Mikoyan Ye-5
Mikoyan-Gurevich OKB · Soviet Union · first flew 1956 · fighter
The Mikoyan Ye-5 was a Soviet experimental prototype that established the tailed delta wing configuration ultimately adopted for the MiG-21, one of the most widely produced supersonic fighters in history.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 13.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early MiG-21 delta-wing prototype, 1956
- Single turbojet with nose intake
- Tailed delta layout — small horizontal stabilisers retained
Tailed delta layout with nose intake and a single engine; nearly indistinguishable externally from the Ye-6 without reference to serial markings or specific detail differences.
Specifications
- The Mikoyan Ye-5 has a length of 13.5 m (44 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.2 m (24 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1956, the Ye-5 used a prototype R11-300 turbojet and validated the delta wing approach in competition with the swept-wing Ye-2A. Its aerodynamic success led directly to the Ye-6 series and ultimately MiG-21 production.
Variants
The Ye-5 was a single prototype; it was developed into the Ye-6 series which itself led to MiG-21 production.
Where you'll see it
Prototype only; no operational service.
Related aircraft
- Mikoyan Ye-2A
- Mikoyan Ye-6
- Mikoyan-Gurevich I-250 (MiG-13)
- MiG I-224
- Aerfer Sagittario 2
- Breguet 1050 Alizé
- Convair F-106 Delta Dart
- Dassault Etendard IV
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