Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-25
From Scramble - The Aviation Magazine
| MiG-25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Interceptor, reconnaissance | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| First Flight | March 6, 1964 | |
| Entered Service | ? | |
| Number built | 1190 | |
| Manufacturer | Mikoyan Gurevich | |
| Dimensions | ||
| For MiG-25R | ||
| Length | 21.55 m | 70ft 8in |
| Wingspan | 13.38 m | 43ft 11in |
| Height | 6.50 m | 21ft 4in |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | kg | lb |
| Loaded | 37000 kg | 81570lb |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 41200 kg | 90830lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | two Soyuz/Tumansky R-15BD-300 turbojets | |
| Thrust | 86.3kN (each) | 19400lbf (each) |
| Afterburner | 109.75kN (each) | 24675lbf (each) |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed; | ||
| at height | 3000 km/h | 1865mph |
| at sea level | 1200 km/h | 745mph |
| Operational range; | ||
| Supersonic | 1635 km | 1015 miles |
| Subsonic | 1865 km | 1158 miles |
| Service ceiling | 21000 m | 68900ft |
ASCC/NATO reporting name
Foxbat
Basic operational task
Single-seat interceptor, reconnaissance aircraft and two-seat conversion trainer.
Program
The design for the aircraft started in 1959 as the Ye-155P supersonic high-altitude interceptor to counter all potential threats, from cruise missiles to A-11 (SR-71A reconnaissance aircraft) under US development, the program was launched officially in February 1962. The Ye-155R reconnaissance version was designed and built in 1961-62. Prototype Ye-155R-1 was first to fly 6 March 1964, the Ye-155P-1 interceptor prototype flew 9 September 1964. These two Ye-155s had R-15B-2-300 engines, the Type 99 (Ye-155M) experimental aircraft had D-30F6 turbofans. Production, as MiG-25/25R series, was completed in the mid-1980s. The interceptor versions were replaced by MiG-31s in the Russian Air Force.
Versions
MiG-25P (Type 84?) Foxbat-A
The MiG-25P was fitted with the "RP-25 Smerch-A1", which had a detection range of 100 kilometers (62m) and a tracking range of 50 kilometers (31m). Later MiG-25P production featured modestly improved Smerch-A2 and then Smerch-A3 radars. Other avionics included a Polyot 1L inertial navigation system (INS), working in conjunction with radio navigation aids, a Sirena S-3M radar homing and warning system (RHAWS). HF and UHF radios, an identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder system, low and high altitude radar altimeters and a cockpit voice recorder. A MiG-25P would be directed to a target area automatically, with ground controllers using the aircraft's Vozdookh 1 and Lazur radio links. The links were integrated into the aircraft's Polyot 1L INS, making the MiG-25P effectively a "manned missile".
MiG-25RB (Type 02B) Foxbat-B
A single-seat high-altitude reconnaissance-bomber, derived from the Ye-155R-1 prototype. Production began as the MiG-25R (Type 02), for reconnaissance only, in 1969. Bombing capability was added to the redesignated RB in 1970. No guns or air-to-air missiles. R-15BD-300 turbojets. Any one of three interchangeable photographic/elint modules, with five camera windows and flush dielectric panels, carried aft of the small dielectric nosecap, instead of interceptor's Smertch radar. Slightly reduced wing span, wing leading-edge sweep constant 41° from root to tip; The first aircraft produced in the former USSR with INS updated by Doppler. A specially developed automatic bombing system makes it possible for all-weather day/night precision attacks at supersonic speed from heights above 20,000 m (65,600 ft) against targets with known geographic co-ordinates, carrying 2,000 to 5,000 kg (4,410 to 11,020 lb) of 500 kg bombs under the wings and fuselage, depending on the aircraft series. SRS-4B elint equipment. A fuel tank in each fin, providing an additional 700 litres (185 US gallons or 154 Imp gallons) capacity, provisions for a 5,300 litre (1,400 US gallon or 1,165 Imp gallon) underbelly tank. The aircraft is able to fly long distances at a cruising speed of Mach 2.35 and the maximum speed is Mach 2.83 with a full bomb load.
MiG-25RBV (Type 02B) Foxbat-B
MiG-25RBT (Type 02T) Foxbat-B
Both as the MiG-25RB, with different equipment, including SRS-9 elint on RBV (V for Virazh SLAR) and Tangazh elint on RBT. Produced 1978-82.
MiG-25PU (Type 39) Foxbat-C'
Training version of the original MiG-25P interceptor; with a redesigned nose section containing a separate cockpit with individual canopy for the instructor, forward of the standard cockpit and at a lower level. No armament, but weapon release simulation standard. Some systems modified and updated, permitting simulation of failures. No radar in the nose. First roll-out 1968. The maximum speed is limited to Mach 2.65.
MiG-25RU (Type 22) Foxbat-C
Training version of the MiG-25R, identical to the MiG-25PU except for the absence of the combat simulation system. Holds no reconnaissance sensors. First roll-out 1972.
MiG-25RBK (Type 02K) Foxbat-D
Produced simultaneously with the RB series in 1971-80. The reconnaissance modules contain different elint (the K of the designation stands for the Kub SLAR) and other avionics and no cameras. Has modified cockpit, electrical and air conditioning systems. The bombing capability was retained.
MiG-25RBS (Type 02S) Foxbat-D
Same as the MiG-25RBK but with Sabla SLAR. Was in production 1971-77. All RBSs were upgraded to MiG-25RBSh (Type 02SH) with Shompol SLAR during servicing from 1981 on.
MiG-25RBSh (Type 02SH) Foxbat-D
See above.
MiG-25RBF (Type 02F) Foxbat-D
Updated MiG-25RB, conversions from 1981. Generally the same to MiG-25RBK standard, but with Shar elint instead of Kub.
MiG-25BM (Type 02M) Foxbat-F
Defence suppression aircraft derived from the MiG-25RB, development started 1972. It was produced from 1982-85. ECM in place of the reconnaissance module in a 0.72 m (2 ft 4{1/4} in) longer nose, with a dielectric panel on each side, a small blister on each side at the rear of the radome, a dielectric panel at the front of each outboard weapon pylon. The underbelly auxiliary fuel tank same as in the MiG-25R series. Four Kh-58 (AS-11 “Kilter”) anti-radiation missiles underwing to attack surface-to-air missile radars over standoff ranges. Weights and performance almost identical to the RB version.
MiG-25PD (Type 84?) Foxbat-E
The type designation "D" stands for "Dorabottannii (Upgraded)". The MiG-25PD was introduced into service in 1979, Fitted with the new RP-25M Saphir 25 radar, based on the Saphir-23 developed for the MiG-23 fighter. It was a great improvement over the Smerch-A, having slightly greater range and, more significantly, pulse-Doppler operation to provide a look-down / shoot-down capability. Slightly bigger nose to accommodate the new radar. The Saphir 25 was complemented in later MiG-25PD production by a TP-26Sh-1 "infrared search & track (IRST)" sensor mounted under the nose to provide passive target detection and tracking. There had been upgrades in other avionics systems during MiG-25P production, and the MiG-25PD was fitted with the most up-to-date standard of radios, navigation systems, datalinks, and IFF. It also could carry improved R-40R and R-40T AAMs featuring more sophisticated seekers, these updated weapons being designated "R-40RD" and "R-40TD" respectively. In addition, the MiG-25PD could carry an alternate warload of two R-40s and four R-60 ("AA-8 Aphid") short-range heatseeking AAMs, with the Aphids replacing the outboard R-40s and carried on a dual stores rack. Other improvements: R15BD-300 engines, with no increase in thrust but modernized gearboxes, and the ability to carry an oversized 5,300 liter (1,400 US gallon) belly tank.
MiG-25PDS (type ?) Foxbat-E
Older MiG-25Ps were updated to a similar specification as the MiG-25PD and given the new designation of MiG-25PDS, with the "DS" standing for "Dorabottannii v Stroyou (Field Upgrade)".
Operators
In 2002, Russia still operated 40 for reconnaissance and ECM. Other export customers for the Mig-25 were Algeria (“Foxbat-A/B”), India (“Foxbat-B/C”, retired in 2005?), Iraq (“Foxbat-A”), Libya (“Foxbat-A/B/E”) and Syria (“Foxbat-A/B”). Bulgaria (“Foxbat-B/C”) also operated the MiG-25 for a short while, but after losing one in an accident and the fall of the Iron Curtain, the remaining were returned in exchange for MiG-23 aircraft.
Technical information
Power plant
Two Soyuz/Tumansky R-15BD-300 turbojets, each rated at 86.30 kN (19,400 lb st) dry, 109.75 kN (24,675 lb st) with afterburning.
Fuel
Fuel in two welded structural tanks occupying 70 per cent of the volume of the fuselage, between the cockpit and the engine bay, in saddle tanks around the intake ducts, and in an integral tank in each wing, filling almost the entire volume inboard of the outer fence. A total capacity 17,660 litres (4,665 US gallons or 3,885 Imp gallons). Single-point fuelling. Provisions for a 5,300 litre (1,400 US gallon or 1,165 Imp gallon) underbelly tank.
Crew
Pilot only, on a KM-1 zero-height/70 to 675 knots (130 to 1,250 km/h or 80 to 775 mph) ejection seat (also in the MiG-21 series). Later models fitted with the KM-1M series seat. The canopy is hinged to open sideways, to starboard.
Armament
(For the MiG-25PDS) Four underwing hardpoints can carry a total ordnance load of 4000kg (9635lb). Typical interceptor configuration of two R-40 (AA-6 “Acrid”) and four R-60 (AA-8 “Aphid”) AAMs, or alternatively can carry four R-40s, or two R-23s (AA-7 “Apex”) and four R-73A (AA-11 “Archer”) AAMs.
Combat
In Russian service, the MiG-25 saw limited combat in the Afghanistan conflict, mainly in the reconnaissance role. It also saw limited combat in Iraqi service, with some losses to the Allied forces, although one example managed to shoot down a US Navy F/A-18 Hornet in the first Gulf War, which was the only confirmed kill for the Iraqi Air Force in the whole conflict. In the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and it’s neighbours there has been some air to air combat, with Israeli F-15 Eagles claiming one MiG-25 kill (confirmed) and the Syrians claiming one F-15 Eagle (unconfirmed, most sources claim the F-15 Eagle has not suffered any A/A combat losses to date).
Images
 A dual seat MiG-25RU approaching Werneuchen |
