Oh yeah thats one of the question i’ve burned my brains with for a long time!
After alot of reading and trying to figure out, i think at least concerning the export Mig-25 interceptors, there are TWO versions…
First is the Export Mig-25P delivered in the 1979-80 timeframe, whit Smerch radar , and able to fire only R-40s…definetly Lybia had them as ilustrated by airliners .com! Funny thing is , they are called Mig-25PDs there! Also Algeria had them too , theres a vid on youtube to prove it…
Second export version is lets call it Export Mig-25PD , which Lybia and Iraq certainly have …in the case of Iraq, i’m not sure if they are really upgraded MiG-25P as some sources say , or new machines altogether…tho i havent seen yet a Mig-25P in iraqi colours…Now these machines as i can make out , they have SPO-15LE RWR and KDS-155 flare dispensers, and there are mentions of SPS-162 Geran ECM…plus off course the IRST.
This is what tespilot.ru, and other sources have to say…
In 1982, one of the MiG-25PDS (reg. #7011) was fitted with ECM equipment to provide individual and collective protection from enemy radar- and IR-homing air-to-air and air-to ground missiles. The equipment comprised the Beryoza-LE radar warning receiver (RWR), Geranium ECM system and KDS-155 flare dispenser. The flight testing was completed in 1983. Later, another aircraft was converted for the same purpose. It was designated MiG-25PDSL (reg. #94). It was equipped with the Beryoza-LM RWR, Gardenia-1FU active ECM system mounted in the external pod, as well as chaff and flare dispenser. Its flight testing commenced in 1985.
Given that they mention Beryoza-LE RWR, which is from what i know the EXPORT designation for the domestic SPO-15L , it makes sense that this MUST be the export PD…I dont know however , if this version still mounts the Smerch-A2 radar quoted by most sources , or do they have actually a N-005″E” radar … remember this radar is based on the N-003 from Mig-23ML wich WAS exported at that time …besides , the russians had the Mig-31 in the pipeline by then ( respecting their policy of haveing something better at home than the stuff they export) , so it would make sense to have the N-005 radar aswell , but i havent read any confirmation or even hint of that …
( funny thing is acig website call these machines-Lybian Mig-25s whit new RWR antennae on intakes and CHFL on wings plus IRST under nose- export Mig-25P,and on the picture caption they say its august 1981! Off course thats nonsese. The oldest confirmed lybian Mig-25 PD pic on the net is dated 1985, which makes perfect sense… )
Does anyone has more info about this entangled subject of export Mig-25 interceptor versions?
Thank you 🙂
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