The MiG-25P ("Foxbat-A") was the initial single-seat, all-weather interceptor to see service. Power was supplied by a pair of Tumansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojet engines delivering 16,524lbf thrust each and 22,494lbg thrust each with afterburner. Maximum speed was listed at Mach 3.2 (2,170mph) at high altitude and about 740mph at low altitudes. Range was limited to 1,075 miles discounting any use of external fuel stores. Ferry range was up to 2,575km. This MiG-25 model could reach 80,000+ feet with a four missile payload and obtain a rate-of-climb equal to 40,950 feet per minute. Typical armament load was a pair of radar-guided R-40R (AA-6 "Acrid") air-to-air missiles and a pair of infrared-guided R-40T infra-red/semi-active air-to-air missiles. Alternative loads could include the AA-7 "Apex" medium-range, radar-guided and AA-8 "Aphid" short-range, infra-red homing air-to-air missiles.
The MiG-25R ("Foxbat-B") became the single-seat reconnaissance aircraft fielding cameras, ECCM equipment and sensor suites suitable for the role. The reconnaissance model was cleared for acceptance into service as the MiG-25R in April of 1969 - despite flying as a prototype before the interceptor model, the interceptor was first to achieve full-scale production.
In 1968, the MiG-25PU ("Foxbat-C") was delivered to serve as a conversion trainer for MiG-25 pilots. The MiG-25PU was stripped of all of its critical war-making capacity (including radar) and a second cockpit for the instructor was fitted ahead and below the primary cockpit position as found on the original MiG-25 design. The trainer model seated each pilot in a "stepped" arrangement allowing for unfettered views and redundant controls access for both instructor and trainer alike. While being utilized to train MiG-25 pilots in the ways of the Foxbat, the MiG-25PU model went on to prove itself as a valuable weather reconnaissance platform as well. Eventually, the MiG-25PU model would be cleared to fly more hours than her single-seat sisters ever would.
In 1970, the MiG-25RB/RBS ("Reconnaissance Bomber") (also "Foxbat-B") was delivered to replace the MiG-25R reconnaissance types. While still retaining the needed camera suite for reconnaissance sorties, the MiG-25RB was fitted with a Soviet aircraft "first" - an operational inertial navigation system. Additionally, a Peeling automatic bombing system was installed and effectively doubled the potent value of the MiG-25 series as a whole. Not only could the aircraft now scout targets, target areas and engage aerial foes, it could also now engage ground targets with some level of accuracy. The MiG-25RB/RBS model proved quite valuable within the Soviet ranks, enough to see quantitative production up until 1982. MiG-25RBSh was used to signify MiG-25RBS models fitting newer, improved equipment. The MIG-25RBV designation was also used to mark reconnaissance bomber variants with new equipment.
In an unusual production move on the part of the Soviets, a specially designed two-seat trainer - the MiG-25RU - was specifically developed and built in numbers to train future generations of Soviet MiG-25 reconnaissance pilots for their distinct high-speed, high-flying "spy" duties.
Building upon the reconnaissance-minded Foxbat, Mikoyan-Gurevich delivered the MiG-25RBK ("Foxbat-D") into the fray, coupling the camera fittings with passive and active receivers/"Kub" Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) and Sabla radio location systems for ELINT (ELectronic INTelligence) sorties. These models could be identified by the installation of dielectric panels to either side of the forward nose facings, replacing the reconnaissance antennas of previous. Operational status of this new Foxbat type was achieved in 1972 and production would run until 1980. An improved - and final - reconnaissance model appeared with the delivery of the MiG-25RBF featuring an improved jamming suite. Aircraft of this type were either brought up to standard from their MiG-25RB origins or appeared as all-new products to replace the older MiG-25RBK types. MiG-25RBT was another designation reserved for ELINT variants.
In 1972, a SAM (Surface-Air-Missile) suppression Foxbat was unveiled. Soviet authorities were not blind to developments during the Vietnam War, particularly as the United States was involved, and evaluated the changing technological battlefield conditions with great interest. There grew an important role of the "Wild Weasel" to American activities in the skies over Vietnam. These aircraft were modified forms of existing fighter and fighter-bomber types but outfitted for the very special role of suppressing ground-based SAM systems. Mikoyan-Gurevich, therefore, made available the MiG-25BM ("Foxbat-F") series to contend with such suppression. The MiG-25BM was fitted with 4 x Kh-85 (AS-11 "Kilter") anti-radiation missiles that could ride the energy emitted from SAM installations down until impact. To maintain the role, the Synch-M ("Little Owl") radar facility was installed into MiG-25BM airframes. It is believed that less than 100 of the MiG-25BM models were produced during a period ranging from 1982 to 1985. Of these models, all were operational from bases in Poland and East Germany during the latter stages of the Cold War and never offered to export clients - such was the secrecy of their internal make-up and outward capabilities.
The MiG-25PD ("Foxbat-E") eventually became the definitive Foxbat, entering production in 1978. The MiG-25PD was fitted with modernized RP-25 series radar system allowing for "look-down, shoot-down" capability. Additionally, the aircraft received more powerful revised engines as well as Infra-Red, Search and Track (IRST) installed in a mount under the nose assembly. Armament was now a pair of R-40 (AA-6 "Acrid") missiles with 4 x R-60 (AA-8 "Aphid") missiles destined to counter any marauding enemy aircraft. With the unveiling of the Foxbat-E, remaining Foxbat-A model series were brought up to the newer potent standard beginning in 1979 under the in-house designation of MiG-29PDS. The upgrade program served to ensure potency of the MiG-25 worldwide, at least in the short term. Incidentally, the AA-6 "Acrid" missile was specifically designed to target the failed Valkyrie bomber venture of the Americans. The MiG-25BM ("Foxbat-F") was similar in scope and armed with Kh-58 or Kh-31 series air-to-surface missiles.
In 1971, at least four Soviet Foxbats (2 x MiG-25R and 2 x MiG-25RB types) were stationed in ally Egypt to monitor actions over Israeli-held territory in Sinai. The Israeli Air Force could only field the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in response, though their American-built aircraft lacked the operating altitude of the impressive MiG-25, essentially allowing the Foxbats to operate with some impunity. Later, an Egyptian MiG-25 was engaged by Israeli F-4Es though all failed to hit their target with the MiG-25 simply outrunning the missiles. Soviet MiG-25s returned to Egypt for a time in 1973 to undertake reconnaissance sorties during the Yom Kipper War until late in 1974.
The Iraqi Air Force purchased the MiG-25 in quantity and fielded the type in the bloody Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. However, it is unknown as to what capacity or level of success these aircraft held against the Iranian Air Force. It is believed that losses for the MiG-25 were relatively high for the Iraqis as more than a dozen may have been shot down in the war. Conversely, Iraqi Air Force pilot Colonel Mohommed Rayyan earned 8 air kills of his 10 total while flying his MiG-25P model between 1981 and 1986. His "ace" status (5 air kills or more) earned him the nickname of "Sky Falcon" and he remains the most decorated MiG-25 pilot in history.
Saddam Hussein's invasion of oil-rich neighbor Kuwait prompted a gathering of forces under a united coalition banner in 1990. During the ensuing 1991 Gulf War, there was only one confirmed air-to-air victory for a Foxbat pilot. A sole Iraqi Air Force MiG-25PDS successfully engaged and downed a United States Navy F/A-18 Hornet. The Navy pilot - 33-year old Lt Cdr Scott Speicher - became the first American combat casualty of the war on January 17th, 1991. The kill was reportedly accomplished with an R-40TD (AA-6 "Acrid") missile, proving the effectiveness of the Soviet application against even the latest American equipment and training.
Another Iraqi Air Force MiG-25PD avoided engagement with American Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagles and opened up against a General Dynamics EF-111 Raven aircraft that had been providing electronic warfare (EW) support. Three missiles were fired at the Raven crew but all three missed their mark. However, the attack drove the Raven aircraft from the fight and the allied aircraft lost critical support as a result.
A pair of American F-15 Eagles later squared off against a pair of Iraqi MiG-25s. The MiGs launched missiles though the Eagles were able to evade. The Foxbats then proceeded to outrun the Eagles at speed. With the Eagles in chase, another pair of F-15s joined the fray and all launched some 10 missiles total against the Foxbats - again, none hitting their mark. Ultimately, three MiG-25s were finally downed by American USAF F-15 crews - two during actions in the Gulf War proper and a further downed by an F-16 Fighting Falcon during patrol of the post-war "No-Fly Zone" over Southern Iraq.
On December 23rd, 2002, an Iraqi Air Force MiG-25 downed an armed MQ-1 Predator drone undertaking a reconnaissance sortie over Iraq. This went down in history as the first downing of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by aircraft. The Predator did manage to fire off one of its AIM-92 Stinger short-range, anti-aircraft missiles but without success in achieving a hit.
While the MiG-25 Foxbat has seen the pinnacle of its operating life, there are several current operators of the system including its originator - Russia. Russia maintains a stable of some 42 examples currently in active service. Other current operators include Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Syria and Turkmenistan. Algeria received 48 MiG-25s from Ukraine though less than a dozen are believed operational today. Of the others in circulation, data is lesser known as to their level of operational readiness.
Former operators of the MiG-25 include Bulgaria, Belarus, India, Iraq, Georgia, Libya, the Soviet Union and Ukraine. At one point, Bulgaria traded several MiG-25s for MiG-23 "Flogger" interceptors. Belarus has since retired their rather large fleet of 50 MiG-25s. India received the MiG-25 in 1981 but these were inevitably retired in 2006 as satellites overtook their intended high-level spying role. Iraq held at least 35 MiG-25s before January of 1991 - most of these were destroyed while still on the ground. In the later 2003 American invasion of Iraq, any remaining MiG-25s were found buried in the sand to avoid destruction. It is unknown exactly how many MiG-25s were operated by oil-rich Libya though 60 is the presumed number. As with other MiG-25 operators, their fate is largely unknown. Ukraine absorbed some 79 MiG-25 Foxbats (among other aircraft) after the collapse of the Soviet Union - these have either been retired, scrapped or sold off to countries in need of such an aged, expensive mount.
Without a doubt, the Soviet Union remained the largest operator of their own MiG-25. The type served with the Soviet Air Force as well as Soviet Anti-Air Defense elements and played a critical role in the latter stages of the Cold War. Despite the failure of the North American Valkyrie design, the Mi-25 still served as a deterrent to SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 spy plane over flights regularly conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency and still proved a threat to more modern strategic offerings including the Rockwell B-1 swing-wing strategic bomber.
A recovered, though wingless, MiG-25 aircraft from Operation Iraqi Freedom is currently undergoing restoration for display at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio - soon to join the XB-70A Valkyrie on display there. The example was found in 2003 and given to the museum in 2006.
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