SHAR-25

SHAR-25
Name	SHAR-25
Type	Multi-role combat aircraft
National origin	Soviet Union
Manufacturer	Mikoyan
First flight	1975
Introduction	1978
Retired	1995
Status	Retired
Primary user	Soviet Air Forces
Number built	312
Developed from	Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25

SHAR-25. The SHAR-25 was a specialized reconnaissance and electronic warfare variant of the renowned Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 interceptor, developed in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Designed by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Forces to perform high-altitude, high-speed intelligence-gathering missions, often in contested airspace. The aircraft was a key asset for the Warsaw Pact, providing critical data on NATO forces and installations throughout its operational life.

Overview

The SHAR-25 was conceived as a dedicated platform to replace earlier reconnaissance versions of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 and complement the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25R. Its primary mission was to penetrate defended airspace at speeds exceeding Mach 2.8 and altitudes above 80,000 feet, utilizing advanced SLAR and ELINT suites to image and monitor enemy forces. The program was initiated under the direction of Artem Mikoyan and received high priority from the Ministry of Aircraft Industry due to escalating tensions with the United States. Unlike the pure interceptor versions operated by the Soviet Air Defence Forces, the SHAR-25 was exclusively tasked to front-line reconnaissance regiments, often operating from forward bases in the German Democratic Republic and the Polish People's Republic.

Design and development

Development of the SHAR-25 began in the early 1970s at the Mikoyan experimental design bureau, building directly on the airframe and propulsion systems of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25RB. Key engineers, including Rostislav Belyakov, focused on integrating a new Sychova side-looking airborne radar and a comprehensive SRS-9 signals intelligence package, housed in a redesigned nose section. The aircraft retained the powerful Tumansky R-15B-300 turbojet engines, which were essential for its performance profile, but featured enhanced Klimov cooling systems for the avionics. Major testing was conducted at the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute and the Akhtubinsk flight test center, with the prototype completing its maiden flight from the Gromov Flight Research Institute in 1975.

Operational history

The SHAR-25 entered operational service with the 47th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment, based at Brand-Briesen Airfield, in 1978. Its first major deployments involved routine surveillance flights along the Inner German border, monitoring activities of the United States Air Forces in Europe and the Royal Air Force. During the Soviet–Afghan War, several aircraft were temporarily deployed to Bagram Air Base, conducting mapping and electronic intelligence missions over regions held by the Mujahideen. The type was famously involved in several high-profile incidents, including close-shadowing of USS Enterprise (CVN-65) carrier battle groups in the Mediterranean Sea. All SHAR-25s were withdrawn from frontline duty following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the last flight occurring in Russia in 1995.

Variants

* SHAR-25A: The initial production model equipped with the Sychova radar and basic ELINT gear, primarily used for photographic and radar reconnaissance. * SHAR-25B: An upgraded version introduced in 1983 featuring the improved Sychova-M radar, enhanced Krasukha jamming pods, and the ability to carry Kh-28 anti-radiation missiles for SEAD missions. This variant saw limited service. * SHAR-25U: A dual-control trainer conversion, with reconnaissance equipment removed to accommodate a second cockpit; used for converting pilots from the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25U.

Specifications (SHAR-25)

* **Crew:** 1 * **Length:** 23.82 m (78 ft 2 in) * **Wingspan:** 14.02 m (46 ft 0 in) * **Height:** 6.10 m (20 ft 0 in) * **Empty weight:** 20,000 kg (44,092 lb) * **Max takeoff weight:** 41,200 kg (90,830 lb) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Tumansky R-15B-300 afterburning turbojet engines * **Maximum speed:** Mach 2.83 * **Range:** 1,730 km (1,075 mi) with internal fuel * **Service ceiling:** 24,400 m (80,100 ft) * **Avionics:** Sychova SLAR, SRS-9 ELINT suite, Polyot navigation system

Operators

* Soviet Union: Operated by the Soviet Air Forces (VVS). Primary units included the 47th Independent Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment at Brand-Briesen Airfield and the 98th Separate Guards Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment based at Monchegorsk. * Russia: Briefly operated by the Russian Air Force following the dissolution of the Soviet Union until the type's retirement in 1995. No aircraft were exported to other states.

Category:Cold War reconnaissance aircraft of the Soviet Union Category:Mikoyan aircraft