MiG 15P bis / SP 5

This MiG-15 bis was used as a test bed for the RP-1 Izumrud ("emer­ald") ranging radar developed by V. V. Tikhomirov in 1950. This radar had two antennae, one that scanned the sky for its target and one that could track enemy aircraft automatically. The scanning antenna was housed in a dielectric radome at the top of the engine air intake; the tracking antenna was set into a small, streamlined compartment in the air intake partition. The radar rack was in the equipment bay, in front of the cockpit. Radar control and target acquisition were automatic, but only the pilot could determine the distance and open fire. Like the SP – 1, the SP-5 had only one cannon. Because the Izumrud proved to be easier to operate and much more reliable than the Toriy, series produc­tion was recommended. It would later be used for both the MiG-17 and the MiG-19.

MiG 15 bis / S0/SA-1/SA 3/SA 4

These four designations were given to production MiG-15 bis’s used as test beds for various equipment and systems. They did not differ exter­nally.