MiG-25P

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1964 · fighter

The MiG-25P ('Foxbat-A') is the dedicated interceptor variant of the Mikoyan MiG-25, the world's fastest operational jet aircraft and a product of Cold War urgency to counter the B-70 Valkyrie threat.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	19.75 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

Massive twin-engine interceptor with large rectangular intake cheeks
High-mounted swept wing with prominent anhedral on the outer panels
Twin fin arrangement with outward-canted rudders

Unmistakable: enormous bulk with huge rectangular intakes flanking the fuselage. High wing with marked anhedral outer panels. Twin vertical fins canted slightly outward. Long pointed nose radome.

Specifications

The MiG-25P has a length of 19.75 m (65 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.02 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 3000 km/h (1864 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

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

History

The MiG-25P entered Soviet service in 1970, carrying the massive Smerch-A radar and four R-40 missiles for high-altitude, high-speed interception. When Lieutenant Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with a MiG-25P in 1976, the West discovered that the aircraft used vacuum tubes for electronics — chosen for resistance to nuclear EMP — and that its Mach 3 capability came at enormous structural cost.

Variants

MiG-25P (initial interceptor), MiG-25PD (upgraded radar/engines), MiG-25PU (dual-control trainer), MiG-25R/RB/RBK/RU (reconnaissance family).

Where you'll see it

Soviet Air Defence Forces from 1970; exported to Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Syria, India. Iraq flew combat sorties during Gulf War. Most have been retired.

Related aircraft

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