Sagdeyev Sag-3 'Biram'

[kitbasher]

The Sag-3 started life as a quick build for the Soviet display on the What If? SIG stand at Scale Modelworld 2009.

Unfortunately, events took several courses and neither I nor the Biram made it to SMW, but the build carried on and here it is:

Sagdeyev Sag-3 Biram, October 1944
Even before the first prototype of Boltok Sagdeyev's first fighter, the Sag-1 Borat (see http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,20917.msg296399.html#msg296399) flew in early 1942, the erstwhile Kazakh designer and self-styled scourge of the Soviet media was planning its replacement.
With the Great patriotic War in full swing, Sagdeyev sought to improve upon the Sag-1 in the shortest time possible.  He envisioned a fighter based upon the Sag-1, but with a more powerful engine and heavier armament. 
In the case of the former, the 1720 hp Mikulin AM-38F as fitted to the Il-2 Sturmovik presented a readily available solution.  Regarding armament, Sagdeyev proposed a radical departure from normal Soviet practice – the adoption of wing-mounted 20mm cannon.  Although common amongst RAF types, this was unheard of amongst Soviet fighters, and no indigenous cannon was available.  Sagdeyev's response was to plead with Government authorities to seek the provision of Hispano 20mm cannons under Lend-Lease from Britain to act as patterns to allow for local production; Churchill duly obliged.
Unfortunately, the Sag-1's wing could not accommodate the proposed armament, and so a new wing was designed.
The first prototype Sag-3 (as it was known in Soviet service) flew in February 1943.  Although faster than its predecessor, stability problems were experienced – these could only be remedied by an enlarged fin and rudder, and by redesigned tailplanes.
Fight tests proved successful, and the type entered service towards the end of 1943 as a replacement for MiG-3s, LaGG-3s and Lend-Lease Bell P-39 Airacobras.  Whilst not produced in the same numbers as Yak fighters or the La-5, the type gave useful service for the remainder of World War 2.  After the War the type was used exclusively in the Vladivostok/Kamchatka region until replaced by La-7s .   
(donor kits: Airfix Kittyhawk, Il-2 Sturmovik, Yak-9D; CMK Spitfire F22)


And finally, the Sag-3 with it's earlier stablemate, the Sag-1:

[Sauragnmon]

Looks very nice - almost has a very Spitfire look to it I think.

[The Rat]

I would love to see that 1/1! 

[PACOPEPE]

I like it very much. Wonderful!.


Regards
Fran

[NARSES2]

Very sleek 

[Hotte]

Super 

Hotte

[ElectrikBlue]

Beauty alert!!!
Very sleek indeed! 

[sideshowbob9]

Definately agree with the above posts. Beautiful! Looks very Russian Kazakh.  

[tanktastic43]

Brilliant. 'nuff said. 

tt43.

[Jschmus]

Definately agree with the above posts. Beautiful! Looks very Russian. 

Please, do not insult.  Is product of Glorious nation of Kazakhstan!

[sideshowbob9]

Definately agree with the above posts. Beautiful! Looks very Russian. 

Please, do not insult.  Is product of Glorious nation of Kazakhstan!

Quite right. Post amended!

[Brian da Basher]

That's an absolutely incredible combination of diverse kits and a real testament to your talent and skill, kitbasher!

Simply amazing!

Brian da Basher

[kitbasher]

Thanks for your very generous comments, playmates, glad you like the Sag-3.  I should have added earlier that its 1/72 (The One True Scale - as ever!)
The last of the Sagdeyev line was the Sag-5 fighter (NATO reporting name 'FLATCAP').  It's proving difficult to find definitive information about this little-known jet on the internet, but I think I have enough for a build during 2010.
Merry Christmas!

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Superb bash..... simple as that 

Ian

[Martin H]

if it looks right, it will fly right.  this one certainly looks right               

as IHG has alreay said

Superb bash..... simple as that 

Ian