Mikoyan MiG-31

Mikoyan MiG-31
Country	Soviet Union
Role	Interceptor aircraft, attack aircraft
First flight	6 May 1981
Built	519+

The Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russian: Микоян МиГ-31; NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft that was developed for use by the Soviet Air Forces. The aircraft was designed by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the earlier MiG-25 “Foxbat”; the MiG-31 is based on and shares design elements with the MiG-25. The MiG-31 has the distinction of being among the fastest combat jets in the world. It continues to be operated by the Russian Air Force and the Kazakhstan Air Force following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Russian Defence Ministry expects the MiG-31 to remain in service until 2030 or beyond and was confirmed in 2020 when an announcement was made to extend the service lifetime from 2,500 to 3,500 hours on the existing airframes.

Source: MiG-31 on Wiki

Mikoyan MiG-31 Walk Around
Photographer	Mikhail Putnikov
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	14

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Mikoyan MiG-31 09

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General Characteristics

The Mikoyan MiG-31 (NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a Soviet/Russian supersonic interceptor aircraft designed to replace the earlier MiG-25 Foxbat. It was developed to defend vast Soviet airspace, particularly against cruise missiles and low-flying intruders. The MiG-31 is a highly unique aircraft, being one of the few jets in the world capable of achieving speeds near Mach 3 while carrying a heavy missile load. Its most significant feature is its advanced Zaslon S-800 phased array radar, making it the first fighter platform in the world to employ such a radar system. The aircraft operates in pairs or groups, with four MiG-31s capable of controlling an 800–900 km (500–560 mi) front line. It remains one of Russia’s primary long-range interceptors, with upgraded variants like the MiG-31BM still in service.

Property	Typical Value (MiG-31B/BS/BM)
Role	Long-Range Supersonic Interceptor
National Origin	Soviet Union / Russia
Manufacturer	Mikoyan Design Bureau / Sokol Aircraft Plant
First Flight	September 16, 1975
Service Entry	1981
No. Built	Approx. 500+
Crew	2 (Pilot, Weapon Systems Officer/Navigator)
Length	22.69 m (74 ft 5 in)
Wingspan	13.46 m (44 ft 2 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	46,200 kg (101,850 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 2 x Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines.
Max Thrust (per engine, w/ afterburner): 152.0 kN (34,170 lbf).
Maximum Speed (High Altitude): Mach 2.83 (3,000 km/h or 1,860 mph). (Limited to Mach 2.35 by most modern operational parameters for engine longevity).
Maximum Speed (Low Altitude): Mach 1.23.
Service Ceiling: 20,600 m (67,600 ft).
Combat Radius (Subsonic): 720 km (450 mi).
Ferry Range: 3,300 km (2,050 mi) with two drop tanks.
Design Note: The MiG-31 is built with a greater proportion of steel and titanium (approx. 50% steel, 33% aluminum, 16% titanium) than its predecessor to better sustain high speeds.

Armament and Sensors

Internal Gun: 1 x 23 mm GSh-6-23 six-barrel rotary cannon (260 rounds) (removed in later modernization efforts like the MiG-31BM).
Hardpoints: 8 total (4 semi-recessed under the fuselage for R-33/37 missiles, 4 under-wing).
Key Armament:
- Primary Missile: R-33/AA-9 Amos (long-range radar-guided missile, range up to 160 km in earlier versions).
- Upgraded Missile (MiG-31BM): R-37/RVV-BD (extra long-range AAM, cited range up to 400 km).
- Short/Medium Range Missiles: R-40, R-60, R-73, and R-77.
- Kinzhal Missile: MiG-31K variants are modified to carry the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic ballistic missile.
Key Sensor: Zaslon S-800 Phased Array Radar (PANDA)
- Range: Can detect targets up to 200 km (124 mi) away (MiG-31B) and track up to 10 targets simultaneously, engaging 4 of them.
- MiG-31BM upgrades: Feature the Zaslon-M radar with an increased detection range of 320 km and the ability to track 24 targets, engaging 8 simultaneously.