Although impressive, none of the mentioned figures is close to Mach 3.

That is because none of these trajectories were in streight line.

As you probably know, every a/c is faster in streight line than in closed circuit, because in turning flights there are added drag ( in the form of additional induced and parasite drag).

As you know, it is tracked over Israel at 3.2 Mach, in streight line.

Note how much the Mig-25 is faster than YF-12 in closed circuit of 500km and 1000 km.

Constantly comparing the Foxbat and Blackbird is
ridiculous from an engineering standpoint. Both
were designed to address totally different requirements
in two different countries. And as any aero engineer
knows, it is the requirements (and politics) which
determine the solution.

You are right to some degree but bear in mind that the americans spent enormous sums of tax paying money, trying to develop Mach 3 interceptor: XF-103, XF-108, YF-12.
Only years later, when technical difficulties emerged as too great, they cancelled these projects.
The point is that they did not manage to satisfy requirements.

Look at YF-12 alert time. Totaly unacceptable:

Firebar,
It has nothing to do with anti-americanism. Gervasi had an issue with Reagan. He spun his book to make money off the back of those who hated Reagan with a passion.

I do not see, realy, how the statement of former inteligence officer, who certainly had access to inteligence data about overflights, can have anything to do with Reagan.
In its book he glorifies american weapons. Read the book.

The Indian article is written by a journalist Sandeep Dik****. It is his version of events.

What about Indian Air Force Vice Marshal ? He do not know what he is talking too?

http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/02/stories/2006050201992000.htm

Everyone have to bear in mind that the MiG-25 is the only Mach 3 combat a/c.
The western nations failed in that field. The YF-12 was experimental a/c only, never destined to success, because of its sensitive propulsion system and weak airframe.

On the other hand, the Russians succeded to make Mach 3 multi role combat a/c, and not only that but to build it in great numbers, to sell it abroad and even to offer it for civilian flights !!!

To build such a/c it was necessary to satisfy many contradicting requirements:

1-propulsion system which can tolerate such extreme temperatures and at the same time not to be sensitive to intake airflow disturbances, permiting fighter maneuvers.

2- airframe which can endure such temperatures and also 11g overloads without breaking, and high dynamic pressures, permiting 1300 km/h sea level speed.

3-long range radar and electronics which can endure 300 degrees C temperatures. Not easy to do. The B-58 Hustler suffered radar failures at 130 degrees C.

4-underwing titanium plated long range missiles which can withstand such extreme enviroments.

5-and all this combined with ability to maneuver as normal figher a/c, rolls, loops,Immelmans, zoom climbs, split-S, fast dives, etc,etc,

These are, from engineering point of view, contradicting requirements almost impossible to satisfy.
Every aircraft designer knows that.

The fact is that the west failed and the Russians succeded to solve these engineering problems.

As others have pointed out, his book was a slam at Western defense policies,he clearly had/has a political motive.
And being a “former intelligence officer” doesn’t mean much.

Is that so? Than who knows better? The book certainly has no any political motive and is not anti american oriented at all.
Read the book and you will see.

You think that the Indian Air Force sources are also not true ?

http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/07/stories/2006040704221500.htm

It’s a bloody good aircraft 🙂
I prefer the MIG 29

The Mig-29 is the best in its class. That is a different story.

A 40 minutes at max afterburner.

It is totaly amazing that Mach 3 aircraft is offerd for civilians, with no flying experiences whatsoever, and so with standard fighter maneuvers included, as stated in the attachment.

This without any doubt and unambiguously shows ease of handling and safety with which the Mig-25 is doing that maneuvers. From engineering point of view, an incredible feat.
Every other Mach 3 class a/c are very sensitive machines, strictly intended for non maneuvering, high speed flights only, and as such, unimaginable for offer for civilians aboard.