Performance of a Mig-25 with better engines, titanium alloys etc. (if it had been real)

[Avimimus]

If the Foxbat scare had been right... what kind of performance could an aircraft with the overall layout and dimensions of the Mig-25 have achieved if it had better components?

 

[Archibald]

MiG-31 ?

 

[Zoo Tycoon]

I always found Titanium is overrated in its ability to save weight, especially compared to steel. It’s 2/3 the density of steel and typically half the strength. Steel is a pain for weight because it suffers badly from parasitic weight impact in structural joints which erodes any saving suggested by the above. Titanium is better at elevated temperature but worse in fatigue. If an equally aggressive weight saving design approach is taken they’ll be little difference with Titanium probably coming out a fraction lighter…. A lot less than one hoped or expected …. But cost is where Titanium will be the more expensive by at least five times.