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The MiG-31 was the world's first operational fighter with a <!-- passive -- see talks -jno --> [[passive electronically scanned array|passive electronically scanned array radar]] (PESA), the ''[[Zaslon radar|Zaslon S-800]]''. Its maximum range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 200 km (125 mi), and it can track up to 10 targets and simultaneously attack four of them with its [[Vympel R-33|AA-9 'Amos']] missiles. It is claimed to have limited astern coverage, possibly due to drag chute housing above and between the engines. The radar is matched with an [[infrared search and tracking]] (IRST) system in a retractable undernose fairing.<ref name="Dawes"/> |
The MiG-31 was the world's first operational fighter with a <!-- passive -- see talks -jno --> [[passive electronically scanned array|passive electronically scanned array radar]] (PESA), the ''[[Zaslon radar|Zaslon S-800]]''. Its maximum range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 200 km (125 mi), and it can track up to 10 targets and simultaneously attack four of them with its [[Vympel R-33|AA-9 'Amos']] missiles. It is claimed to have limited astern coverage, possibly due to drag chute housing above and between the engines. The radar is matched with an [[infrared search and tracking]] (IRST) system in a retractable undernose fairing.<ref name="Dawes"/> |
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=== Radars === |
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Adopted in 1981 |
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* the range detection of air targets: 200 km (for the purpose of with the [[Effective area of scattering|EPR]] 19 m2 on a collision angles with probability 0.5) |
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* target detection distance with [[Effective area of scattering|EPR]] 3 m2 with a probability of 0.5 догонных angles: 35 km<ref name=autogenerated3>[http://www.niip.ru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12:-l-r-lr&catid=8:2011-07-06-06-33-26&Itemid=8 armament control System SUV «Barrier» of the MiG-31]</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>http://www.roe.ru/cataloque/air_craft/aircraft_16-19.pdf</ref> |
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* number of detected targets: 24 |
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* the number of targets for attack: 8 |
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* the range of automatic tracking: 120 km |
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* detection of thermal goals - 56 km |
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The upgraded MiG-31БМ maximum range detection of air targets increased to 320 km automatic tracking accepted up to ten goals, and the latest complexes of «Barrier» track up to 24 targets and simultaneously can attack up to 8 targets. On-Board computer Argon-K[[research Institute «Argon»]]) selects the four most important, which simultaneously are operated four missiles air-to-air long-range [[R-33]] (R-33S). |
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Thermal radar is interfaced radar and is designed for passive review of the airspace, and for the issuance of targeting missiles [[P-40]]TD and [[R-60]] [[GOS|TGS]]. |
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The flight-navigation equipment of the aircraft MiG-31 includes a system of automatic control system SAU-155МП and sighting-navigation complex KN-25 with two inertial systems and IP-1-72A with digital computer «Maneuver», electronic range navigation system «Radical NP (312) or A-331, electronic system of the far - [[navigation|navigation]] A-723 «Slip-2». Distant radio navigation is carried out by means of two systems: [[gull (navigation system)|tropic]]»{{No AI|18/05/2009}} (similar to the system of «[[LORAN|Laurent]]») and «Route» (similar to the system of «omega»). |
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The plane is equipped with means of electronic warfare, radar and IR ranges. Interceptor MiG-31 is capable of performing combat tasks |
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MiG-31 was equipped with RK-RLDN and APD-518 digital secure datalinks. The RK-RLDN datalink is for communication with ground control centers. The APD-518 datalink enables a flight of four MiG-31 to automatically exchange radar-generated data within 200 km (124 mi) from each other. It also enables other aircraft with less sophisticated avionics, such as MiG-25, to be directed to targets spotted by MiG-31.<ref name=Gordon>Gordon 1997</ref> |
MiG-31 was equipped with RK-RLDN and APD-518 digital secure datalinks. The RK-RLDN datalink is for communication with ground control centers. The APD-518 datalink enables a flight of four MiG-31 to automatically exchange radar-generated data within 200 km (124 mi) from each other. It also enables other aircraft with less sophisticated avionics, such as MiG-25, to be directed to targets spotted by MiG-31.<ref name=Gordon>Gordon 1997</ref> |
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* interacting with ground-based automated digital control system (ACS «Rubezh»), operating modes remote aiming, semi-automated actions (coordinate support), singly, and also: |
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* Digital immune system provides the automatic exchange of tactical information in a group of four interceptors, remote one from another at the distance of 200 km and aiming at the target group of fighters with less-powerful [[avionics]] (in this case the aircraft performs the role of guidance point or repeater). |
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The basic differences between versions МиГ-31БМ<ref>[http://worldweapon.ru/sam/mig31bm.php worldweapon.ru, MiG-31БМ]</ref>: |
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The onboard radar complex MiG-31БМ is capable of simultaneously detecting 24 air targets, 8 of which can be simultaneously attacked by missiles [[R-33|R-33S]]<!-- R-37 on tests<ref>http://www.missiles.ru/RVV-BD.htm</ref>-->. Achieved a possibility to intercept targets flying at a speed corresponding to M=6, improved other characteristics of the complex |
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Modernized variants of the aircraft can be equipped with radar missiles [[X-31]]S, [[X 25]]MP or X-25МПУ (up to six units), anti-ship UR X-31A (up to six), class missiles air-to-surface [[X-29]]and [[X 59]] (up to three) or X-59M (up to two units), up to six corrected air bombs [[KAB-1500]] or eight [[KAB-500]] with television or laser-guided. Maximum mass of payload is to 9000 kg |
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JSC «Russian avionics developed for him completely new layout both cabins. The main disadvantage of the previous layout was lack of a pilot information about tactical situation, the commander does not know what he was doing Navigator. Now in the front cabin on the right side of the dashboard mounted multifunction LCD readout size of 6x8 inches (similar to that used on MiG-29SMT). More significant changes were Navigator's cabin of the operator, in which there are three such indicator, which can display various information (tactical, navigation, radar images from the cameras managed weapons etc). The plane was also the indicator on the windshield, replacing the former PPI. |
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Navigation complex, which is equipped with the upgraded MiG-31БМ, largely harmonized with the [[MiG-29|MiG-29SMT]] (includes a satellite navigation receiver). As a result of the revision, the Park MiG-31 domestic air force received almost new aircraft with a wide range of battle application. |
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The export version of this fighter MiG - 31ФЭ - can be installed and integrated with the Russian systems samples of armament and equipment manufactured in the West. |
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The MiG-31M-, MiG-31D-, and MiG-31BS-standard aircraft have an upgraded ''Zaslon-M'' radar, with larger antenna and greater detection range (said to be 400 km (250 mi) against [[Airborne Early Warning and Control|AWACS]]-size targets) and the ability to attack multiple targets — air and ground — simultaneously. The Zaslon-M has a 1.4m diameter (larger) antenna, 50% to 100% better performance than Zaslon. In April 1994 it was used with an R-37 to hit a target at 300 km distance.{{Citation needed|date=December 2012}} It has a search range 400 km versus a 19/20 sq m RCS target and can track 24 targets at once, engaging six<ref name="Janes Defence">[http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/N007-Zaslon-Fire-Control-Radar-FCR-Russian-Federation.html Zaslon radar] at Janes Defence web-site</ref><ref name="Russia Airforce Handbook">[http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Kt2ZaOilGXIC&pg=PA176&lpg=PA176&dq=Zaslon-M+range&source=bl&ots=vPFShK0FM_&sig=AuHW9UIACYWZ2LlsJdViUGMsGz0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ykr5T8zdDYvRrQfH58jYBg&ved=0CGIQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Zaslon-M%20range&f=false Zaslon radar] at Russia Airforce Handbook - Google Books</ref>(282 km for 5m2<ref name="Radar Ranges">[http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/fighterplanes/texts/articles/bestfighter.html "Zaslon-M radar."] ''Fighterplanes.'' Retrieved: 16 July 2012.</ref>). It is also supposedly able to engage launched Pershing-2 missiles in flight with long-range R-37 active radar-guided missiles.{{Citation needed|date=December 2012}} The back-seater's controls are replaced with modern multi-function displays. Its [[electronic countermeasures]] capabilities have also been upgraded, with new ECM pods on the wingtips.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}} |
The MiG-31M-, MiG-31D-, and MiG-31BS-standard aircraft have an upgraded ''Zaslon-M'' radar, with larger antenna and greater detection range (said to be 400 km (250 mi) against [[Airborne Early Warning and Control|AWACS]]-size targets) and the ability to attack multiple targets — air and ground — simultaneously. The Zaslon-M has a 1.4m diameter (larger) antenna, 50% to 100% better performance than Zaslon. In April 1994 it was used with an R-37 to hit a target at 300 km distance.{{Citation needed|date=December 2012}} It has a search range 400 km versus a 19/20 sq m RCS target and can track 24 targets at once, engaging six<ref name="Janes Defence">[http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/N007-Zaslon-Fire-Control-Radar-FCR-Russian-Federation.html Zaslon radar] at Janes Defence web-site</ref><ref name="Russia Airforce Handbook">[http://books.google.co.in/books?id=Kt2ZaOilGXIC&pg=PA176&lpg=PA176&dq=Zaslon-M+range&source=bl&ots=vPFShK0FM_&sig=AuHW9UIACYWZ2LlsJdViUGMsGz0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ykr5T8zdDYvRrQfH58jYBg&ved=0CGIQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Zaslon-M%20range&f=false Zaslon radar] at Russia Airforce Handbook - Google Books</ref>(282 km for 5m2<ref name="Radar Ranges">[http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/fighterplanes/texts/articles/bestfighter.html "Zaslon-M radar."] ''Fighterplanes.'' Retrieved: 16 July 2012.</ref>). It is also supposedly able to engage launched Pershing-2 missiles in flight with long-range R-37 active radar-guided missiles.{{Citation needed|date=December 2012}} The back-seater's controls are replaced with modern multi-function displays. Its [[electronic countermeasures]] capabilities have also been upgraded, with new ECM pods on the wingtips.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}} |
Revision as of 13:51, 31 October 2013
MiG-31 | |
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![]() | |
Russian Air Force MiG-31 in flight | |
Role | Interceptor aircraft |
Manufacturer | Mikoyan |
First flight | 16 September 1975 |
Introduction | 6 May 1981 |
Status | In service |
Primary users | Russian Air Force Kazakhstan Air Force |
Number built | approx. 400[1] |
Developed from | Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 |
The Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-31; NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed to replace the MiG-25 "Foxbat". The MiG-31 was designed by the Mikoyan design bureau based on the MiG-25.[2]
Development
The MiG-25, despite Western panic about its tremendous performance, made substantial design sacrifices in capability for the sake of achieving high speed, altitude, and rate of climb. It lacked maneuverability at interception speeds and was difficult to fly at low altitudes. The MiG-25's speed was limited to Mach 2.83 in operations, but it could reach a maximum speed of Mach 3.2 or more with the risk of damaging the engines beyond repair.[3][4]
Development of the MiG-25's replacement began with the Ye-155MP (Russian: Е-155МП) prototype which first flew on 16 September 1975.[5] Although it bore a superficial resemblance to a stretched MiG-25 with a longer fuselage for the radar operator cockpit, it was in many respects a new design. The MiG-25 used 80% nickel steel in its structure to allow welding.[6] The Ye-155MP doubled the use of titanium to 16% and tripled the aluminium content to 33% to reduce structural mass. More importantly, supersonic speed was now possible at low altitudes[citation needed]. Fuel capacity was also increased, and new, more efficient low bypass ratio turbofan engines were fitted.[citation needed]
The most important development was introducing an advanced radar capable of both look-up and look-down engagement (locating targets above and below the aircraft), as well as multiple target tracking. This finally gave the Soviets an interceptor able to engage the most likely Western intruders at long range. It also reflected a policy shift from reliance on ground-controlled interception (GCI) to greater autonomy for flight crews.[citation needed]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/MiG-31_Foxhound.jpg/220px-MiG-31_Foxhound.jpg)
Like its MiG-25 predecessor, the MiG-31 was surrounded by early speculation and misinformation concerning its design and abilities. The West learned of the new interceptor from Lieutenant Viktor Belenko, a pilot who defected to Japan in 1976 with his MiG-25P. Belenko described an upcoming "Super Foxbat" with two seats and an ability to intercept cruise missiles. According to his testimony, the new interceptor was to have air intakes similar to the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, which the MiG-31 does not have, at least not in production variants. While the MiG-31 was undergoing testing, an unknown aircraft was spotted by a reconnaissance satellite at the Zhukovsky flight test center near the town of Ramenskoye. The images were interpreted as a fixed-wing interceptor version of a swing-wing fighter codenamed "Ram-K". The latter was eventually revealed to be the Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker', a wholly unrelated design.[citation needed]
Series production of the MiG-31 began in 1979 and about 400 were produced by 2000.[1]
Some upgrade programs have found their way in the MiG-31 fleet, like the MiG-31BM multirole version with upgraded avionics, new multimode radar, hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, liquid crystal (LCD) color multi-function displays (MFDs), ability to carry the Vympel R-77 missile and various Russian air-to-ground missiles (AGMs) such as the Kh-31 anti-radiation missile (ARM), a new and more powerful computer, and digital data links.[7] A project to upgrade the Russian MiG-31 fleet to the MiG-31BM standard was begun in 2010;[8] 60 or more aircraft are to be upgraded to MiG-31BM standard by 2020.[9]
Replacement
Russia hopes to field a replacement for the MiG-31 by 2020, with all aircraft retired by 2028. Development of a new aircraft has begun. Development of a new interceptor is favored over restarting MiG-31 production.[10]
Design
Like the MiG-25, MiG-31 is a large twin-engine aircraft with side-mounted air intakes, a shoulder-mounted wing with an aspect ratio of 2.94, and twin vertical tailfins. Unlike the MiG-25, it has two seats, with the rear occupied by a dedicated weapon systems officer.[citation needed]
Airframe and engines
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/MiG-31_in_flight.jpg/220px-MiG-31_in_flight.jpg)
The wings and airframe of the MiG-31 are stronger than those of the MiG-25, permitting supersonic flight at low altitudes. Its Aviadvigatel D30-F6 turbofans, rated at 152 kN thrust, allow a maximum speed of Mach 1.23 at low altitude. High-altitude speed is temperature-redlined to Mach 2.83—the thrust-to-drag ratio is sufficient for speeds in excess of Mach 3, but such speeds pose unacceptable hazards to engine and airframe life in routine use.[3]
Given the MiG-31's role as Mach 2.8+ interceptor and the sustained afterburning this requires, its fuel consumption is higher when compared to other aircraft serving in different roles, such as the Su-27. Consequently, the aircraft's fuel fraction has been increased to more than 0.40—16,350 kg (36,050 lb) of high-density T-6 jet fuel. The outer wing pylons are also plumbed for drop tanks, allowing an extra 5,000 L (1,320 US gal) of external fuel. Late-production aircraft have aerial refueling probes.[citation needed]
MiG-31 is limited to only 5 g at supersonic speeds.[3] At combat weight, its wing loading is marginal and its thrust to weight ratio is favorable. However, it is not designed for close combat or rapid turning.[3]
Electronics suite
The MiG-31 was the world's first operational fighter with a passive electronically scanned array radar (PESA), the Zaslon S-800. Its maximum range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 200 km (125 mi), and it can track up to 10 targets and simultaneously attack four of them with its AA-9 'Amos' missiles. It is claimed to have limited astern coverage, possibly due to drag chute housing above and between the engines. The radar is matched with an infrared search and tracking (IRST) system in a retractable undernose fairing.[3]
Radars
Adopted in 1981
- the range detection of air targets: 200 km (for the purpose of with the EPR 19 m2 on a collision angles with probability 0.5)
- target detection distance with EPR 3 m2 with a probability of 0.5 догонных angles: 35 km[11][12]
- number of detected targets: 24
- the number of targets for attack: 8
- the range of automatic tracking: 120 km
- detection of thermal goals - 56 km
The upgraded MiG-31БМ maximum range detection of air targets increased to 320 km automatic tracking accepted up to ten goals, and the latest complexes of «Barrier» track up to 24 targets and simultaneously can attack up to 8 targets. On-Board computer Argon-Kresearch Institute «Argon») selects the four most important, which simultaneously are operated four missiles air-to-air long-range R-33 (R-33S).
Thermal radar is interfaced radar and is designed for passive review of the airspace, and for the issuance of targeting missiles P-40TD and R-60 TGS.
The flight-navigation equipment of the aircraft MiG-31 includes a system of automatic control system SAU-155МП and sighting-navigation complex KN-25 with two inertial systems and IP-1-72A with digital computer «Maneuver», electronic range navigation system «Radical NP (312) or A-331, electronic system of the far - navigation A-723 «Slip-2». Distant radio navigation is carried out by means of two systems: tropic»Template:No AI (similar to the system of «Laurent») and «Route» (similar to the system of «omega»).
The plane is equipped with means of electronic warfare, radar and IR ranges. Interceptor MiG-31 is capable of performing combat tasks MiG-31 was equipped with RK-RLDN and APD-518 digital secure datalinks. The RK-RLDN datalink is for communication with ground control centers. The APD-518 datalink enables a flight of four MiG-31 to automatically exchange radar-generated data within 200 km (124 mi) from each other. It also enables other aircraft with less sophisticated avionics, such as MiG-25, to be directed to targets spotted by MiG-31.[13]
- interacting with ground-based automated digital control system (ACS «Rubezh»), operating modes remote aiming, semi-automated actions (coordinate support), singly, and also:
- Digital immune system provides the automatic exchange of tactical information in a group of four interceptors, remote one from another at the distance of 200 km and aiming at the target group of fighters with less-powerful avionics (in this case the aircraft performs the role of guidance point or repeater).
The basic differences between versions МиГ-31БМ[14]:
The onboard radar complex MiG-31БМ is capable of simultaneously detecting 24 air targets, 8 of which can be simultaneously attacked by missiles R-33S. Achieved a possibility to intercept targets flying at a speed corresponding to M=6, improved other characteristics of the complex
Modernized variants of the aircraft can be equipped with radar missiles X-31S, X 25MP or X-25МПУ (up to six units), anti-ship UR X-31A (up to six), class missiles air-to-surface X-29and X 59 (up to three) or X-59M (up to two units), up to six corrected air bombs KAB-1500 or eight KAB-500 with television or laser-guided. Maximum mass of payload is to 9000 kg
JSC «Russian avionics developed for him completely new layout both cabins. The main disadvantage of the previous layout was lack of a pilot information about tactical situation, the commander does not know what he was doing Navigator. Now in the front cabin on the right side of the dashboard mounted multifunction LCD readout size of 6x8 inches (similar to that used on MiG-29SMT). More significant changes were Navigator's cabin of the operator, in which there are three such indicator, which can display various information (tactical, navigation, radar images from the cameras managed weapons etc). The plane was also the indicator on the windshield, replacing the former PPI.
Navigation complex, which is equipped with the upgraded MiG-31БМ, largely harmonized with the MiG-29SMT (includes a satellite navigation receiver). As a result of the revision, the Park MiG-31 domestic air force received almost new aircraft with a wide range of battle application.
The export version of this fighter MiG - 31ФЭ - can be installed and integrated with the Russian systems samples of armament and equipment manufactured in the West.
The MiG-31M-, MiG-31D-, and MiG-31BS-standard aircraft have an upgraded Zaslon-M radar, with larger antenna and greater detection range (said to be 400 km (250 mi) against AWACS-size targets) and the ability to attack multiple targets — air and ground — simultaneously. The Zaslon-M has a 1.4m diameter (larger) antenna, 50% to 100% better performance than Zaslon. In April 1994 it was used with an R-37 to hit a target at 300 km distance.[citation needed] It has a search range 400 km versus a 19/20 sq m RCS target and can track 24 targets at once, engaging six[15][16](282 km for 5m2[17]). It is also supposedly able to engage launched Pershing-2 missiles in flight with long-range R-37 active radar-guided missiles.[citation needed] The back-seater's controls are replaced with modern multi-function displays. Its electronic countermeasures capabilities have also been upgraded, with new ECM pods on the wingtips.[citation needed]
Cockpit
The aircraft is a two-seater with the rear seat occupant controlling the radar. Although cockpit controls are duplicated across cockpits, it is normal for the aircraft to be flown only from the front seat. The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a centre stick and left hand throttles. The rear cockpit has only two small vision ports on the sides of the canopy. It is argued that the presence of the WSO (Weapon Systems Operator) in the rear cockpit improves aircraft effectiveness since the WSO is entirely dedicated to radar operations and weapons deployment. This decreases the workload of the pilot and increases efficiency. Both cockpits are fitted with zero/zero ejection seats which allow the crew to eject at any altitude and airspeed.[3]
It has been claimed by Russian Federation Defence Ministry chief Colonel Yuri Balyko, that the upgrade will increase the combat effectiveness of the aircraft several times over.[18]
Armament
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/MiG-31_Foxhound_aircraft_armed_with_AA-9_missiles_in_flight.jpg/220px-MiG-31_Foxhound_aircraft_armed_with_AA-9_missiles_in_flight.jpg)
The MiG-31's main armament is four R-33 air-to-air missiles (NATO codename AA-9 'Amos') carried under the belly. The R-33 is the Russian equivalent of the U.S. Navy's AIM-54 Phoenix. It can be guided in semi-active radar homing (SARH) mode, or launched in inertial guidance mode with the option of mid-course updates from the launch aircraft and switching to SARH for terminal guidance. A more advanced version of the weapon, the Vympel R-37, which is the replacement for the older R-33, features folding stabilizers to reduce its stored size.[citation needed]
Other weapons include the old AA-6 'Acrid', originally deployed on the MiG-25, and the Molniya R-60 or Vympel R-73 short-range IR missiles, carried on wing pylons. Currently the entire MiG-31 fleet is being refitted to carry the newer Vympel R-77 on the wing pylons.[citation needed]
Unlike the MiG-25, the MiG-31 has an internal cannon, a six-barrel, 23 mm GSh-6-23 with 800 rounds of ammunition, mounted above the starboard main landing gear bay. The GSh-6-23 has a claimed rate of fire of over 10,000 rounds per minute. However, after two Su-24 were lost because of premature shell detonation in 1983, plus some different problems with gun usage (system failures, etc.), usage of the GSh-6-23 was stopped by a decision of the Soviet AF Command. The aircraft in the Russian AF were flying with fully operational guns, but without ammunition in January 2009.[19]
Operational history
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/MiG-31_790_IAP_Khotilovo_airbase.jpg/220px-MiG-31_790_IAP_Khotilovo_airbase.jpg)
The MiG-31 entered operational service with the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) in 1982. It was first photographed by a Norwegian pilot over the Barents Sea in 1985. The MiG-31 was sought after for a variety of long-range missions.[citation needed]
With the designation Ye-266, a re-engined Ye-155 shattered world records. It reached an absolute maximum altitude of 123,524 ft, or 37,650 m, and set a time to height record of 35,000 m in 4 minutes, 11.78 seconds, both which were set by test pilot Alexander Fedotov. Ostapenko, his deputy, set a record of 30,000 m in 3 minutes, 9.8 seconds.[20]
Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, however, the budget for spares (MIG-31 AOG desk was created to solve this problem) and maintenance collapsed, leaving many squadrons unable to maintain their complex aircraft. By 1996, only 20% of remaining aircraft were reportedly serviceable at any time; however, by early 2006, a stronger Russian economy permitted the return to service of around 75% of the Russian Air Force's (VVS') MiG-31s.[citation needed]
Approximately 370 are in Russian service, with another 30 or so in Kazakhstan.[21] The MiG-31 will likely continue serving for years to come, depending on upgrades and future growth of the Russian economy.[citation needed]
On 6 September 2011, a MiG-31 crashed near Bolgary village, Perm region, Russia.[22] The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, killing both pilots. Another, non-fatal crash occurred in 2010. The entire fleet was grounded pending an investigation.[23]
Export
Syria ordered eight MiG-31E aircraft in 2007 for Syrian Air Force.[24][25] However, the order has been suspended in May 2009 reportedly either due to Israeli pressure or lack of Syrian funds.[26]
Variants
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/MiG-31_790_IAP_Khotilovo_airbase_2.jpg/220px-MiG-31_790_IAP_Khotilovo_airbase_2.jpg)
A new version of the MiG-31 with upgraded avionics, the MiG-31B, was introduced in 1990. Its development was the result of the Soviet discovery that Phazotron radar division engineer Adolf Tolkachev had sold information on advanced radars to the West. Tolkachev was executed, and a new version of the compromised radar was hastily developed. Many earlier MiG-31s were upgraded to the new standard, designated MiG-31BM.[27]
Development of a more comprehensive advanced version, the MiG-31M, began in 1983 and first flew in 1986, but the dissolution of the Soviet Union prevented it from entering full production.[citation needed]The MiG-31M standard adds some additional features like Global Positioning System (GPS) and GLONASS receivers, and three color CRT MFDs in the rear cockpit.
Several other variants have been developed, including a dedicated anti-satellite missile carrier, the MiG-31D; a similar satellite-launching aircraft, MiG-31A; a proposed multirole version, MiG-31F; and a downgraded export version, MiG-31E; but none have been built.[citation needed]
Operators
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Mikoyan_MiG-31_Operators.png/300px-Mikoyan_MiG-31_Operators.png)
- Current operators
Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Air Force has 33 in service.[citation needed]
- Russian Air Force 252 in service.[28] 122 active.[10]
- Russian Naval Aviation 30
Former operators
- Soviet Air Defence Forces
- Soviet Air Force aircraft passed on to Russia and Kazakhstan in 1991.
Specifications (MiG-31)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Mikoyan_MiG-31_3-view.svg/350px-Mikoyan_MiG-31_3-view.svg.png)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/MiG-31BM_on_the_MAKS-2009_%2801%29.jpg/220px-MiG-31BM_on_the_MAKS-2009_%2801%29.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-31E_at_MAKS_2005.jpg/220px-Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-31E_at_MAKS_2005.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-31E_landing_at_Sormovo_%282007%29.jpg/220px-Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-31E_landing_at_Sormovo_%282007%29.jpg)
Data from Great Book of Modern Warplanes,[2] MiG-31E data,[29]Combat Aircraft since 1945 [1]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (pilot and weapons system officer)
Performance
- Thrust/weight: 0.85
- Maximum g-load: 5 g
Armament
- 1× GSh-6-23 23 mm cannon with 260 rounds.
- Fuselage recesses for 4× R-33 (AA-9 'Amos') (or for MiG-31M/BM only 6× R-37 (AA-X-13 'Arrow') long-range air-to-air missiles)
- 4 underwing pylons for a combination of:
- 2× R-40TD1 (AA-6 'Acrid') medium-range missiles, and[clarification needed]
- 4× R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid')
- 4× R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') short-range IR missiles,
- 4× R-77 (AA-12 'Adder') medium-range missiles.
- Some aircraft are equipped to launch the Kh-31P (AS-17 'Krypton') and Kh-58 (AS-11 'Kilter') anti-radiation missiles in the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) role.
See also
- Firefox (novel) and Firefox (film), the premise of which is the theft of a speculated/fictional version of the MiG-31
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
Notes
- ^ a b c Wilson 2000, p. 103.
- ^ a b Spick 2000
- ^ a b c d e f g Dawes, Alan. "Mikoyan's Long-Legged Hunting Dog." Air International, December 2002, pp. 396–401.
- ^ Gunston and Spick 1983, pp. 132–133.
- ^ Eden 2004, p. 323.
- ^ Eden 2004, p. 308.
- ^ "Russian air force completing MiG-31BM modernization program. Retrieved: 24 January 2011.
- ^ Skrynnikov, R. "Defense: Russian air force completing MiG-31BM modernization program." RIA Novosti, 13 August 2010. Retrieved: 17 August 2010.
- ^ Ankov, Vitaliy. "Russia to modernize 60 MiG-31 interceptors by 2020." RIA Novosti, 2 January 2012. Retrieved: 25 November 2012.
- ^ a b Russia to Field MiG-31 Replacement by 2020 - Rian.ru, April 11, 2013
- ^ armament control System SUV «Barrier» of the MiG-31
- ^ http://www.roe.ru/cataloque/air_craft/aircraft_16-19.pdf
- ^ Gordon 1997
- ^ worldweapon.ru, MiG-31БМ
- ^ Zaslon radar at Janes Defence web-site
- ^ Zaslon radar at Russia Airforce Handbook - Google Books
- ^ "Zaslon-M radar." Fighterplanes. Retrieved: 16 July 2012.
- ^ "MiG-31 Upgrade Will Quadruple Its Effectiveness – Expert." royfc.com. Retrieved: 24 January 2011.
- ^ Williams, Anthony G. "Amendments and additional notes to 'Rapid Fire'." Retrieved: 24 January 2011.
- ^ "World Records." OKB MIG. Retrieved: 11 May 2011.
- ^ "Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) Aviatsiya Voyenno (AV)." globalsecurity.org. Retrieved: 24 January 2011.
- ^ Petrov, Sergei. "Flight recorder found at MiG-31 crash site." rian.ru, 7 September 2011.
- ^ "Investigators seizing crashed MiG-31 fighter documentation." itar-tass.com. Retrieved: 16 July 2012.
- ^ Air Forces Monthly, August 2007 issue
- ^ Karnozov, Vladimir. "Syria signs for eight MiG-31 interceptors." Flight International, 21 June 2007.
- ^ "Syrian MiG-31 Order suspended." mosnews.com. Retrieved: 24 January 2011.
- ^ RIA Novosti "Defense: Russian air force completing MiG-31BM modernization program." RIA Novosti. Retrieved: 17 August 2010.
- ^ Zelin, Alexander (Commander of the Russian Air Force). "Zelin." ng.ru. Retrieved: 19 March 2012.
- ^ "MiG-31E." RAC MiG. Retrieved: 22 July 2008.
- ^ "MiG-31E Interceptor." roe.ru. Retrieved: 16 July 2012.
Bibliography
- Eden, Paul, ed. "Mikoyan MiG-25 'Foxbat'". "Mikoyan MiG-31 'Foxhound'". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
- Gordon, Yefim. MiG-25 'Foxbat,' MiG-31 'Foxhound:" Russia's Defensive Front Line. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing, 1997. ISBN 1-85780-064-8.
- Spick, Mike. "MiG-31 'Foxhound'". The Great Book of Modern Warplanes. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI, 2000. ISBN 0-7603-0893-4.
- Wilson, Stewart. Combat Aircraft since 1945. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications, 2000. ISBN 1-875671-50-1.
External links
- MiG-31 Foxhound on fas.org
- MiG-31 page on aerospaceweb.org
- MiG-31E page on Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG" site
- MiG-31 page on milavia.net
- MiG-31 Foxhound at Global Security
- MIG-31 Foxhound Interceptor at Russian Military Analysis
- MiG-31 on aviation.ru
- MIG-31 Foxhound at Global Aircraft
- Foxbat and Foxhound - Australian Aviation
- Износ техники — причина катастрофы МиГ-31? Template:Ru icon (in english)