Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75

I-75

National origin: USSR
Manufacturer: MiG
First flight: 1958
Status: Terminated after losing competition to T-43 (Su-9)
Primary user: USSR
Developed from: I-7

Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75, a final design of a long line of experimental swetback-wing interceptors, was a re-engined and radar-equipped version of the earlier Ma 2 class aircraft dubbed I-7, itself a development of yet another prototype. Works on I-7U were started in early 1956. The airframe was modified to accommodate the massive Lyulka AL-7F afterburned turbojet engine. The short test flight programme ended on 24 January 1958 and the prototype was rebuilt into I-75. The engine was replaced with AL-7F-1 that delivered "dry" thrust of 6240kg and 9215kg with afterburner and the nose was modified to create provision for Uragan-5 radar. This unit was the first Soviet radar with head-on attack capability; maximum detection range was 30 km (19 mi) and acquisition range was up to 20 km (12 mi). The armament of I-75 consisted of two beam-riding long-range K-8 missiles.

So equipped, I-75 became a part of the Uragan automated interception system for which it served as a testbed for some time (more research being conducted on the much faster E-150 series delta-winged Mach 2.5+ class planes). The maiden flight of I-75 took part on 28 April 1958. The Uragan-5B radar was fitted on 15 May 1958 and the tests continued from 25 December 1958.

The complex was designed to automatically guide the interceptor to its target, perform the attack, and withdrawal from action. Apart from the radar and the aircraft, the system consisted of a 345 km (214 mi) range ground radar, digital control computer, data acquisition and processing equipment, and an autopilot. The system was expected to be able to intercept bombers flying at 10 to 25 km (16 mi) altitude at 1600-2000 km/h; the interception was to take place within a 120 km (75 mi) radius from the aircraft base. The program constatntly suffered from development delays and works were finally stopped in 1962.

Despite its excellent performance I-75 lost to its competitor, T-43 (Su-9). Sukhoi was able to develop his interceptor faster, as it shared significant part of its airframe with the serially produced front-line fighter Su-7. I-75 programme was terminated on 11 May 1959.

Specifications

Data from MiG: Fifty Years of Secret Aircraft Design

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 18.28 m (59 ft 11½ in)
Wingspan: 9.98 m (32 ft 8¾ in)
Height: ()
Wing area: 31.90 m² (343 ft²)
Empty weight: 8,274 kg (18,235 lb)
Loaded weight: 10950 kg (24,135 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 11,470 kg (25,280 lb)
Powerplant: 1x— Lyulka AL-7F-1

Performance

Maximum speed: 2 050 km/h (1,107 knots, 1,273 mph) at 11,400 m (42,300 ft)
Range: 1,470 km (794 nautical mile, 913 mi) at 12,000 m (39,360 ft)
Service ceiling: 21,000 m (68,900 ft)
Climb to 6,000 m (19,700 ft): 56 s
Climb to 11,000 m (36,100 ft): 3 min 3 sec

Armament

Missiles: 2 x— Kaliningrad K-8

Notes and references

Gunston, Bill, 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.

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia