What is mig 25?
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-25; NATO reporting name: Foxbat) is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was among the fastest military aircraft ever to enter service. Designed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, it was one of the symbols of the Cold War, shocking Western analysts with its speed and capabilities.
Key aspects of the MiG-25:
- Role: Primarily designed as a high-speed, high-altitude interceptor to counter American reconnaissance aircraft like the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Lockheed%20SR-71%20Blackbird">Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird</a> and the then-projected XB-70 Valkyrie bomber. Later variants included reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
- Speed: One of the fastest combat aircraft ever built, with a maximum speed of Mach 3.2 (although operationally limited to Mach 2.83 to prevent engine damage).
- Design: Constructed largely of nickel-steel alloy due to the high temperatures generated at high speeds. Features large wings for high-altitude flight and powerful engines.
- Radar: Equipped with a powerful radar system, originally designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously. The original radar was a powerful but relatively crude vacuum tube-based system.
- Variants: Several variants were produced, including the MiG-25P (interceptor), MiG-25R (reconnaissance), and MiG-25BM (suppression of enemy air defenses).
- Service History: Widely exported to Soviet allies and saw combat in various conflicts, including the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Iran–Iraq%20War">Iran–Iraq War</a> and the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Persian%20Gulf%20War">Persian Gulf War</a>.
- Defection: The defection of a MiG-25P to Japan in 1976 allowed Western analysts to closely examine the aircraft and revealed both its strengths and weaknesses. This led to the development of improved Western fighters.
- Operators: Served with numerous air forces, including the Soviet Union/Russia, Algeria, Syria, Libya, and others. Some remain in limited service today.