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The late, long-nosed version of MiG-3 replaced the early version on
production line during the late summer of 1941, probably in August; it
is predominant over the late version in photos taken after the late autumn
1941.
The late MiG-3 version is easily distinguishable in photos from early
short-nosed
version via the first exhaust pipe, which is covered by a cowling,
by long gun barrel covers over the nose, and from thin triangular plates
on the outlets of side oil radiators.
The radio set presence can be usually
recognized from the visible radio mast and wires, but some examples show
no radio boxes protruding under the canopy even if they have the mast and
wires.
Usually the MiG-3s were flown with the sliding part of the canopy
opened (or, sometimes, removed), because of radiator heat and gas infiltrations
from the engine, and the fear to be imprisoned if the aircraft should be
shot down; in fact, the canopy was hard to slide at flying speeds above
400 km/h.
The rockets, set on triple launchers 3ROB-82,
can be used both against ground targets and air targets during bomber interception.
They are regularly used since winter 1941/42, particularly in the Moscow
area.
The tail wheel doors are usually bulged, but
there is some exception to this rule. The tail wheel retraction mechanism
was subject to malfunctions, so it was often locked in open position on
the late examples; the doors were replaced by a canvas
cover with various shapes.
The slats were usually present on late
examples; there are some exceptions to this rule. The closed flaps are
difficult to see on photos, but their presence is recognizable from the
underwing pitot probe, while their absence is associated with a leading
edge mounted one.
This example was of Lieutnant I.F.Golubin of 16 IAP, Moscow area, winter
1941/42. Golubin was awarded Hero of the Soviet Union on March 4, 1942.
He scored 12 victories before being killed in action in October 1943. The aircraft is an early type MiG-3, but with slats. From Red Stars, old edition |
Another example during the winter. It is without the sliding canopy,
and bears a small red star on the spinner.
The unit and place are unknown. The photo has been colourized by the author. |
Here is an example with a roughly brushed white winter layer on the
Moscow front, winter 1941/42.
from "Unknown battles on the Moscow skies" of Hazanov |
This photo shows a partially dismounted aircraft.
The visibility of the internal structures is noteworthy. The aircraft shows some rough repainting. from Batailles Aeriennes
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