Forum: Military Aircraft of the Cold War

Boy I miss these two in combat. Now I know the -25 got waxed in Desert Storm by F-15's and such, and even an F-16CJ took one down over Bosnia. But reading the accounts the put up a hell of a fight, and caused alot of mayhem given breaking up strike packages.

I tend to think the Mig-31 would have been a whole different ball of wax, properly flown if the Iraqi's had them. It's apparently held in high regard by the RAF pilots who've encountered it, and the onboard avionics coupled with the raw, Foxbat like performance would have been a tough customer.

Nobody wants war, but the prospect of F-15's meeting up with Foxhounds is enticing. I suppose much would depend upon AWAC's support etc, but from what I can see it'd be a toss up, particularly BVR...

F-16.net Sponsor

I have to agree. I almost wonder if the MiG-31 would be more threatening than the Su-30 family. Aircraft employing hit-and-run tactics tend to be far more effective than those that stand and fight, in experience over Syria and Iraq.

My thoughts exactly. The ability to engage/disengage from even the Eagle is concerning...

By one account, Mig-25's eluded an absurd # of F-15's/sparrow shots during Gulf War I. Not sure how AMRAAM would change that equation, but the raw kinematic performance of the Mig-31 coupled with its improved range could be a game changer. One wonders if the Israeli's were thinking the same, when Mig-31's were set to be delivered to Iran/Syria (can't remember which)...

I agree, a MiG-31BM would be a potent addition to any airforce. Powerful radar, datalinking, unparalleled physical performance, payload.

Forum: Military Aircraft of the Cold War

Mig-25/31