The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 Vol. 2
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Monographs #83
Author: Dariusz Paduch
Publisher: Kagero
ISBN: 978-83-66673-91-5
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 96
The second volume in Kagero’s series on the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 continues the story started by the first volume. While that first volume covered the origins of the MiG-3, this title focuses on the technical description and manufacture of the aircraft. This is covered in-depth, so if you are interested in how the MiG-3 is constructed, this is an excellent reference. Not only is the basic construction covered, but the copy also covers the variant differences and modifications as well.
In addition to the construction of the MiG-3, the book also covers the testing undertaken by Mikoyan Gurevich, which was fairly extensive. That testing also led to some useful modifications and also prepared the aircraft for war, as the Soviets recognized that combat was imminent and unavoidable. The author does a good job at keeping all of those different threads straight, with the result being thorough yet easy to follow history of the development of the MiG-3.
Complementing the written text, in typical Kagero fashion, are plenty of photos and drawings showing the various structures, components, and complete aircraft. These help highlight many of the interesting features called out in the text, while also providing some useful operational views as well. The drawings include period sketches done by Mikoyan Gurevich as well as modern scale drawings that show variant evolution. Finally, there are also a handful of color profile illustrations that tease a bit of the operational color schemes worn by the MiG-3.
This book, coupled with the first volume, provides a very thorough picture of the MiG-3’s development and production. Hopefully there will be a third volume that covers the operational history of the plane, as with that inclusion we would have an excellent complete history of this interesting Soviet fighter aircraft. My thanks to Casemate Publishers for the review copy.