The I-200 fighter project was a compromise between design office's
capabilities, realities of the Soviet aviation industry, with its
available technologies, and military requirements.
According to the brief description of the MiG-3 from 1941, it was, in
terms of its purpose, an interceptor, but, interestingly, it could also
be used as... an attack aircraft, or a light, fast dive bomber.
Both the I-200 prototypes and the later MiG-1 and MiG-3 were
single-seat, single-engine, mixed-design low-wing aircraft. Front part
of the fuselage, together with the center wing, up to the rear wall of
the pilot's cockpit, was made of metal. Only the tail part of the
fuselage and wing consoles were wooden. Vertical stabilizer, which was
an integral part of the fuselage, was made of wood, too, but horizontal
stabilizer was all-metal. Rudders and ailerons had a metal construction
and canvas cover. Undercarriage was made of chromansil steel.
In front part of the fuselage there was a pilot's cabin with a seat,
instrument panel and controls, front fuel tank, main offensive armament,
water cooler and other components. Center wing was attached to the front
part of the fuselage at seven points, the rear part at four points,
while the engine mount was supported by two.
