MiG-3
Design and construction
The MiG-3 is a distinctive World War II fighter. Part of that distinction comes from the far-to-the-rear cockpit location, required to help balance the full-scale version’s heavy engine. The white color scheme with big red stars also stands out among the aluminum and camouflaged warplanes of the day.
Dick Sarpolus designed this model to be simple to construct using cut-foam wing cores, vertical fin and stabilizer cores, and front and rear turtledeck surfaces. Additional construction materials include balsa and plywood. A cowl and canopy are available from Fiberglass Specialties.
According to Dick, if kept light the aircraft is capable of sporty aerobatic flight. He also noted it tended to tip forward while taxiing; he remedied this by bending the landing gear slightly forward.
Powerplant options
- Intended power: approximately 40 cc
- Installed by designer: Cheetah 42 gas engine
- Alternatives: glow engine or electric power
Specifications
- Wingspan: 88 inches
- Wing area: 1,240 square inches
- Flying weight: 16–17 pounds
Availability and ordering
The MiG-3 was featured in a construction article in the November 2004 Model Aviation (MA). It is available from the AMA Plans Service as listing 967 for $38 plus shipping and handling. You can also order the design as a set of foam cores and plans for $165 plus shipping and handling.
See page 171 of the magazine or go to www.modelaircraft.org/plans.aspx for ordering information.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
