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The Mig-1 and Mig-3 series of aircraft were placed in large-scale production mainly because they possessed a very high performance despite the fact that they were extremely difficult to fly, not least of all because of their very short fuselage that resulted in a distinct lack of stability. The Mig-1 was developed for an urgent Soviet Air Force requirement, issued early in 1938, for a high altitude fighter and the first flew in prototype form in April 1940. Production totaled 100 aircraft, with the armament of one 12.7 mm and two 7.62 mm machine guns. These were followed by the improved Mig-3 of which 3322 were delivered up to spring 1942 with improved protective features and a rearward-sliding rather than side-hinged canopyl.
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