The MiG-15 was designed in 1948 and completed its maiden flight on December 31. In 1949 the aircraft entered service with the Soviet Air Force as one of the first swept-wing jets and quickly earned the reputation as a killer flying against USAF F-80s, RAAF Meteors, P-51, and Corsairs. The MiG-15 ruled the skies until the USAF F-86 Sabre arrived on the scene. The original goal of the MiG-15 was to shoot down B-29 bombers so the MiG was equipped with two 23 mm and a single 37 mm cannon located under the nose.