MiG-25PU

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1969 · fighter

The MiG-25PU ('Foxbat-C') is the two-seat conversion trainer derivative of the MiG-25 interceptor, with the radar removed and a second cockpit added for the instructor in the forward position.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	Stepped tandem cockpit in a modified forward fuselage without radar
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

Two-seat dual-control trainer variant of the MiG-25 with a raised second cockpit
Stepped tandem cockpit in a modified forward fuselage without radar
Same distinctive high-wing, twin-fin, large-intake layout

Distinctly different nose from single-seaters: two stepped cockpits side by side in tandem, raised rear cockpit. No nose radar. Same immense fuselage, intakes, and twin fins.

Specifications

The MiG-25PU has a length of 22 m (72 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.02 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 2650 km/h (1647 mph).
Typical crew: 2 (tandem).

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

History

The PU variant was required because the MiG-25's demanding high-speed flight envelope needed supervised dual-control training before solo operations. The second cockpit is raised to give the instructor adequate forward visibility. Several were also used as testbeds and high-altitude research platforms, including for cosmonaut training sorties.

Variants

MiG-25PU (interceptor trainer); MiG-25RU (reconnaissance trainer, equivalent modification of the MiG-25R airframe).

Where you'll see it

Soviet Air Defence Forces and various export operators. Used for conversion training and high-altitude research. Marina Popovich used one to set several women's speed and altitude records.

Related aircraft

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