Third MiG-15 to Take to the Polish Skies

The skies above Poland are set to reverberate once more with the roar of a Cold War icon, as a MiG-15, a jet fighter that once defined an era of aerial combat, prepares to make its historic return. This is no ordinary homecoming—it’s a tale of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted connection to Poland’s aviation legacy, brought to life by a dedicated group of enthusiasts who refused to let history fade into silence.

For those who track the pulse of aviation history, the MiG-15 is more than just an aircraft—it’s a symbol of a time when jet technology reshaped warfare. First taking flight in the late 1940s, this Soviet-designed fighter, powered by the robust Klimov VK-1 engine delivering 2,700 kg of thrust, became a legend during the Korean War. Capable of reaching speeds up to 1,075 km/h and armed with two 23mm cannons and a single 37mm cannon, it outmatched many Western counterparts, dominating the infamous “MiG Alley” in battles that still echo in military lore. Now, one of these storied machines is returning to its Polish roots, marking a moment of pride for a nation already steeped in MiG heritage.

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SBLim-2 (MiG-15UTI) / Southport Airshow 2022

This particular aircraft, born in 1952 at the WSK-Mielec plant in Poland, began its journey as a Lim-1, a Polish-built variant of the MiG-15 produced under Soviet license. Assigned the serial number 104, it joined the ranks of the Siły Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Polish Air Force) that same year. Over its nearly four-decade tenure, it evolved with the times—first converted into an SBLim-1, then into the two-seat SBLim-2 trainer configuration, serving as both a frontline defender and a tool to train generations of Polish pilots during the tense years of the Cold War. Its service ended in 1990, a turning point that saw it leave Polish soil for a new chapter abroad.

Exported to the United States, the aircraft took on the civil registration N104CJ and found a home at Quillayute Airport, just outside Forks, Washington. There, it became a prized piece for American aviation enthusiasts, a tangible link to the past. But its journey didn’t end there. In the summer of 2014, it crossed the Atlantic once again, returning to Europe under the care of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, known in Norwegian as Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron. Restored to its original glory by experienced ex-Polish Air Force engineers, the SBLim-2 took on new identities—first painted as “RED 18” to honor Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut who once flew a similar MiG-15, and later as “TC-616,” a nod to a North Korean MiG-15 captured during the Korean War and flight-tested by American pilots Chuck Yeager and Tom Collins. The buzz number “TC-616” on its nose reflected the initials of those first American test pilots, a detail rich with historical resonance. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the “RED 18” scheme was retired, a subtle yet poignant reflection of shifting global sentiments.

The driving force behind this aircraft’s return is the Babimojska Aviation Association, or in Polish, Stowarzyszenie Lotnicze Ziemi Babimojskiej, a group rooted in the Babimost region’s deep aviation heritage. The association’s story begins with a poignant memory: in 1992, the last fighter aircraft departed Babimost airport, destined for scrapping, leaving behind a void that lingered over the Ziemia Babimojska (Babimost Land). Inspired by this legacy—and the region’s history as home to the 45th Fighter Aviation Regiment formed in 1957—the association set out to rekindle that spirit. What began as a modest aim to secure a static display piece grew into a bold mission to bring a fully airworthy aircraft back to Polish skies.

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Their search led them to Norway, where they connected with the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron and its leader, seasoned pilot Kenneth Aarkvisla. The squadron had been offering this very SBLim-2 for sale, an aircraft identical to those that once thundered over Babimost in the regiment’s heyday. For years, enthusiasts feared this MiG-15 might leave Europe entirely, perhaps sold to a distant collector. But thanks to the association’s tenacity, it will remain on the continent, a victory celebrated by aviation communities far and wide.

The preparations for its return have been meticulous. Since at least May, the Polish pilot has been training on the aircraft in Norway, honing the skills needed to command this vintage warbird. Additional fuel tanks have been fitted to ensure a safe transcontinental flight, a practical touch for the long journey ahead. The association announced the milestone on Facebook with palpable excitement: “A momentous occasion is approaching – a moment we've been waiting for months. Skyball has successfully completed his first flight, meaning all systems have been checked and are functioning properly. Additional fuel tanks have also been installed, allowing for the safe completion of the long journey home. Intensive logistical and operational preparations are currently underway for the aircraft's ferrying back to Poland tomorrow. This is not only a technical step forward but also a symbolic moment for the historic aircraft's return to Polish skies. Stay tuned!”

When it touches down, this MiG-15 will find its new home in a historic shelter-hangar at Zielona Góra – Babimost airport, secured through the generosity of the airport authorities. It will join an elite group, becoming the third MiG-15 in Poland and the second two-seat MiG-15UTI (SBLim-2) in the country. The other two belong to Fundacja Eskadra, a foundation that already boasts a single-seat MiG-15bis (Lim-2) and another MiG-15UTI (SBLim-2), while also working to restore a Lim-5 (MiG-17) to airworthy condition. With this addition, Poland solidifies its status as a European hub for MiG-15 preservation, a testament to the nation’s enduring fascination with these Cold War relics.

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The aircraft’s journey—from its birth in Mielec to its service in Poland, its years abroad, and now its return—mirrors the resilience of the people who fought to bring it back. It’s not just a machine; it’s a bridge to the past, a reminder of the pilots who flew it, the engineers who maintained it, and the enthusiasts who never gave up on it. As it climbs into Polish skies once more, with its 1,200 km range and unmistakable jet roar, it will carry forward a legacy that refuses to be grounded. The Babimojska Aviation Association has ensured that this MiG-15 will not only soar again but inspire anew, a living piece of history for generations to come.