Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-152

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1959 · fighter

The Mikoyan-Gurevich Ye-152 was a large Soviet experimental delta-wing interceptor prototype of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which set absolute world speed records while disguised under the designation 'Ye-166' for propaganda purposes.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, delta
E — Engines1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — FuselageMassive single Tumansky turbojet in rear fuselage
T — TailConventional

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An imposing large delta-wing single-seater with a massive nose intake, conventional cruciform tail, and an unusually long and slender fuselage for its era; resembles a scaled-up MiG-21 predecessor.

Specifications

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

History

First flown in 1959, the Ye-152 was developed as a potential high-altitude interceptor to tackle threats like the U-2. In 1961 it set a world speed record of 2681 km/h, announced as the 'Ye-166.' The type did not enter production as the simpler Su-9 and Su-11 fulfilled the interceptor role.

Variants

Several sub-variants were tested including the twin-engine Ye-152A; the record-setting aircraft was the single-engine Ye-152M.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service; used purely for research and record-setting.

Related aircraft

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