The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio) has a new "amazing exhibit" — the Soviet MiG-25 supersonic combat aircraft (developed by OKB-155). It is displayed alongside the B-17 Memphis Belle, B-29 Bockscar, U-2 Dragon Lady, and even the F-117 Nighthawk. Military expert Peter Suchiu writes about this in an article for The National Interest.
The MiG-25RB was found near Al-Taqaddum Airbase in Iraq in 2003. It was restored and sent to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
The MiG-25 was produced in two modifications: a reconnaissance-bomber and an air defense interceptor. The Soviet aircraft is still considered one of the fastest.
Suchiu recalled that the United States was wary of the appearance of the MiG-25 in the USSR at the height of the arms race. It was developed as a counter to the American SR-71 Blackbird, XF-108 Rapier, and XB-70 Valkyrie aircraft.
The West assessed the capabilities of the MiG-25, obtaining one of the samples thanks to the fugitive Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko. Experts were struck by the size of the aircraft, which was only a few feet shorter than the British Avro 683 Lancaster bomber.
Upon closer examination, it turned out that the MiG-25 was not as perfect an aircraft as it seemed at first glance. It was assembled manually from parts made of nickel steel alloy. Obsolete electronic components were found inside.
The MiG-25 pilot flew at extreme speeds, but risked damaging the airframe or engines. In addition, it was easy to track on radar.
However, this did not prevent the USSR from exporting the aircraft to many countries around the world. It was in service with a number of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern states, including the Iraqi Air Force.
Where can you see the MiG-25?
The MiG-25 is exhibited in several museums in Russia, including the Central Air Force Museum in the Moscow region and the Ulyanovsk Aviation Museum. Two samples were previously located in the Estonian Aviation Museum near Tartu and in the Riga Aviation Museum in Latvia.
The Soviet aircraft, which has joined the collection of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, can be seen for 6 months. After the exhibition, the MiG-25 will be sent for restoration again.