[Coming soon] MiG-9 (l): The Limits of Modernization

Historical note

The I-307 "FF" (in-game: MiG-9 (l)) is a special late modification of the USSR's first jet fighter, the MiG-9, created in 1947 at Plant No. 155 of the Mikoyan Design Bureau. The development goal was to significantly improve flight performance by installing new boosted RD-20F engines (initially captured German BMW 003c engines) with increased thrust. In addition to the new powerplant, the aircraft featured enhanced cockpit armor and a redesigned landing gear. This variant carried the internal designation I-307 and the code name “FF.”

The aircraft underwent testing in 1947–1948. Two prototypes were built: the first (“FF-1”) equipped with BMW 003c engines, and the second (“FF-2”) using serial-production Soviet RD-21 engines. Trials confirmed the improved performance, with notable gains in both speed and climb rate. Nevertheless, the fighter never entered mass production for two main reasons: the boosted engines remained unreliable and had short service lives, and the newly developed MiG-15 represented a far more advanced design built on modern technologies. With the modernization potential of the MiG-9 airframe fully exhausted, the I-307 program was ultimately discontinued.

MiG-9 (l) (Rank IX)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: High top speed, strong energy retention in level flight, and a powerful forward-firing armament.
• Weaknesses: Poor climb rate and acceleration, with rapid energy loss during turns.
• Opportunities: Effective in Boom-and-Zoom attacks, bomber interception, and engaging light ground targets with the 37 mm cannon.
• Threats: Vulnerable in turn-fights and dogfights.

In battle

A new arrival in the War Thunder Mobile USSR tech tree: meet the MiG-9 (l), an experimental high-speed jet fighter equipped with formidable cannon firepower.

Originally developed as a high-altitude interceptor against strategic bombers, the MiG-9 excels in this role, and its late modification is no exception. Speed is one of the MiG-9 (l)’s main strengths, allowing it to outperform all piston-engine fighters and even some early jets. However, its modest engine thrust results in slow climb rates and sluggish acceleration. Once it reaches high speed, the MiG-9 (l) holds that energy exceptionally well in level flight — a key advantage over propeller-driven aircraft.

True to its bomber-interceptor role, the MiG-9 (l) is armed with a powerful forward-firing cannon suite. It carries only cannons: two rapid-firing 23 mm NS-23K guns and a formidable 37 mm N-37D equipped with highly effective HEFI-T rounds for aerial targets. All weapons are mounted in the nose, providing intuitive aiming even at long distances. Ammunition reserves are limited, making it essential to rearm before each engagement. Because the 37 mm cannon has a relatively low rate of fire and noticeable dispersion, short, controlled bursts are recommended. Ideally, engage at close range—hits from this caliber are typically fatal to any opponent.

The MiG-9 (l) struggles with sharp maneuvers, rapidly bleeding precious speed when pushed too hard. Keep your fighter accelerated, rely on hit-and-run attacks, maintain smooth control inputs, and make every shot from its formidable cannon battery count — in skilled hands, it becomes an excellent combat aircraft. When no enemy aircraft are nearby, turn your attention to ground targets: the 37 mm cannon is highly effective against AA positions, patrol boats, and trucks.

Premium ♠MiG-9 (l)♠︎ (Rank IX)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may change upon release.

The MiG-9 (l) (Rank IX) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.