MiG-21SMT
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1971 · fighter
The MiG-21SMT (Fishbed-K) is a VVS-only variant with an exceptionally large dorsal fuel spine — the largest of any MiG-21 — intended to dramatically extend range and patrol endurance, though the spine proved to create adverse handling characteristics.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.76 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Very large hump-backed dorsal spine — largest of any MiG-21 variant
- Tailed delta planform with four underwing pylons
- The distinctive 'hunchback' profile when viewed from the side
The enormous dorsal spine — creating a pronounced hump-backed silhouette unlike any other MiG-21 — is unmistakable. When seen in profile, the spine nearly doubles the apparent fuselage depth aft of the cockpit. This is the definitive recognition feature and cannot be confused with any other MiG-21 variant.
Specifications
- The MiG-21SMT has a length of 15.76 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.15 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2230 km/h (1386 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Range had always been the MiG-21's Achilles heel, and the SMT was Mikoyan's most aggressive attempt to fix it by enlarging the dorsal spine to carry maximum additional fuel. While the increased fuel load was valuable, pilots found the large spine created pitch instability and the variant was not popular in service. Production was limited, and many were later modified to the MiG-21bis standard or had their spines reduced. It entered service around 1971.
Variants
The MiG-21SMT is unique among single-seat MiG-21s for its exaggerated dorsal spine. The subsequent MiG-21bis used a more modest spine with a new engine rather than relying on pure fuel volume. The SMT was not exported.
Where you'll see it
Limited numbers served with VVS fighter regiments in the early-to-mid 1970s. The handling issues meant many were converted to other standards relatively quickly. No export customers received the SMT, making it one of the rarer MiG-21 variants in terms of geographic spread.
Related aircraft
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