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MiG-19 Farmer
in Cuba
By Rubén
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MiG-19P N°82 with aditionals fuel tanks, San Antonio,
December of 1961 (Enrique Carreras, "Por el dominio del aire") |
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  The
MiG-19 is the first soviet supersonic fighter manufactured in series. He
flies for first time in January 5, 1954, and begins its serial produccion
in two factories of the USSR, being produced 2,069 MiG-19 until 1957. He
was manufactured for license in Czechoslovakia (103 built as Aero S105)
and China (4,000 Jian J-6/F-6). The USSR export the MiG-19 to 13
countries. In general the genuine MiG-19 was manufactured in little quantities
and few used by the communist block (only 2,5 years in produccion), being
the MiG Fighter with more problems and hight level of accidents, passing
its users quickly to the MiG-21. Only China achieves to put it ready
finally in the Jian F-6, but to lack of somewhat better. The MiG-19/F-6
fight in conflicts of Vietnam (against US, Kampuchea, and China), in Yemen,
Arabic –Israeli Wars of 1967 and 1973, Afghanistan, Iran-Iraq, India-Pakistan
of 1971, Tanzania-Uganda, Somalia, Sudan.
FAR: The First Latin American Air Force with supersonics fighters
When the FAR reaching
certain security in the MiG-15bis, immediately
is passed to the MiG-19P. The first 8 MiG-19P arrive in November of 1961
and they finish of being assembled in November and December in the base
of San Antonio, with aid of Soviets technicians. In total are received
12 MiG-19P with which is formed an Squadron with pilot graduates in Czechoslovakia
and Cuba. The first flight of Cuban in MiG-19P was carried out too by Enrique
Carreras on December 1, 1961. In the air parade of January 2, 1962
participate 8 MiG-19.
By the Missile Crisis in October of 1962, remained in service 11 MiG-19P,
all based in San Antonio in one Squadron. These aircraft participate in
interceptions to the American aircrafts (see MiG-15),
and in exercises in 1963. The MiG-19P converts the FAR in the first
Latin American Air Force with supersonics fighters. At the same
time they are the first soviet interceptor with all weather capacity, thanks
to its radar.
Myths around a fighter
 The
Cubans MiG-19 are object of several strangers legends in western sources.
Like the asseveration of that the Cubans MiG-19 “were used long time in
Cuba” or "they are yet in use". In reality the MiG-19 were the combat aircrafts
with more short career in Cuba, of alone 4 years, therefore they are received
in November of 1961, and when in 1966 arriving the MiG-21PFM, the MiG-19
are totally retired from the service, passing first to conservation and
after total drop. The same thing occurs in other countries of the socialist
block, therefore the MiG-19 was a problematic fighter, with numerous accidents,
and the very better MiG-21 already was available.
In two FAR MiG-19 lost in accidents, lost the life the soviet advisor Ivan
Ivanovich and the Cuban pilot Ricardo Cabrera Hernandez.
Other legends speak about quantities of 40-65 MiG-19 in Cuba, or about
versions PF, PM and SF, all which is not correct. Alone 12 MiG-19 were
received in total in 1961, all of the version P. By the Missile Crisis
in October of 1962, remained in service 11 MiG-19P, all based in San Antonio
in an Squadron. Today remain two MiG-19P exposed in Cuba. One in the Museum
of the DAAFAR, and another in the san Antonio Air Base, both with the same
original metallic scheme.
Characteristics of the MiG-19P Farmer B
Interceptor version of the basic
MiG-19, but with all weather capacity by the radar RP-1, linked to sight,
for which the nose was extended 360 mm. The pilot seat was armored, and
other improvements. First flight performed August 28, 1954 and since 1955
is incorporated to the armament of the USSR.
Year..........................................................1955
Lenght,m...................................................12,54
Wingspan, m...............................................9,00
Height,m.....................................................3,885
Wing area, m............................................25,00
Weights
Empty weight, kg......................................5,468
Normal take off weight, kg........................7,348
Maximum take off weight, kg....................8,738
Fuel, kg...................................................1,700
Engine....................................2 x Mikulin RD-9B
Dry thrust, kg.....................................2 x 2,600
After burning thrust.............................2 x 3,250 |
Performances
Máximum Speed, km/h..................................1,370
Maximum Speed at sea level, km/h...............1,150
Range, km.....................................................1,474
Maximum Range with aditional fuel, km..........2,318
Ceiling, m....................................................17,600
Climb,m/s.........................................................115
G.........................................................................8
Armamento
Guns......................................2 x NR-30 x 30 mm, with 120
rounds each
Combat Load........................2 x S-5 rockets blocs x 57
mm, or two bombs of 50 to 250 kg |
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San Antonio Air
Base, April 15, 1963. Ceremony of the DAAFAR Day. The third airplane
is the MiG-19P N85, two MiG-15bis are seen too. Courtesy of the soviet
pilot Mijail Isaev.
