MiG SM-12

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1957 · fighter

The MiG SM-12 was a Soviet experimental aircraft derived from the MiG-19 airframe, modified to test a single more powerful turbojet engine in place of the standard twin-engine layout.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Soviet experimental development of the MiG-19 with modified intake and nose
• Single-engine rework of normally twin-engine MiG-19 airframe
• Axisymmetric nose intake feeding a single large turbojet; short fuselage

Closely resembles a MiG-19 in overall shape — mid-mounted swept wings, conventional tail with slab stabilator — but with a large single nose intake rather than twin intakes, and a bulkier mid-fuselage for the single engine.

Specifications

• The MiG SM-12 has a length of 13 m (43 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 9 m (30 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 1800 km/h (1118 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The SM-12 was one of a series of experimental MiG-19 derivatives tested by the OKB during the late 1950s to evaluate new engines and aerodynamic refinements. It featured a redesigned forward fuselage with a larger nose intake to feed a single engine of greater thrust. The experiments fed into the development of the MiG-21 programme and advanced Soviet knowledge of supersonic flight.

Variants

The SM series included numerous experimental aircraft (SM-1 through SM-12 and beyond), most being MiG-19 derivatives; the SM-12 is a specific single-engine variant.

Where you'll see it

Used only for experimental test flying at the MiG OKB; never entered production or service.

Related aircraft

• MiG Ye-2
• MiG-21
• Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F
• Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-152
• Aermacchi MB-326
• Bell X-14
• Breguet Taon
• Saunders-Roe SR.53

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