Let’s Explore The Russian High-Speed MiG-25 And MiG-31 And Discover The Thrill Of Pushing The Limits Of What’s Possible. These Aircraft Are Not Just Machines, But A Testament To The Human Spirit Of Innovation And Exploration. As We Delve Deeper Into Their Design And Capabilities, We Began To Understand The Sheer Magnitude Of Their Power And Beauty. With Their Rugged Designs And Advanced Engineering, These Aircraft Have Proven Their Worth As Formidable Weapons Of War, Capable Of Flying At Incredible Speeds And Altitudes.
Let’s Explore The Russian High-Speed MiG-25 And MiG-31 where The MiG-25, known by its NATO reporting name as the Foxbat, was a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was designed by the Soviet Union’s Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau. It was developed in response to the need for an aircraft that could intercept and engage the high-altitude reconnaissance planes of the United States. Later, the aircraft also saw use in ground attack and air-to-air roles. The MiG-25 was first introduced in the 1970s and was one of the fastest aircraft of its time, capable of reaching speeds of over Mach 3.
And the MiG-31, also known as the Foxhound, is a supersonic interceptor aircraft that was developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the earlier MiG-25. It was designed to provide improved performance, particularly in terms of speed and altitude, as well as better avionics and weapons systems. The MiG-31 was introduced in the early 1980s and is still in service with the Russian Air Force today. It has been used in a variety of roles, including air defence and interception, reconnaissance, and even as a platform for anti-satellite weapons testing.
Photo Credit: military today / Let’s Explore The Russian High-Speed MiG-25 And MiG-31
The MiG-25 Foxbat Design And Development Phase:
During the Cold War, the Soviet Air Defence Forces were given the task of strategic air defence for the USSR. This meant not only dealing with accidental border violations but also, more importantly, defending the vast airspace of the USSR against US reconnaissance aircraft and strategic bombers carrying free-fall nuclear bombs.
In the late 1950s, the very high altitude overflights of Soviet territory by the Lockheed U-2 revealed the need for a higher altitude interceptor aircraft than was available at that time. It was at this exact time that the USSR was bound to design and develop a mighty super-fast interceptor to overcome this challenge, hence the inception of the MiG-25 came into existence.
The first prototype of the MiG-25 flew in 1964, and the aircraft entered service in 1970. Its operational top speed is Mach 2.83. Although its thrust was sufficient to reach Mach 3.2+, its speed was limited to prevent engines from overheating at higher air speeds and possibly damaging them beyond repair. The MiG-25 features a powerful radar and four air-to-air missiles, and it was theoretically capable of reaching a ceiling of 27 km ( 89,000 ft ).
Production of the MiG-25 series ended in 1984 after the completion of 1,186 aircraft in total. The MiG-25 became a symbol of the Cold War and was flown by Soviet allies and former Soviet republics, remaining in limited service with several export customers.
It is one of the highest-flying military aircraft, one of the fastest serially produced interceptor aircraft, and the second-fastest serially produced aircraft after the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft, which was built in a very small series compared to the MiG-25. As of 2018, the MiG-25 remains the fastest manned serially produced aircraft in operational use and the fastest plane that was offered for supersonic and edge-of-space flights to civilian customers.
Photo Credit: IAF
Some Additional Facts About The MiG-25:
The development of the MiG-25 was kept highly classified, and the plane was shrouded in mystery for many years. When it first appeared in the skies over the Middle East in the 1970s, it was nicknamed the “Foxbat” by NATO pilots who had never seen anything like it before.
The MiG-25 was designed to intercept high-flying U.S. spy planes like the U-2 and the SR-71. To achieve this, it was built with a unique combination of speed, altitude, and range capabilities.
The MiG-25’s engines were so powerful that they required a special fuel mixture to operate, which was composed of 70% kerosene and 30% benzene. This fuel mixture was highly volatile and required strict handling procedures.
The MiG-25 set several world records during its time in service, including the altitude record for a jet-powered aircraft (37,650 meters or 123,523 feet) and the speed record for a climb to altitude ( 29,000 meters or 95,000 feet in just over 3 minutes ).
The MiG-25 was involved in several high-profile incidents during its service, including the defection of Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko to Japan in 1976. Belenko flew his MiG-25 to Japan and provided valuable intelligence to the U.S. about the plane’s capabilities.
This incident was considered a major security breach by the Soviet Union, and they subsequently halted further production of the MiG-25. Despite its impressive speed and altitude capabilities, the MiG-25 was not a very manoeuvrable plane and was vulnerable to more modern air defence systems. As a result, it was gradually phased out of service in the 1990s and replaced by more advanced planes like the MiG-31.
Photo Credit: AirPra Own
Countries That Have Used The MiG-25 Foxbat:
Apart from Russia, there were a total of 12 countries that used this fast-flying aircraft, including India.
The Indian Air Force ( IAF ) did operate a small number of MiG-25RB Foxbat aircraft, which were acquired in the 1980s ( Took delivery of six MiG-25RBKs and two MiG-25RUs in 1981 ). The primary role of the MiG-25RB in the IAF was as a reconnaissance aircraft, and they were used for aerial reconnaissance missions along India’s northern borders with China and Pakistan.
The IAF’s MiG-25RB fleet was based at the Bareilly Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh and was operated by №102 Squadron, which was nicknamed “Trisonics”. However, the MiG-25s were retired from service by the IAF in 2006, after more than two decades of service. However, It should be noted that the MiG-25RB was not a very popular aircraft in the IAF, due to its limited capabilities and high maintenance requirements.
But only a few pilots had the opportunity to fly this mighty aircraft. Here is a quote “ From the height at which we fly, you can see the entire Himalayan range in one go. No aircraft has ever been able to achieve for us what the Foxbat has.” _ Wing Commander Sanjeev Taliyan, Indian Air Force
Photo Credit: AirPra Own
The MiG-25 Foxbat Technical Specifications:
- Pilot: 1
- Length: 78 ft 2 in ( 23.82 m )
- Wingspan: 46 ft ( 14.02 m )
- Height: 20 ft ( 6.1 m )
- Empty Weight: 20,000 kg ( 44,092 lb )
- Max Takeoff Weight: 36,720 kg ( 80,952 lb ) with four R-40 ( AA-6 ) Air-to-air missile
- Payload: 4,000 kg ( 8,818 lb )
- Hardpoints: 4
- Powerplant: 2 × Tumansky R-15BD-300 afterburning turbojet engines, 73.5 kN ( 16,500 lb ) thrust each dry, and 109.83 kN ( 24,691 lb ) with afterburner
- Max Speed: Mach 2.83 ( 3,000 km/h ) and ( 1,300 km/h ) at Sea level
- Combat range: 1,860 km (1,160 miles ) at Mach 0.9 Subsonic speed and 1,630 km ( 1,013 miles ) at Mach 2.35 supersonic speed
- Ferry range: 2,575 km ( 1,600 miles ) with endurance of 2 hours 5 min
- Service ceiling: 20,700 m ( 67,900 ft ) with four missiles
- Rate Of Climb: 208 m/s ( 40,900 ft/min )
- g limits: +4.5 supersonic
- Armament: On its four total hardpoints, it was specifically designed to carry AAMs such as the R-40 ( AA-6 Acrid ) and R-60 ( AA-8 Aphid )
Photo Credit: military today
The MiG-31 Foxhound Design And Development Phase:
The MiG-31 is a replacement for the older MiG-25 “Foxbat” that was designed by the Mikoyan design bureau. It is based on and shares design cues with the MiG-25. The MiG-31 is one of the world’s swiftest combat aircraft. After the Cold War ended and the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, it is still run by the Russian and Kazakh Air Forces. The MiG-31 is expected to stay in service until 2030 or later, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, which reaffirmed this in 2020 when it was announced that the service lifetime of the current airframes would be increased from 2,500 to 3,500 hours.
The MiG-25 was a powerful plane, but the team that designed it wanted to create something even better. They started working on the MiG-31, and the first version was tested in 1975. It may have looked similar to the MiG-25, but the MiG-31 was a new design that was built with a longer fuselage to fit a radar operator’s cockpit. One of the most impressive features of the MiG-31 was its advanced radar system, which could track multiple targets and shoot down low-flying planes and missiles from both above and below.
This was a big deal because it gave the Soviet Union an advantage over its Western enemies. The MiG-31 was used to replace an older plane called the Tu-128, and it was far superior because it had better sensors and weapons. It could also fly much farther than the MiG-25, almost twice as far in fact!
The Production Phase:
After successfully testing the MiG-31, it went into full production in 1979. The first batch of planes included a whopping 519 units, with 349 being “baseline models.” These were built at the Sokol plant from 1976 to 1988. A second batch of 101 planes, called the MiG-31DZs, was produced from 1989 to 1991. The final batch of 69 planes, called the MiG-31B, was produced between 1990 and 1994.
After the Soviet Union was dissolved, the Kazakhstan Air Force held onto 50 of these planes. Out of the baseline models, 40 were upgraded to the MiG-31BS standard. It’s worth noting that the MiG-31 was a big deal in its day, and it was produced for nearly two decades until 1994 when production ended.
Photo Credit: military today
The Design Phase:
The design of the MiG-31 was based on its predecessor, the MiG-25, but with significant improvements. One of the most notable changes was the addition of a second cockpit, which allowed for a dedicated radar operator to assist the pilot. This extra space added to the overall length of the aircraft, which gave it a sleek, streamlined look.
Although the MiG-31 was based on the design of the MiG-25, it had several key differences in wing design. The MiG-31 had a larger wingspan and more swept-back wings than the MiG-25. This gave it better stability at high speeds and improved manoeuvrability.
The wings of the MiG-31 were also equipped with leading-edge extensions, or LERX, which helped to improve airflow over the wing and increase lift. This allowed the aircraft to maintain stable flight at low speeds, reduced drag and high angles of attack, which was important for intercepting low-flying targets.
The MiG-31 also had a more advanced avionics system than the MiG-25, including a powerful radar that could track multiple targets simultaneously. This radar could detect and engage targets both above and below the aircraft, making it a formidable interceptor against low-flying cruise missiles and bombers. The MiG-31 has eight hard points ( 4 underwing pylons and four semi-recessed under the fuselage ) for carrying air-to-air missiles.
In terms of performance, the MiG-31 was one of the fastest aircraft of its time, capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.83. It had a maximum range of around 1,450 miles and could operate at altitudes of up to 66,000 feet. This made it an ideal long-range interceptor for the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Overall, the design of the MiG-31 was a significant improvement over its predecessor, with advanced avionics, an additional cockpit, and improved performance that made it one of the most capable interceptors of its time.
Photo Credit: Aviation_Military_aircraft
Advanced Cockpit Design:
The aircraft is a two-seater with the rear seat occupant controlling the radar. Although cockpit controls are duplicated across cockpits, it is normal for the aircraft to be flown only from the front seat. The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a centre stick and left-hand throttles. The rear cockpit has only two small vision ports on the sides of the canopy.
The presence of the WSO ( weapon systems operator ) in the rear cockpit improves aircraft effectiveness since the WSO is entirely dedicated to radar operations and weapons deployment, thus decreasing the workload of the pilot and increasing efficiency. Both cockpits are fitted with zero/zero ejection seats which allow the crew to eject at any altitude and airspeed.
The MiG-31 was the first operational fighter in the world to use the Zaslon S-800 passive electronically scanned array ( PESA ) radar. It can track up to 10 targets and simultaneously attack four of them with its Vympel R-33 missiles. Its maximum range versus fighter-sized targets is roughly 200 km (120 mi). A retractable under-nose fairing houses an infrared search and track ( IRST ) device that is paired with the radar.
It’s amazing that the MiG-31 can detect targets up to 200 kilometres away and cover an area of 225 kilometres in width. With just four of these planes, they can monitor and protect a huge stretch of airspace spanning up to 900 kilometres in length, which is about the distance from New York City to Chicago.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Present Operations As Of 2023:
According to reports, numerous Ukrainian aircraft fell victim to MiG-31 aircraft during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, utilizing the formidable long-range R-37 air-to-air missiles. The Ukrainian fighters’ limited range, speed, and altitude proved to be no match for the MiG-31s, which operated virtually unopposed at high speeds and altitudes, making them a dominant force in the air.
Although the MiG-31 was an important aircraft used in the conflict, other Russian fighter jets such as the Su-30,Su-34 and Su-35 were also used. However, the MiG-31 played a crucial role in giving the Russian forces air superiority over a large portion of Ukraine. This made it challenging for the Ukrainian military to conduct their own air operations effectively.
The MiG-31 Foxhound Technical Specifications:
- Pilot: 2 ( A pilot and a systems officer for weaponry )
- Length: 74 ft 3 in ( 22.62 M )
- Wingspan: 44 ft 2 in ( 13.45 m )
- Height: 21 ft 2 in ( 6.45 m )
- Empty Weight: 21,820 kg ( 48,105 lb )
- Max Takeoff Weight: 46,200 kg ( 101,854 lb )
- Payload: 9,000 kg ( 20,000 lb )
- Hardpoints: 8
- Powerplant: 2 × Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines, 93 kN ( 21,000 lb ) thrust each dry, and 152 kN ( 34,000 lb ) with afterburner
- Max Speed: Mach 2.83 ( 3,000 km/h ) and Mach 1.21 ( 1,500 km/h ) at Sea level
- Combat range: 1,450 km ( 900 miles ) at Mach 0.9 Subsonic speed and 720 km ( 450 miles ) at Mach 2.35 supersonic speed
- Ferry range: 3,000 km ( 1,900 miles ) with endurance of 2 hours 16 min
- Service ceiling: 82,000 ft ( 25,000 m )
- Rate Of Climb: 288 m/s ( 56,700 ft/min )
- g limits: +5 supersonic
- Armament: 4 × semi-recessed under the fuselage and 4 × underwing pylons with an estimated capacity of up to 9,000 kg ( 20,000 lb ) of ordnance, with provisions to carry combinations of AAM ( like R-33, R-40, R-60, R-73, R-77 ) and ASM ( like Kh-58 and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ) missile
Photo Credit: Hesja Air-Art Photography
In conclusion, the MiG-25 and MiG-31 are two remarkable supersonic interceptor aircraft developed by the Soviet Union/Russia. While the MiG-25 was a high-speed interceptor designed for intercepting and reconnaissance aircraft, the MiG-31 is an advanced long-range interceptor only, capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously. Both aircraft have made significant contributions to the aviation industry and military operations.
The MiG-31, in particular, is still considered one of the most powerful and advanced fighter jets in operation today. Its unmatched speed, altitude, and range, combined with its advanced weapons systems, make it a crucial asset for the Russian Air Force for sure. As technology continues to advance, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for supersonic aircraft and their continued evolution in the aviation industry.
