MiG Alley facts for kids

MiG Alley was a special area in the sky during the Korean War. It was located over northwestern North Korea, very close to China. This area became famous because of the many air battles fought there. The main planes involved were the MiG-15 jets from North Korea and its allies, and the F-86 Sabre jets from the United States and its allies.

What Was MiG Alley?

MiG Alley was a nickname given by the United Nations pilots. It was a dangerous place for them to fly. The area was a key battleground for air superiority. This meant both sides wanted to control the skies. Controlling the sky was important for bombing missions and protecting ground troops.

The Planes That Fought

The two main types of fighter jets that battled in MiG Alley were the MiG-15 and the F-86 Sabre.

• The MiG-15 was a fast and powerful jet. It was used by North Korea, China, and the Soviet Union. Many Soviet pilots flew these planes.
• The F-86 Sabre was the main fighter jet for the United States Air Force. It was also very fast and well-armed. Sabre pilots often faced the MiGs in dogfights.

Who Were the Pilots?

The pilots flying the MiGs were often very skilled. Some were experienced Russian fighter pilots. They had fought in World War II and were highly trained. These top pilots were sometimes called "honchos." This is a Japanese word meaning "big shot" or "leader." Many of the best pilots, known as "aces," were from the Soviet Union. Because of their success, some people said the Soviets won the air battles in MiG Alley.

Related pages

• Mikoyan

Images for kids

• 

  Map of aerial combat in Korean War.

• 

  MiG-15 delivered by a defecting North Korean pilot to the US Air Force.

• 

  No. 77 Squadron pilots and their Meteors at Kunsan, South Korea, June 1954.

• 

  Gun camera strip showing Soviet MiG-15 over Korea, April 1953.

• 

  MiG-15s curving in to attack USAF B-29s, 1951.

See also

In Spanish: Callejón de los MiG para niños