Breaking Speed and Altitude Records: The Mig-25 Foxbat, the Fastest and Highest-Flying Air-Breathing Manned Aircraft of All Time

The Mig-25, also known as the Foxbat, was a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s. With a top speed of over 3,000 km/h and the ability to reach altitudes of up to 27,000 meters, it was designed to be a formidable presence in the skies. Some of its key specifications include a length of 21.9 meters, a wingspan of 14.5 meters, a height of 6 meters, and a weight (empty) of 18,000 kg. It is powered by two Tumansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojets, which provide a thrust of 49,400 lb (220.0 kN) with afterburner.

The Mig-25 has several variants, including

• The Mig-25P (an interceptor model armed with four air-to-air missiles),
• The Mig-25R (a reconnaissance model),
• The Mig-25PU (a two-seat trainer),
• The Mig-25RB (a reconnaissance model with secondary bombing capability),
• The Mig-25PD (an improved interceptor with upgraded engines and radar), and
• The Mig-25BM (a defence suppression model based on the 25RB).

The Indian Air Force acquired 10 of these aircraft from the Soviet Union, including eight single-seat reconnaissance Mig-25RB variants and two twin-seat trainer Mig-25PU versions. There was a famous incident in which a Mig-25 of the Indian Air Force flew supersonic over the skies of Islamabad while returning from a reconnaissance mission, causing a sonic boom that panicked the people of Islamabad. The Pakistani Air Force was alerted and deployed F-16s to intercept the unknown aircraft, but the Foxbat was already back in Indian airspace by the time the F-16s were airborne. The Mig-25 has a service ceiling of 89,000 feet, which is significantly higher than the 55,000 feet of the F-16. This, combined with its high-speed capabilities, made it difficult for other aircraft to intercept or even aim missiles at it. Pilots who have flown the Mig-25 have reported being able to see the curvature of the Earth or even the entire Himalayan range from the heights at which they fly.

One unique feature of the Mig-25 is its airframe, which is made of a nickel-steel alloy with traces of titanium and aluminium. This allows it to withstand temperatures of over 300 degrees Celsius at high speeds, where normal aluminium airframes would melt. The airframe is constructed using hand arc welding and spot welding methods. While there are other iconic aircraft known for their speed, such as the SR-71 Blackbird developed by the United States and the X-43 developed by NASA, the Mig-25 Foxbat is the only fully operational, in-service fighter that is capable of flying at thrice the speed of sound.

Ultimately, it’s worth noting that the Mig-25 Foxbat is the largest fighter aircraft ever used by the Indian Air Force. These aircraft were widely used by the Indian Air Force from the 1980s till 2006 for mapping enemy territories and critical national boundaries. The aircraft was secretly maintained by a select group of high-ranking personnel, and its existence was not widely known until it was revealed to the public in the 2000s. Its impressive dimensions, including its large intakes, swept-back wings, and long nose, make it a truly iconic aircraft to behold in person. As satellite technology advanced, the maintenance and upkeep of these Watch-Birds became increasingly challenging for the Air Force, but the Mig-25 Foxbat remains a legend in the world of military aviation, with its impressive speed and altitude capabilities making it a powerful presence in the skies.