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SOURCE: AFI

The MiG-25, a Soviet interceptor renowned for its speed and altitude, boasted an equally unique radar – the RP-25 Smerch-A (also known as the TL-25). Unlike its contemporaries, the Smerch wasn’t designed for initial target detection or tracking. Instead, it served a very specific purpose: providing a final, accurate lock-on under heavy jamming conditions.

The Smerch packed a whopping 600kW punch, dwarfing the capabilities of other fighter radars at the time. This immense power allowed it to literally “burn through” enemy Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), enabling the MiG-25 pilot to acquire a target amidst jamming attempts.

Imagine a massive searchlight cutting through the electronic noise. That’s essentially what the Smerch did. With a lock range of 90 km for a large target like the XB-70 bomber, the Smerch provided the MiG pilot with a valuable 90 seconds for interception.

The choice of vacuum tubes in the MiG’s avionics reflects the technological realities of the Cold War. Solid-state technology was less developed, and Soviet engineers believed vacuum tubes offered better resistance to a potential Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack. Additionally, the MiG relied on Ground Control Intercept (GCI) for initial target acquisition and tracking, using the Smerch as a powerful final confirmation for its weapons systems.

The MiG-25 wasn’t just a Soviet icon. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was among the few nations to operate this interceptor, primarily utilizing it for reconnaissance missions.

MiG-25’s Smerch radar stood out as a specialized tool for high-stakes interceptions during the Cold War. Its brute force approach to radar operation proved to be a valuable asset in a world increasingly focused on electronic warfare.