugural flight on 28 April 1958. Installation of the Uragan-5B radar followed on 15 May 1958, with testing resuming from 25 December 1958 onward.
Although demonstrating impressive performance metrics, persistent developmental delays plagued the I-75 project, leading to its cancellation on 11 May 1959.
Meanwhile, production orders were awarded to Sukhoi’s T-43 (prototype of the Su-9) since Sukhoi advanced this interceptor more rapidly due to its significant design commonality with their Su-7 tactical fighter.
Armament for the I-75 comprised two long-range beam-riding Kaliningrad K-8 missiles. Equipped thusly, it functioned as part of the Uragan automated interception system, serving as a test platform for this network while further research progressed on faster delta-winged Mach 2.5+ aircraft within the Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-150 family.
The Uragan-5 radar marked a Soviet first with its capability for head-on target engagement; it featured a maximum detection radius of 30 km (19 mi) and could acquire targets up to 20 km (12 mi) away.
This Uragan system was engineered to autonomously direct interceptors toward enemy bombers, execute engagements, and facilitate withdrawal post-interception. Beyond onboard radar, it integrated a ground-based radar with a 345 km (214 mi) range, a digital command computer, data processing units, and an autopilot system. It aimed to intercept bombers flying at altitudes between 10 and 25 km (16 mi) at speeds ranging from 1600 to 2000 km/h within a 120 km (75 mi) radius from their home base.
Specifications (I-75F equipped with AL-7F-1 engine)
Notes and references
- Bill Gunston, The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. London: Osprey, 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9.
- Belyakov, R.A and J. Marmain. MiG:Fifty Years of Secret Aircraft Design. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife, 1994. ISBN 1-85310-488-4.
- Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Interceptor. Hinkley, Midland. 2004. ISBN 1-85780-180-6
Further reading
- Gordon, Yefim & Komissarov, Dmitry. OKB Mikoyan. Hinkley, Midland. 2009. ISBN 978-1-85780-307-5
- Gordon, Yefim. Soviet Heavy Interceptors. Hinkley: Midland, 2004. ISBN 1-85780-191-1
- Antonov,Vladimir & Gordon, Yefim & others. OKB Sukho. Leicester. Midland. 1996. ISBN 1-85780-012-5