Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19

The Mikoyan‑Gurevich MiG‑19, produced by the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, entered service in 1955 as the Soviet Union’s first mass‑produced supersonic fighter. Designed to overcome the speed limitations of earlier subsonic jets, the MiG‑19 featured a twin‑engine layout with two Klimov VK‑1 turbojets, giving it a maximum speed of Mach 1.3 at altitude. Its swept‑back wings, all‑metal construction, and hydraulic flight controls provided high maneuverability, while an armament of two 30 mm cannons and optional rockets or missiles gave it formidable firepower. The aircraft saw extensive deployment with Warsaw‑Pakistani air forces and was exported to numerous allied nations, becoming a cornerstone of Cold‑War air defence. In combat, the MiG‑19 demonstrated its capability during the Vietnam War, where it engaged United States aircraft in dogfights, proving that a relatively simple design could hold its own against more advanced opponents. The MiG‑19’s legacy lies in its role as a bridge between early jet fighters and later Mach‑2 platforms such as the MiG‑21, influencing aerodynamic and propulsion concepts that shaped subsequent generations of Soviet combat aircraft. Overall, the MiG‑19 remains a pivotal example of Cold‑War engineering, illustrating the rapid evolution of jet fighter technology.

Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19

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