MiG-25R
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1964 · reconnaissance aircraft
The MiG-25R ('Foxbat-B') is the strategic photo-reconnaissance variant of the MiG-25, with the radar replaced by cameras and electronic intelligence sensors in a longer, flat-bottomed nose.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 21.55 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Reconnaissance MiG-25 with a reshaped, camera-laden nose lacking a radar dish
- Five-camera nose section with flat underbelly windows
- Same massive twin-fin, high-wing airframe as the interceptor
Longer nose than the MiG-25P with flat undersurface camera windows; no radar dish. Otherwise identical massive high-wing twin-fin silhouette. Can carry bombs on underwing pylons in RB variant.
Specifications
- The MiG-25R has a length of 21.55 m (71 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
Soviet overflights of the Middle East in the early 1970s by MiG-25Rs demonstrated to the West that the aircraft was essentially untouchable at altitude and speed. The variant carried five cameras and an ELINT system, replacing the heavy radar of the interceptor. Pre-production aircraft flew over Egypt and Israel in 1971, creating alarm in Israeli air defence circles.
Variants
MiG-25R (baseline photo-recon), MiG-25RB (added bomb delivery capability), MiG-25RBK (ELINT sensors), MiG-25RBT and RBS (further ELINT/SLAR fits), MiG-25RU (two-seat trainer).
Where you'll see it
Soviet Air Force strategic reconnaissance regiments from the early 1970s. Exported to Libya and India. Soviet examples flew over China and other adversaries during the Cold War.
Related aircraft
- MiG-21FL
- MiG-21PFM
- MiG-25
- MiG-25P
- Lockheed D-21
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
- RC-135 Rivet Joint
- RC-135V Rivet Joint
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