 At it was heavier than its competitors the Yak-1 and Mig-1 which meant its ceiling of was less than both.The I-301 took to the air for the first time on 30 March 1940 and by 12 June 1940 the manufacturer's tests were completed.The test pilot A Nikashin reported that the fit and finish of the prototype was very good, it handled well, was maneuverable and could be mastered by pilots of average ability.