While the MIG 3 was comparable to the German ME 109, the YAK 9 became the main fighter of the Soviet Air Forces and Russian industry was producing over 1000 planes a month (of all types) by early 1942. The German attack on Stalingrad included large air bombardments and the Luftwaffe decimated the Red Air Force and Soviet air became a non-factor in the fighting. However, with new plane production, the Soviets were able to achieve air superiority when the counter offensives became on the Eastern front un 1942 and 1943. The episode includes a profile of Lydia (Lilya) Livyak, a Russian fighter pilot; the first female pilot to shoot down an enemy plane. She became a Fighter Ace with 12 solo kills and died when shot down at the Battle of Kursk.