What Is The MiG-25 Foxbat?
The MiG-25 Foxbat. Built to intercept high-altitude bombers, this stainless-steel Soviet jet reached astonishing speeds near Mach 3.
Russia
Origin
Interceptor
Role
Mach 2.83
Top speed
24,400 m
Service ceiling
MiG-25 Foxbat Specifications
Engineered by Mikoyan-Gurevich to counter Mach-3 US strategic bombers, the stainless-steel MiG-25 Foxbat reached Mach 2.83 continuously and Mach 3.2 in bursts. Utilising twin Tumansky R-15 turbojets and powerful Smerch-A radar, it launched giant R-40 air-to-air missiles at high altitude.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.83 (1,865 mph)
Service ceiling
80,000 ft (24,400 m)
Combat radius
160 nmi (300 km)
Rate of climb
40,900 ft/min (208 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
78 ft 2 in (23.82 m)
Wingspan
45 ft 11 in (14.01 m)
Empty weight
44,092 lbs (20,000 kg)
Engine
2x Tumansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojets
Service
First flight
6 March 1964
Unit cost
$18 million
Operators
Soviet Union (Historic), Algeria, Syria, Libya (Retired)
What Weapons Does The MiG-25 Foxbat Carry?
As the MiG-25 Foxbat lacks an internal gun; relies on four wing pylons carrying massive R-40 (AA-6 ‘Acrid’) long-range air-to-air missiles with radar or infrared homing heads designed to destroy high-altitude strategic bombers.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
R-40 (AA-6 Acrid)
Category
Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
80 km (50 miles)
R-60 (AA-8 Aphid)
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
8 km (5 miles)
R-23 (AA-7 Apex)
Category
Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
35 km (22 miles)
FAB-500
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 8 bombs (MiG-25RB)
Range
Gravity released
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The MiG-25 Foxbat?
The MiG-25 is the fastest fighter jet still in service anywhere, capable of Mach 3.2 or 2,190 mph. That figure comes with a caveat: sustained flight above Mach 2.83 risks destroying the R-15 engines, and pilots were instructed not to exceed it outside emergencies. An Egyptian MiG-25 was tracked over Israel at Mach 3.2 in 1973, after which its engines were written off. No aircraft in service has matched it in more than fifty years.
How Was The MiG-25 Foxbat Developed?
The MiG-25 was designed in response to the North American XB-70 Valkyrie, a Mach 3 American bomber that never entered service. Mikoyan built the airframe largely from nickel steel rather than titanium, which was scarce and difficult to work, accepting the weight penalty in exchange for heat resistance. First flown on 6 March 1964, the type stunned Western analysts, who assumed from its size and speed that it was a manoeuvrable air superiority fighter. Only when Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with one in 1976 was its true nature understood.
Has The MiG-25 Foxbat Seen Combat?
The MiG-25 saw action in the Iran-Iraq War, where Iraqi Foxbats claimed several kills, and downed a US Navy F/A-18 during the 1991 Gulf War – the only American fixed-wing loss to Iraqi air-to-air fire. Syrian and Libyan examples flew reconnaissance sorties over contested airspace. Its speed made interception exceptionally difficult, though its poor low-altitude handling limited its versatility.
Who Operates The MiG-25 Foxbat?
Russia retains a small number in limited service, primarily for reconnaissance. Algeria and Syria have operated the type, though serviceability is uncertain. Production ended in 1984 after around 1,190 airframes. When the last are retired, no aircraft in service anywhere will be capable of Mach 3.
MiG-25 Foxbat FAQs
Common questions about the MiG-25 Foxbat, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the MiG-25 Foxbat as a civilian?
No, the MiG-25 Foxbat is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the MiG-25 Foxbat?
No, you cannot take the controls of the MiG-25 Foxbat, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the MiG-25 Foxbat cost?
The MiG-25 Foxbat is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the MiG-25 Foxbat?
The MiG-25 Foxbat is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the MiG-25 Foxbat?
The MiG-25 Foxbat is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the MiG-25 Foxbat?
The MiG-25 Foxbat is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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