MiG-25
The MiG-25 (NATO reporting name: Foxbat) is a Soviet-designed supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft that was developed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) design bureau in the 1960s. Here are some of its key features:
1. High Speed: The MiG-25 is renowned for its exceptional speed. It can reach speeds of over Mach 2.8 (around 3,500 km/h or 2,200 mph) at high altitude, making it one of the fastest military aircraft ever built.
2. High Altitude Performance: It is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 80,000 feet (24,000 meters). This high altitude capability allows it to effectively intercept high-flying targets such as reconnaissance aircraft or bombers.
3. Powerful Engines: The MiG-25 is powered by two Tumansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojet engines, which provide it with the thrust necessary for its high-speed performance.
4. Long Range: It has a considerable range, allowing it to cover vast distances in a single mission, making it suitable for both interception and reconnaissance roles.
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5. Heavy Armament: The MiG-25 is armed with a variety of air-to-air missiles, including the R-40 (AA-6 'Acrid') and R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid'). It can carry a mix of missiles under its wings and fuselage to engage different types of targets.
6. Rugged Construction: The MiG-25 was built with a robust design to withstand the stresses of high-speed, high-altitude flight. It has a combination of steel and titanium in its construction to handle the high temperatures generated during supersonic flight.
7. Limited Maneuverability: While it excels in speed and altitude, the MiG-25 is not known for its agility or maneuverability. Its design prioritizes speed and interception capability over dogfighting prowess.
8. Reconnaissance Variant: In addition to its interceptor role, the MiG-25 also served as a reconnaissance aircraft. It was equipped with cameras and other sensors for intelligence-gathering missions.
Overall, the MiG-25 represented a significant leap forward in Soviet aviation technology when it was introduced, and it remained a potent asset in the Cold War era. Its combination of speed, altitude, and heavy armament made it a formidable opponent and a valuable asset for Soviet air defense and reconnaissance missions.