MiG-31. Forty years old, normal flight. A fighter ahead of its time How high does the moment rise 31

It is not for nothing that the Russian MiG-31 long-range interceptor fighter is called Foxhound in NATO, which translates as “Fox Hound”. The plane is able to drive down any airborne Fox. A group consisting of four such aircraft can control the airspace, for example, from Moscow to Krasnodar, which is more than 1,100 kilometers. The MiG-31 is capable of intercepting any targets in the air, shooting down cruise missiles in the entire range of their altitudes and speeds, and destroying satellites operating in low space orbits, reports tvzvezda.ru.

Journalist Alexey Egorov told tvzvezda.ru about the capabilities of the MiG-31 fighter in the sky and on the approaches to space.

Heights and distances.

The maximum flight altitude of the MiG-31 is more than 25 kilometers. An airplane can reach the stratosphere by traveling at the speed of sound: the speed can be 3 thousand kilometers per hour, that is, almost three times the speed of sound. One of the main tasks of these aircraft is to intercept cruise missiles. It is for this reason that one of the MiG-31 base airfields is located exactly between Moscow and St. Petersburg, in order to effectively provide air defense to the country’s two largest cities.

Preparations for the launch were fine-tuned down to seconds, reports tvzvezda.ru. All specialists know their tasks perfectly in order to react instantly if necessary. At the same time, there is always a standby aircraft on standby, the engine of which is always warm, the ammunition is in combat readiness, and the tanks are full. The MiG-31 is armed with four long-range R-33 missiles and four more short-range R-77 missiles. All ammunition can be fired at the same time, from the impact of which it is impossible to escape. Modern radar allows you to see at a distance of more than 400 kilometers.

The commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces regiment, Colonel Anatoly Ulyanov, said that the new missiles of the MiG-31 aircraft are able to hit a target in near space. Such targets include satellites, cruise and ballistic missiles.

Start.

The cockpit of the MiG-31 aircraft has two seats for the crew. The commander takes the front seat, and the navigator takes the back seat, reports tvzvezda.ru. After a short series of pre-launch checks, the aircraft can already move towards the runway. Flight director Lieutenant Colonel Evgeniy Polyakov told tvzvezda.ru that the MiG-31 reaches supersonic speed 10 minutes after the start of the flight.

In a literal sense, the maximum flight altitude of the MiG-31 is not space, since outer space, according to the international standard, begins at altitudes of 100 kilometers. But starting from a height of 20 kilometers, “signs” of space appear, namely the absence of an atmosphere and cosmic radiation. Helmets and special suits ensure the safety of the crew. They protect the crew from “boiling” their blood. Pilots flying at such altitudes undergo a medical examination both before and after the flight, because in aviation the main thing is monitoring the human condition.

Simulators that simulate task conditions provide significant assistance in preparing for a flight. Such simulators provide a complete flight simulation: you can’t even hear the sound of the engine, because during supersonic flight all the noise remains behind.

Records.

MiG-31 from Nizhny Novgorod, where the Sokol plant was producing the aircraft. At the moment, no new machines are being assembled, but active modernization and updating of old ones is underway. Chief designer Alexander Osokin told tvzvezda.ru that during the renovation the “filling” of the MiG-31 is completely updated, resulting in a highly efficient aircraft. Analog devices are being replaced by digital ones, for example. The only thing that remains unchanged is the quality of the metal from which the aircraft body is made.

tvzvezda.ru noted the case when the traitor-defector Viktor Belenko stole a MiG-25 to Japan, where experts were unable to unravel the secret of the car’s fusion. At the moment, it is known that high-strength steel, titanium and aluminum are used in the design. As another feature of the aircraft, tvzvezda.ru noted the location of the fuel tanks, which occupy almost the entire body.

The use of unique materials in combination with a calculated design makes the MiG-31 a record holder that has no competitors in many disciplines. This applies, for example, to speed: the MiG-31 is able to outrun shells fired from its own cannon. The altitude record also belongs to the MiG-31, when Soviet pilot Alexander Fedotov flew this aircraft to an altitude of 37,650 meters in 1977. This record has not yet been broken.

Modernization course.

The newest record of the MiG-31 is considered to be a seven-hour flight without landing, which was carried out with two refuelings in the air. tvzvezda.ru notes that this aircraft does not lose its combat qualities at any altitude and is always ready for air combat.

Despite the fact that the MiG-31 has a solid service record, it is still considered a promising model of combat aircraft. This is proven by the fact that no one has ever broken his records. Colonel Anatoly Ulyanov told tvzvezda.ru that the MiG-31 is able to overtake a cruise missile even near the ground at a speed of 1,500 kilometers per hour, since the missiles fly at subsonic levels. Russian Aerospace Forces pilots are trained to use these machines to hit modern targets, including promising ones.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has a long-term contract for the repair, restoration and service life extension of MiG-31 aircraft to the level of the MiG-31BM. As part of the contract, 113 aircraft must be restored.

Equipment

Range of flight

Modifications

Exploitation

Specifications

Flight characteristics

Armament

Disasters

MiG-31(according to NATO codification: Foxhound- fox hound) is a two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range fighter-interceptor. Developed at OKB-155 (now JSC RSK MiG). The first Soviet fourth generation combat aircraft.

The MiG-31 is designed to intercept and destroy air targets at extremely low, low, medium and high altitudes, day and night, in simple and adverse weather conditions, when the enemy uses active and passive radar jamming, as well as false thermal targets. A group of four MiG-31 aircraft is capable of controlling airspace with a front length of 800-900 km.

Story

Work on the creation of the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor began at the Design Bureau named after. A.I. Mikoyan in 1968. At the initial phase, the work was led by chief designer A. A. Chumachenko. Then, at the stage of deep engineering development and testing, - G. E. Lozino-Lozinsky. In 1975, after Gleb Evgenievich began developing the Buran, work on the creation of the aircraft was headed by Konstantin Konstantinovich Vasilchenko.

The combat capabilities of the fighter were supposed to be significantly expanded through the use of the latest electronic equipment, in particular (for the first time in the world) a radar with a passive phased array antenna. The MiG-31 was built according to the design of the MiG-25 aircraft, but had a crew of two people - a pilot and a navigator-operator, located in a tandem configuration. The MiG-31 prototype made its first flight on September 16, 1975, with test pilot A.V. Fedotov at the controls. In 1981, production of the MiG-31 began in Gorky. The first series consisted of only two aircraft, the second - of three, the third - of six. All these aircraft were intended for flight testing. New interceptors began to enter air defense service in 1983.

The first MiG-31s ​​were received by the 786th IAP, stationed in Pravdinsk, and the Air Defense Combat Use Center in Savasleika. In air defense units, the MiG-31 replaced the Su-15 and Tu-128. In September 1984, new interceptors began combat duty in the Far East - at the Sokol airfield, Sakhalin Island.

Production of the MiG-31 was discontinued in 1994. By the end of 1994, more than 500 MiG-31 and MiG-31B aircraft were built.

During the 2nd Chechen War, MiG-31 and A-50 AWACS aircraft controlled the airspace of the Chechen Republic.

At the moment, the aircraft in service are being modernized to the MiG-31BM version; the first 2 entered service with the troops in 2008.

Equipment

The basis of the MiG-31 aircraft’s weapons control system is a pulse-Doppler radar with a passive phased array antenna (PFAR) RP-31 N007 “Zaslon”, developed by the Research Institute of Instrumentation (Zhukovsky), which has a detection range of air targets of up to 200 km (for the target with an EPR of 19 m² at passing angles with a probability of 0.5), target detection range with an ESR of 3 m with a probability of 0.5 at catch-up angles of 35 km (automatic tracking range - 120 km). On the modernized MiG-31BM aircraft, the maximum detection range of air targets has been increased to 320 km. Up to ten targets are accepted for automatic tracking, and the latest Zaslona systems track up to 24 targets and can simultaneously attack up to 8 targets. The Argon-K on-board computer selects the four most important ones, which can be simultaneously targeted by four long-range R-33 (R-33S) air-to-air missiles.

An additional means of detecting air targets is the 8TP heat direction finder, which is located under the nose of the fuselage (the detection range depends on the state of the atmosphere and the degree of “heating” of the target. Range is up to 56 km). In the flight position, the heat direction finder is retracted into the fuselage, and in the working position it is released into the flow. It is interfaced with a radar and is designed for passive surveillance of the airspace, as well as for issuing target designation to R-40TD and R-60 missiles with TGS.

The flight and navigation equipment of the MiG-31 aircraft includes the automatic control system SAU-155MP and the sighting and navigation complex KN-25 with two inertial systems IS-1-72A with a digital computer "Maneuver", a short-range radio navigation system "Radical-NP" (A -312) or A-331, long-range navigation radio system A-723 “Kvitok-2”. Long-distance radio navigation is carried out through two systems: “Tropic” (similar to the “Loran” system) and “Route” (analogous to the “Omega” system).

The aircraft is equipped with electronic warfare equipment in the radar and infrared ranges. The MiG-31 interceptor is capable of performing combat missions by interacting with a ground-based automated digital control system (ACS "Rubezh"), operating in remote guidance modes, semi-autonomous actions (coordinate support), alone, and also as part of a group of four aircraft with automatic intra-group exchange information. The digital noise-resistant communication system ensures the automatic exchange of tactical information in a group of four interceptors located at a distance of up to 200 km from one another and the targeting of a group of fighters with less powerful avionics (in this case, the aircraft acts as a guidance point, or repeater).

Fundamental differences between the MiG-31BM version:

The MiG-31BM airborne radar system is capable of simultaneously detecting up to 24 air targets, 8 of which can be simultaneously fired by R-33S or R-37 missiles (the latter at a range of up to 280 km). The ability to intercept targets flying at a speed corresponding to M=6 has been achieved, and other characteristics of the complex have been improved

Upgraded versions of the aircraft can be equipped with Kh-31P, Kh-25MP or X-25MPU anti-radar missiles (up to six units), X-31A anti-ship missiles (up to six), Kh-59 and Kh-29T air-to-surface missiles (up to three) or X-59M (up to two units), up to six KAB-1500 adjustable aerial bombs or up to eight KAB-500 with television or laser guidance. The maximum combat load weight is 9000 kg.

JSC Russian Avionics has developed a fundamentally new layout of both cabins for it. The main disadvantage of the previous configuration was the pilot’s lack of information about the tactical situation: the commander did not know what the navigator was doing. Now in the front cockpit, on the right side of the instrument panel, a 6x8-inch multifunctional LCD indicator (similar to that used on the MiG-29SMT) is installed. The navigator-operator's cabin has undergone more significant changes, in which there are three such indicators, on which a wide variety of information can be displayed (tactical, navigation, radar, images from television cameras of guided weapons, etc.). The aircraft also received an indicator on the windshield, replacing the previous PPI.

The navigation system, which is equipped with the modernized MiG-31BM, is largely unified with the MiG-29SMT (it includes a satellite navigation receiver). As a result of the modification of the fleet of MiG-31 fighters, the domestic air force received an almost new aircraft with a wide range of combat applications.

The export version of this fighter, the MiG-31FE, can install and integrate with Russian systems Western-made weapons and equipment.

Range of flight

For a MiG-31 with 4 missiles and two drop tanks, launching missiles midway, dropping the drop tanks after they are used up, and the secondary missile launcher, the subsonic practical range and flight duration are 3000 km and 3 hours 38 minutes, respectively.

Subsonic practical range and duration without drop tanks and retracted secondary battery is:

• without missiles: range - 2480 km, duration - 2 hours 44 minutes;
• with 4 missiles and launching them midway: range - 2400 km, duration - 2 hours 35 minutes;
• with 4 missiles: range - 2240 km, duration - 2 hours 26 minutes.

Modifications

Since the release of the MiG-31, numerous modifications of the aircraft have also been developed:

• MiG-31B - serial modification of the MiG-31, equipped with an in-flight refueling system;
• MiG-31BS - MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31B;
• MiG-31BM - modernization in 1998, a modern version of the MiG-31 for the Russian Air Force. It is planned to upgrade all aircraft in service to this version (2008); The first stage of the State Survey was completed in 2008, and the second stage continues.
• MiG-31D - experimental modification capable of carrying the Ishim anti-satellite missile;
• MiG-31LL - flying laboratory in Zhukovsky;
• MiG-31M - a fighter-interceptor modernized in 1993 with enhanced weapons, radar, and avionics;
• MiG-31F - a multi-role front-line fighter, also designed to attack ground targets (a project for a fundamentally new aircraft);
• MiG-31FE - export version of the MiG-31BM aircraft;
• MiG-31E - export version with simplified avionics;
• Mig-31DZ - a serial fighter-interceptor equipped with an in-flight refueling system (it differs from the MiG-31B in the location of the refueling boom (on the MiG-31DZ the boom is installed on the left in flight) and the equipment of the second cabin).

Exploitation

MiG-31 aircraft were and are operated in addition to Russia in Kazakhstan, and also possibly in China.

The Russian Air Force has about 137 (+ 100 in reserve) MiG-31 aircraft in service at 7 air bases:

• 4 AvGr 6983 AvB Central Angular 12 MiG-31;
• Elizovo airfield, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky from 2011 as part of the Air Force 29 MiG-31;
• 3958 AvB Savasleika air base 12 MiG-31;
• 3 AvGr 7000 AvB Monchegorsk air base 14 MiG-31;
• 4 AvGr 7000 AvB Khotilovo airfield 24 MiG-31;
• 2 AvGr 6980 AvB Bolshoye Savino, Perm 22 MiG-31;
• 3 AvGr 6980 AvB Kansk airfield 24 MiG-31;

In Kazakhstan, 43 MiG-31s ​​are in service as part of the 356th IAP - Karaganda airfield.

A number of sources reported the purchase of 24 aircraft in the first half of the 1990s, but there is no reliable evidence that they actually entered service with the Chinese Air Force.

Performance characteristics

Specifications

The MiG-31 has the following technical characteristics:

• crew - 2 people;
• length - 21.62 m;
• wingspan - 13.45 m;
• height - 6.50 m;
• wing area - 61.60 m²;
• weight:
• empty aircraft - 21,820 kg;
• with full refueling - 39,150 kg;
• maximum take-off weight - 46,750 kg;
• fuel mass - 17,330 kg;
• engine type - TRDDF D-30F6;
• thrust:
• maximum - 2 × 9500 kgf;
• in afterburner - 2 × 15,500 kgf;
• engine weight - 2416 kg.

Flight characteristics

Flight characteristics of the Mig-31:

• maximum permissible speed at high altitude - 3000 km/h (M2.82);
• maximum permissible speed at low altitude - 1500 km/h;
• cruising speed:
• supersonic - 2500 km/h (M2.35);
• subsonic - 950 km/h (M0.9);
• practical range:
• at 2.35 M, altitude 18,000 m - 720 km;
• at 0.8 M, altitude 10,000 m - 1450 km:
• without refueling with 2 PTB - up to 3000 km;
• with one refueling - up to 5400 km;
• combat radius - 720 km;
• flight duration - up to 3.3 hours;
• practical ceiling - 20,600 m;
• at maximum take-off weight - 759 kg/m²;
• with full filling - 635 kg/m²;
• thrust-to-weight ratio:
• at maximum take-off weight - 0.66;
• with full filling - 0.79;
• maximum operational overload - 5 g.

Armament

The MiG-31 can carry the following weapons:

• cannon:
• six-barreled gun GSh-6-23:
• ammunition - 260 rounds;
• rate of fire:
• at NU - not less than 8000 min−1;
• at t = −60 °C - no less than 6400 min−1;
• missile on 6 hardpoints (additionally 2 hardpoints for PTB):
• air-to-air missiles:
• R-33,
• R-37,
• R-40T(TD),
• R-60(M).

Disasters

• September 20, 1979, Akhtubinsk, Air Force Research Institute, engine fire due to fuel leak. The crew successfully ejected.
• autumn 1979, Gorky, USSR air defense, failure of both engines due to jamming. The crew successfully ejected.
• April 4, 1984, LII airfield (Zhukovsky), A.I. Mikoyan Design Bureau, first version - failure of the alarm system for fuel exhaustion from the tanks. The second version is the destruction of the intershaft bearing and engine separation, which led to disruption of aircraft control, and then to an explosion of the aircraft in the air. The crew died.
• August 8, 1988, Kola Peninsula, 174th IAP, fire during a flight over the sea. The plane was successfully landed at the airfield.
• December 20, 1988, Semipalatinsk, 356 IAP, pilot error during a training flight - there was not enough altitude to recover the aircraft from a dive. The crew died.
• January 11, 1989, Gromovo airfield, 180th Guards. IAP, false alarm of the left engine fire sensor, unsuccessful landing on one engine in difficult weather conditions. The crew died.
• On November 19, 2010, taking off from the airfield without a combat load, the MiG-31, presumably due to a technical malfunction, went into a tailspin and crashed at 13.06, 60 km northeast of the take-off site (Chusovsky district). The crew ejected.
• On September 6, 2011, a MiG-31 crashed near Bolshoye Savino airport immediately after takeoff. Both pilots were killed.

MiG-31 (E-155MP, according to NATO classification Foxhound - fox hound) Soviet/Russian all-weather two-seat supersonic long-range fighter-interceptor. The fighter was developed at OKB-155 (now JSC RSK MiG). It is the first Soviet aircraft belonging to the 4th generation. The MiG-31 fighter-interceptor is designed to intercept and subsequently destroy air targets over the entire altitude range at any time of the day in simple and difficult weather conditions. The aircraft can be effectively used in conditions of active opposition from the enemy: the use of active and passive radar jamming, as well as the launch of false thermal targets. A group consisting of 4 MiG-31 fighter-interceptors is capable of controlling airspace with a total frontal length of 800-900 km.

As of 2011, according to former Air Force commander Alexander Zelin, the Russian Air Force operated 252 MiG-31 fighters. By 2020, it is planned to modernize more than 60 fighter-interceptors to the MiG-31BM version. Currently, fighters are based at 7 air bases. The MiG-31BM interceptor fighter is a modernization of the 1998 aircraft for the needs of the Russian Air Force. In 2008, the first stage of state tests was completed, the second stage continues. The upgraded version of the interceptor will receive a new radar and weapons control system, which will ensure detection of air targets at a distance of up to 320 km, and will also allow simultaneous tracking of up to 10 air targets.

creation

Work on the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor was conceived as a modernization of the already existing MiG-25P interceptor, which successfully overcame state joint (GSI) and military tests conducted in 1971-1972, and managed to establish itself as an effective and high-speed fighter-interceptor system Air defense. At the same time, the creation of a promising new generation aviation interception complex (AKP), which received the designation S-155MP, was entrusted to the Zenit MMZ. A. I. Mikoyan. Work on this project began in accordance with the decree of the USSR government of May 24, 1968.

When developing a new complex, decisions of the military-industrial complex and decrees of the USSR government significantly supplemented the tactical and technical requirements for the new product in the field of expanding combat capabilities, the ideology of its combat use, etc. This required making significant adjustments to the design of the vehicle, as well as conducting factory and flight tests, and assessing the combat capabilities of the interceptor fighter. The fundamental issue was the integration of the new complex into the air defense system of the USSR, taking into account all promising systems - the creation of air control and guidance equipment, a long-range interception aviation system, and communication with ground means.

The Main Directorate of Armaments and the relevant units of the country's Air Force were given the large-scale task of developing the S-155MP automatic transmission. It was necessary to create a completely new concept for the development of a long-range interceptor fighter. Many new solutions in this complex were perceived by the Soviet industry with great resistance, this was especially noticeable at the stage of construction of the prototype, when it was necessary to confirm the concept of the fighter. The command of the air defense forces, in whose interests the aircraft was created, was also somewhat wary of innovations.

The development of a prototype fighter and its testing received a lot of attention both from the Ministries of Aviation (MAP) and Radio Industry (MRI), and from the Air Defense Command. Despite this, the process was quite difficult, especially in terms of the development of the Zaslon weapons control system (WCS) and the Zaslon airborne radar station (BRLS). For the first time in the history of the world aircraft industry, it was decided to use a phased array antenna (PAA) as a radar antenna on an interceptor fighter. This solution was fraught with a lot of problems and surprises, the technical solution of which was quite problematic in the conditions of placement on an airplane.

The size of the fighter-interceptor's viewing area was supposed to provide coverage of 200 km. along the horizon. In this case, 4 fighters would be enough to cover a front 800 km wide. According to military requirements, the detection range of targets with an EPR - effective dispersion surface of 19 square meters (it was similar to the most difficult target for air defense - the SR-71 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft) was 180-200 km, which was several times greater than that of any other Soviet fighter -interceptor of those years.

In 1969, having analyzed all available possibilities, the leaders of the Research Institute of Instrument Engineering named after. Tikhomirov made a rather bold decision, which was revolutionary for that time - to develop an antenna with electronic scanning. At the same time, in order to implement the revolutionary idea of ​​​​introducing electronic scanning into the Zaslon system, it was necessary to develop a phased array antenna - an antenna of a fundamentally new class. The requirements for the new radar did not allow any compromises between its parameters: they were all extremely high. With minimal energy consumption and weight, the phased array had to provide a high surface utilization rate, have high performance and a low level of background radiation.

In December 1979, state tests of the S-155MP complex, which took place at the Air Force State Research Institute named after. Chkalov, we have come to an end. The Zaslon SUV system as part of the complex was adopted by the USSR Air Force on May 6, 1981, the same day when the tests of the R-33 missile, the main armament of the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor, ended successfully. Work on the creation of the missile was carried out in parallel with the development of the SUV and Zaslon radar.

Pulse-Doppler radar with a phased passive antenna array (PAA), which was included in the Zaslon SUV and today has a number of unique characteristics. As part of the Zaslon, for the first time in the world, in relation to long-range aviation radars, a three-channel (illumination channel, radar channel, state ownership determination system) antenna system was implemented in practice in the form of a monoblock phased array with rapid adjustment of the beam position in space, as well as a digital device with Doppler narrowband filtering. In addition, for the first time on board a Soviet fighter, the SUV included discrete-continuous illumination, pulse-Doppler signal processing, a tactical situation indicator, as well as a special computing system with an on-board digital computer A-15A.

The MiG-31 fighter was close to its predecessor the MiG-25 and was designed according to a normal aerodynamic design with a trapezoidal high-mounted wing, a two-fin tail, and an all-moving stabilizer. Aluminum and titanium alloys were widely used in the aircraft's airframe. The airframe of the MiG-31 interceptor fighter was 50% made of special stainless steel, 33% of aluminum alloys, 16% of titanium, and another 1% was made of other structural materials. On the MiG-25, the airframe was 80% stainless steel. The aluminum alloys used on the MiG-31 have an operating temperature of up to 150 degrees, and areas with high kinetic heating when flying at high supersonic speeds are made using titanium. The use of large amounts of titanium and aluminum made it possible to reduce the weight of the fighter airframe.

Engine air intakes are side, rectangular in cross-section, adjustable using movable horizontal panels. Fuel is placed in 7 fuselage, 4 wing and 2 keel tanks - total weight 17,330 kg. In addition, 2 more outboard tanks of 2,500 liters each can be suspended on the external underwing units. Fighter-interceptors of later models, as well as the MiG-31B model and all subsequent modifications, are additionally equipped with an in-flight refueling system from Su-24T or Il-78 tanker aircraft. Fighters are equipped with an L-shaped retractable fuel receiver rod.

The armament of the fighter-interceptor consists of long-range missile launchers R-33 (120 km), which are placed in conformal pairs one after another on 4 semi-recessed external hardpoints under the fuselage of the fighter, as well as medium-range missile launchers with an IR target guidance system R- 40T and short-range missiles R-60, R-60M and R-73 on 4 underwing hardpoints. A six-barreled 23-mm GSh-23-6 cannon (260 rounds of ammunition) was mounted under the fuselage of the MiG-31. The rate of fire of this installation is 8,000 rounds/minute. The embrasure of the artillery mount in the non-working position is closed with a special flap, which reduces the aircraft's EPR and improves its aerodynamic characteristics.

Performance characteristics of the MiG-31:
Dimensions: wingspan – 13.46 m, length – 22.69 m, 5.15 m.
Wing area – 61.6 sq. m.
Fighter weight: normal take-off - 41,000 kg, maximum take-off - 46,200 kg.
Type of power plant – 2 turbofan engines D-30F-6, thrust 15,500 kgf in afterburner (each)
Maximum flight speed is 3,000 km/h (at an altitude of 17,500 meters).
Practical flight range – 2,150 km (without PTB), 3,300 km (with PTB).
Service ceiling – 20,600 m.
Armament: 23-mm six-barreled gun GSh-6-23 (260 rounds), 4 long-range missiles R-33, 2 medium-range missiles R-40T and 4 short-range missiles R-60, R-60M and R- 73.
Crew – 2 people.

Information sources:
-http://vpk-news.ru/articles/12777
-http://vpk-news.ru/articles/12691
-http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/mig31.html
-http://www.airbase.ru/sb/russia/mikoyan/mig/31
-http://ru.wikipedia.org

The MiG-31 BM is the latest modification of the high-altitude fighter-interceptor, which has no analogues in the world. The MiG-31BM interceptor is part of the missile defense system (BMD), the aircraft takes on the most difficult functions - destroying cruise and ballistic missiles at any altitude range in difficult weather conditions, bringing the defense to 100% reliability.

The MiG-31BM interceptor is part of the missile defense system (BMD), the aircraft takes on the most difficult functions - destroying cruise and ballistic missiles at any altitude range in difficult weather conditions, bringing the defense to 100% reliability. The fighter has also been given additional tasks to destroy satellites, detect and destroy 5th generation stealth aircraft, low-flying targets with a flight path that follows the terrain, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The MiG-31BM supersonic interceptor fighter with a trapezoidal wing is a two-seat high-wing aircraft that has no analogues. The speed at altitude is 2.83 M, at the ground 1500 km/h. The low operational overload of 5 g is not accidental, maneuverability is not enough, but it is not needed, this aircraft instantly and accurately releases its reserve of missiles and leaves as quickly as it approaches.

History of the creation of MiG-31 interceptors

The end of the 1960s marked the beginning of the work of the Mikoyan design bureau, which worked on the project of the E-155MP fighter-interceptor, which became famous under the name MiG-31. The USSR Council of Ministers decided on May 24, 1968 to begin developing this project. At first G.E. Lozino-Lozinsky worked on it until 1976, when he was transferred to develop the Buran space shuttle. The case was transferred to the new chief designer K.K. Vasilchenko, who was replaced over time by A.A. Belosvet, E.K. Kostrubsky, A.B. Anosovich, B.S. Losev. The tasks set at that time were:

Interception of air targets at all altitudes (low, medium, high) in both simple and difficult weather conditions.

Defeat an enemy who is maneuvering and offering active resistance.

The aircraft received the latest electronic equipment, which expanded the range of capabilities; for the first time in the world, a phased array phased array antenna was used, which opened new boundaries for radar. This is one of 29 world records for interceptor #1. Advanced foreign countries were able to repeat this at the turn of the 2000s. The work was not carried out from scratch; the MiG-25P was used as the basis, with the amendment that the crew would consist of not one, but two people. The design model had a two-circuit D-30F6 propulsion unit, each with a thrust of 15.5 thousand kgf. Then a new speed record of M=2.83 had already been set. The low altitude yielded to a speed of 1500 km/h.

Under the code “83”, on September 16, 1975, the E-155PM glider took off with test pilot A.V. Fedotov. The finished design prototype flew a year later, leaving the Gorky Aviation Plant, which had modified it structurally. The production of these machines was also organized there. The first combat unit became available to the army on May 6, 1981 under the designation MiG-31. The fighter differs significantly from the small MiG-29 fighter developed simultaneously with it; its main goals are high-speed, not maneuverable. The interceptor initially serves in fighter aircraft of the air defense forces, similar to special forces.

What's new in the BM modification

In the early 2000s, the MiG management approached the new government apparatus with a proposal to continue work on modernizing the MiG-31 and received a positive response. It is important that the military department decided to maintain the purpose of the main combat missions, and the interceptor did not become another version of a multirole fighter. There was a demand from the Aerospace Forces to improve the characteristics of its predecessor in intercepting targets, as well as to ensure the ability to qualitatively modernize a large fleet of aging vehicles with on-board electronics, software and weapons.

Many enterprises and scientific institutes got involved in the work, some of them are widely known in the country - these are the Vympel Design Bureau, the Chkalov GLITs, the Tikhomirov Research Institute of Instrumentation, and the Sokol plant. The instrument makers were pleased with the development of the Zaslon-AM weapon control system (WCS), working with the modernized RP-31AM radar, and the unique calculating rig computer, with special software (software). These capabilities of the new Zaslon make it possible to find stealthy targets with an EPR of 3 m2 (4th generation fighters) at a distance of 320 km and hit them at 280 km.

Russian satellite navigation GLONASS installed. The probability of hitting hypersonic targets and cruise missiles has doubled. The aircraft became 1.5 to 4 times more effective in combat. Its radars show 5th generation stealth aircraft before entering close combat, which will make F-22 pilots think about their impunity. The first display of the MiG-31BM took place in 2007 at the MAKS exhibition. After the interceptors were finalized, two aircraft were already seen in 2008; while flying over the military airfield in Savaslake, the pilots of the 3958th Kerch Guards Red Banner Aviation Regiment gave them a good description. The interior of the cabin was preserved to the maximum, only a monitor was added.

Since 2006, Mikoyan Design Bureau has had a long-term contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense. Production of serial aircraft has been ongoing since 2009. Until 2016, the project was being finalized and production was limited. By 2020, at least 60 more MiG-31 winged aircraft will be added, updated at the Sokol plant to the BM modification.

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Aircraft capabilities

The main threat to the world comes from NATO carrier strike groups carrying American Tomahawk cruise missiles to the shores of any region of the planet. These low-flying targets (2 m - 5 m above the surface of the sea and land) are inaccessible to the anti-missile defense system, but they are within the capabilities of the MiG-31BM, equipped with equipment with visibility in the upper and lower hemisphere. Having become all-seeing and multifunctional, the interceptor tenaciously keeps 24 objects on its radars. Carrying countless weapons (air-to-air, air-to-sea, air-to-ground missiles) weighing up to 9 tons, the aircraft is ready to hit up to 6 of them simultaneously. The fighter intercepts hypersonic targets up to Mach 6.

Good interaction with air defense (air defense) anti-aircraft missile systems is another important advantage of this interceptor. In addition to fighting objects on the ground, on the water and in the air, the Mig-31BM can become a coordination command post (CCP) for the rest of the group’s aircraft with low-power radars.

The current capabilities of our MiG are the guidance of missiles fired from other fighters, which, in radio silence mode, have approached within missile launch range. As a result, the group's work becomes more effective. It is important to note once again that only the MiG-31 is capable of defeating low-flying Tomahawk or ALCM missiles, invisible on long-range air defense radars, and on the first try. It was these missiles from overseas maniacs from the Pentagon that destroyed life in Iraq and Libya; these countries did not have Russian interceptors in their weapons.

MiG-31BM design

The ventral fins provide flight stability. The skin of a supersonic aircraft consists of heat-resistant steel grades and a lightweight, durable titanium alloy, which is made of 50% stainless steel, 33% aluminum, 16% titanium and 1% composite materials. Reinforced chassis, made of 3 struts, bow structure with a trolley on 2 wheels. In addition to the braking parachute located in the container, the main strut flaps are used as brake shields to reduce the stopping distance as much as possible. The aircraft has grown during the modernization period to 22.7 m in length. Its height is 6.15 m. The speed wingspan is 13.45 m. The significant take-off weight is 50 tons, and the weapons load is surprisingly large 9 tons. D-30F6 engines.

Especially for the latest version of the MiG-31BM, a fundamentally new cockpit layout for the pilot and navigator was developed by Russian Avionics CJSC; now the crew can exchange information. Similar to the MiG-29SMT front-line fighter, a color LCD monitor with a convenient screen size of 6x8 inches appeared in the pilot’s cockpit on the right. The navigator-operator sees three similar monitors in his cockpit for receiving and processing tactical, navigation information, television images from guided weapons, and more , regarding the situation and condition of the aircraft.

Specifications

• Crew: 2 people
• Length: 22690
• Fuselage length: 20620
• Height: 6150
• Wingspan: 13460
• Wing area: 61.60 m²
• Empty weight: 21820 kg
• Weight with full fuel: 39150 kg
• Maximum take-off weight: 46750 kg
• Maximum fuel capacity: 17330 kg
• Payload payload weight: up to 5000 kg
• Engine: 2 × TRDDF D-30F6
• thrust:
  • maximum non-afterburning: 2 × 9500 kgf
  • afterburner: 2 × 15500 kgf
• Maximum operational overload: 5G

Flight characteristics

• Maximum permissible speed - 3400 km/h
• Subsonic cruising speed - 950 km/h
• Supersonic cruising speed -: 2500 km/h
• Practical range -1450 km
• Combat radius - 720 km
• Service ceiling - 20600 m
• Dynamic ceiling - 30000 m
• Rate of climb: at the ground 160 m/s:
• Run: 950-1200 m
• Mileage: 800 m
• Landing speed - 280 km/h

Equipment

An important part of the weaponry is the Zaslon-M radar station. The 4th generation fighter is detected at a distance of 320 km, it is possible to accompany this target at a striking distance of 280 km with missiles with the K-37M inertial guidance system (the Russian version of the R-37M at exhibitions is RVV-BD, produced since 2014 for the MiG-31BM), There are also R-33S and R-77 in service, reaching the enemy at 120 km. Tests have been carried out confirming these characteristics, which are superior to analogues in foreign countries. In comparison, it is worth noting that the best US interceptor, the F-14D Tomcat, is capable of spotting and hitting an enemy fighter with an ESR of 3 m2 at a distance of up to 160 km (in 2006 it was replaced by the still undeveloped F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, inferior predecessor).

Armament

At one of the displays in Zhukovsky, the MiG-31BM demonstrated its weapons, 4 long-range R-33S radar-guided missiles were visible, attached under the fuselage on conformal units, on the left console there was one Kh-31P UR anti-location missile. The armament included 4 medium-range RVV-AE missiles, attached to underwing units.

The aging R-40 TD missiles, made for the predecessor of the MiG-25 P, are also used. Of the two hundred 31 MiGs in service, about 60 will be upgraded to the level of the MiG-31BM by 2020. Such aircraft will be able to arm themselves with 6 Kh-25MP, Kh-25MPU, Kh-31P missiles (anti-drag), 3 homing missiles such as Kh-59 and Kh-29 (for hitting moving ground targets).

To bombard fortified stationary objects (including silos with enemy ballistic missiles, headquarters), 6 KAB-1500 or 8 KAB-500 adjustable bombs can be used.

The MiG-31 is a fourth-generation supersonic interceptor fighter. NATO called it “Foxhound” - “fox hound”. The aircraft was developed by the MiG Design Bureau in the 1970s. Its purpose is to destroy targets in the air at different altitudes and in all weather conditions. Four MiG-31s ​​can take control of an area 1,100 km wide.

It is the world's first mass-produced radar-equipped fighter. It replaced the outdated Tu-128. The MiG-31 still retains the palm in both speed and flight altitude. In total, about 500 models were produced. The technical characteristics of the MiG-31 aircraft will be discussed below.

In the 60s a decision was made to design a new generation fighter that would replace the Tu-128 interceptor. In the early 70s The project presented by the MiG Design Bureau with the Zaslon system was selected. Production began almost immediately after the project was approved. The first test model was presented in 1975.

Another fighter, the MiG-25, was taken as the basis for the development of the MiG-31. The difference was that the crew on the first one consisted of two people- and the navigator.

By the end of the 80s, testing of the aircraft was completely completed and very successful. Fighters began to be mass-produced for combat units of air defense forces. One year later Models with the “Zaslon” system began to arrive. Already in 1983 fighters became available to troops in the Far East.

MiG-31 aircraft are currently in use armies of Russia and Kazakhstan.

Characteristics and Features

The airframe of this military aircraft was made similar to the MiG-25.- in the shape of a trapezoid and located high. The plumage is two-keel vertical and horizontal all-moving. There are seven fuel tanks installed in the middle of the fuselage. There are six more additional tanks near the wings and keel. The plane can carry fuel on board up to 17,330 kg.

The bow is completed made of aluminum alloys. The rest of the body is done made of titanium and steel. If you look at the photo of the MiG-31 cockpit, you will notice that it is divided into two parts. The pilot sits in front, and the navigator-operator sits behind. Both are sealed. To ensure the safety of pilots, ejection seats are installed.

Photo of the Mig-31 cockpit.

Maximum speed of MiG-31 at low altitude - 1500 km/h, and at high altitude - 3000 km/h. Subsonic cruising speed is 950 km/h, and supersonic - 2500 km/h. As for other characteristics of the MiG-31, its dimensions are as follows: length - 22.69 m, wingspan - 13.46 m, and height - 6.15 m. Empty weight of the aircraft - 21,820 kg.

MiG-31 diagram.

The MiG-31 interceptor fighter can fly at a distance of - up to 5400 km with just one refueling. There may be in the air 3.3 hours.

MiG-31 altitude record - 20,600 m., and the dynamic flight altitude ceiling of the MiG-31 is 30,000 km. This means that it can rise to the level of the stratosphere, from where the round planet Earth is clearly visible.

In order to rise to such a height, pilots wear special pressure helmets and highly compensating suits. This protects them from lack of oxygen. You can watch a video of the MiG-31 flying into the stratosphere just below.

Fighter control circuit - mechanical. It is equipped with two D-30F6.

The MiG-31 can take bombs and missiles with a total combat load up to 3000 kg.

Conclusion

The MiG-31 is a fourth generation fighter that can even fly into the stratosphere. It was developed in the 70s of the last century and replaced the outdated Tu-128 interceptor. Its goal is to destroy air targets at different altitudes, in any conditions. Production was stopped, but the fighters are still in use by the Russian and Kazakh air forces.