The MiG-25PD is a twin-engine, single-seat, supersonic interceptor developed and manufactured by aerospace group Mikoyan-Gurevich of the Soviet Union. The MiG-25 prototype took its maiden flight on March 6, 1964, and it entered service in 1970. It set 29 speed and altitude records, several of which remain standing to this day.
The MiG-25 was developed to fulfill three primary roles: high-altitude interception of supersonic strategic bombers, reconnaissance, and deep strike. The Soviets primarily sought to counter the capabilities of the emerging threats posed by America’s Convair B-58 Hustler and the North American B-70 Valkyrie, the latter of which never proceeded past the prototype (XB-70) phase. Due to its high-altitude capabilities and speed, Mikoyan-Gurevich also developed strategic reconnaissance and long-range strike variants. In addition to the Soviet Union, the militaries of several countries have operated the MiG-25, including Ukraine, India, and Bulgaria. It remains in service with the Syrian Air Force.
Engineers developed the MiG-25 to be as fast and high flying as possible. The group based the aircraft around the output capability of two Tumansky R-15 engines, enormously powerful afterburning turbojets. To accommodate the two powerplants, engineers crafted an exceptionally large airframe with broad wings. Mikoyan-Gurevich constructed the MiG-25 primarily out of stainless steel to ensure structural integrity under the high temperatures generated by aerodynamic friction at high speeds. It can fly at up to Mach 3.2, although speeds beyond Mach 2.83 damage the engines. In 1977, a specially modified MiG-25 set an absolute altitude record of 123,524 feet (37,650 meters) above sea level, which remains unbroken to this day.
The MiG-25 features a swept main wing design, an empennage comprising two vertical stabilizers, and enormous twin intakes. Mikoyan-Gurevich developed several variants to fulfill its various roles, both one- and two-seat versions. The MiG-25PD is an all-weather interceptor that entered service in 1979 and boasts improved engines, radar, and avionics. It can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles.
The MiG-25PD measures 78 feet, 2 inches in length, stands 20 feet tall, and has a wingspan of 46 feet. It is powered by two Turmansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojet engines that each develop up to 16,500 pounds of thrust in military power and up to 22,500 pounds of thrust with afterburner. It has a maximum range of 1,600 miles, a service ceiling of 79,000 feet above sea level, and it cruises at Mach 2.35 (under partial afterburner). It has a top sustained speed of Mach 2.83.
