Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25

Note: This aircraft is currently in the storage hangar.

The Soviet MiG-25 (NATO code-name "Foxbat") was a high-speed interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft entered service in 1970 and has a top speed of Mach 2.83, powerful radar, and could carry up to four air-to-air missiles.

The MiG-25's capabilities were not discovered until 1976 when Viktor Belenko, a Soviet MiG-25 pilot, defected to Japan. Subsequent analysis revealed a simple-yet-functional design with vacuum-tube electronics, two massive turbojet engines, and sparing use of advanced materials such as titanium.

A capable interceptor, the MiG-25 was widely exported by the Soviet Union. The first MiG-25s entered service with the Iraqi Air Force in 1980 during the Iran-Iraq War.

The aircraft on exhibit, a MiG-25RB, was found in 2003 by American forces buried in the sand near Al Taqaddum Airbase 250km west of Baghdad during the opening months of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The MiG-25 was buried to prevent its destruction on the ground by coalition aircraft. The aircraft was recovered incomplete--the wings could not be located and the vertical stabilizers were removed for transport. The aircraft arrived at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in 2006.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Four air-to-air missiles (two radar-guided AA-6 "Acrid" missiles, and two infrared-guided R-40T missiles).
Engines: Two Tumansky R-15B-300 turbojets of approx. 22,500 lbs. thrust each with afterburner
Maximum speed: Mach 2.83

[d.r.]

Even in its incomplete state, are there any plans to put this aircraft on public display? Without the wings it wouldn't take up much space. I've been to the museum a few times and this aircraft has always been high on my list to see. Nice video folks!

[stevendorris]

Great video as always. Now I need to dig out my copy of " MiG Pilot" and re-read the story of Belinko and his defection.

[AldoSchmedack]

TY for sharing, this is one of the few planes they had that had potential to cause major issues back in the day. Speeds it could do was and still is almost unreal.

[tHaHxr]

What a gorgeous aircraft. Incredible what they could achieve with it, without using super fancy special materials.

[hornet]

Oh yeah! Let's get her flying baby!!!

[slartybarfastb]

You know your air force will have total air supremacy when your adversary buries his air force before hostilities even begin.

[MrRoblox]

Will we ever get a chance to tour these hangars again? Ive been waiting at least 20 years or so to see the nkc-135 again

[calebwarbird]

what happened to the b-17 didnt it get get hit by the tornado

[andrempz]

Assembles the wings of Belenko's plane. Take advantage of the fact that it is already dismantled😆

[Jessikitty]

Where did this one come from? I thought we gave Belenko’s back? After the suitable “inspection period “.

[JustJohn]

if you look very well does it still have sand? lol

[tholmes]

Always thought it was interesting that Iraq found it necessary to buy Mig25s. Must have been a real trip to find this one buried in the sand.

[fansaaap]

So did you ask the Iraqi people nicely if you could keep this artefact? Or are you planning to give it back to the rightful owners?