Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75

Mikoyan-Gurevich I-75, a final design of a long line of experimental swept-wing interceptors, was a re-engined and radar-equipped version of the earlier Mach 2 class aircraft dubbed I-7, itself a development of yet another prototype, the I-3. Work on the I-7U started in early 1956, when the airframe was modified to accommodate the massive Lyulka AL-7F after-burning turbojet engine. A short test flight programme ended on 24 January 1958, after which the prototype was rebuilt into the I-75 by fitting an AL-7F-1 that delivered "dry" thrust of 6240 kg and 9215 kg with afterburner and modifying the nose to accept the Uragan-5 radar intercept system. The Uragan-5 was the first Soviet radar system with head-on attack capability; maximum detection range was 30 km and acquisition range was up to 20 km. The armament of the I-75 consisted of two beam-riding long-range Kaliningrad 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 Ye-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 Uragan 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 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 altitude at 1600–2000 km/h; the interception was to take place within a 120 km radius from the aircraft base.

Despite its excellent performance the I-75 constantly suffered from development delays and the I-75 programme was terminated on 11 May 1959. Production contracts were placed for the contemporary Sukhoi T-43 (the Su-9 prototype), as Sukhoi were able to develop this interceptor faster due to its high commonality with the Su-7 tactical fighter.

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.
 * Gordon, Yefim. Sukhoi Interceptor. Hinkley, Midland. 2004. ISBN 1-85780-180-6