In Russia, Snowblowers Utilize MiG-15 Jet Engines

Snowblowers take on a whole new meaning in Russia, especially at some of the country’s airports. Instead of conventional methods, they employ a unique solution: MiG-15 jet engines.

One such snowblower is the Soviet KRAZ-255 6×6 Snowblower Truck, equipped with a Klimov VK-1 engine sourced from MiG-15 fighters. These machines play a crucial role in removing snow from airport runways and are even used for de-icing planes in certain regions of Russia.

The engine, derived from a MiG-15 or MiG-17 radial compressor engine, features a lengthened jet exhaust, allowing for efficient snow removal.

Another variant of this inventive approach involves utilizing different truck models, all powered by MiG-15 jet engines.

Interestingly, during the 1960s, Polish State Railways employed MiG-15 aircraft to clear tracks of ice and snow. The rear fuselage and wings were removed, and the engine was operated from the cockpit. Similar adaptations were observed in Siberia and even East Germany, where MiG-15s were repurposed to remove ice from railroad tracks and switches during harsh winters. These innovative solutions demonstrate the versatility and resourcefulness of Russian engineering in combating extreme weather conditions.