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Not very usable, but after a complete overhaul it can be fliable, for sure.
This mig was the fastes one among the Iraqi Migs.
Iranian Air Force fighters shot many of them down during the first Persian Gulf conflict started in 1980.
Look at http://www.iiaf.net

MIG-25's were never really that useful even when new.

They were designed and built to counter the American B-70 bomber, which was a very large, very long range mach 3 nuclear bomber. It had a take-off weight of around 900,000 lbs., I think. Only two were ever built, and were only used as research aircraft. The SR-71 was originally conceived as its escort fighter.

The Mig-25s success even against a very large bomber such as the B-70, would have been limited. The Soviets tried to intercept an SR-71 with a Mig-25 on a number of occaisons, but always failed. The Mig-25 could acheive only a ballistic trajectory at the normal operating altitude of the SR-71 and the B-70.

It was usefull as a reconaisance aircraft, though. It could fly at a speed above mach 3 at an altitude over 60,000 feet. Of course, the Israelis shot down one flown by Egypt. They made the mistake of over-flying Israel at the same time and the same track every day. Knowing when and where the Mig was coming, Israel used an F-15 at maximum speed and sent it into a zoom climb under the Mig, and got it with a modified Israeli Sparrow missile, which was nearly at the end of its range and controlleable altitude.

There also was at least one Libyan Arab Revolutionary Aiir Force MiG-25 that approached too close to a US carrier group in about 1986. I believe that it was destroyed by an AIM-7 fired by an F-14, but I'd have to hit the books to be sure.

In a separate incident, a Libyan Su-22 was shot down. It was the same day, or the same week. I believe both pilots perished. They may have ejected but the US could not find them and the Libyans, of course, have no SAR capability to speak of. Flying feet wet is a brave thing for those guys to do, but I suppose they are young and immortal.

Ejection from the MiG-25, especially at speed/altitude, is problematic. Most of the incidents I know of the crews do not survive.

Speaking of Iran and F-14s, though, it's quite amazing that the IIRAF has kept them flying. Especially considering how hard the Air Force was purged after the revolution. A testimony to Iranian ingenuity (and perhaps, to American cupidity).

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F