Basic Information

Name

MiG-31 (Foxhound) Russian Interceptor/Attack Aircraft

Designation

—

Alternate Designation

—

Equipment Type

Assault Rifle

Manufacturer

Mikoyan

Date of Introduction

1981

Description

MiG-31 (Foxhound) Russian Attack Aircraft is a supersonic interceptor aircraft 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 one of 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 Defense Ministry expects the MiG-31 to remain in service until 2030 or beyond. Like the MiG-25, the MiG-31 is a large twin-engine aircraft with side-mounted air intake ramps, a shoulder-mounted wing with an aspect ratio of 2.94, and twin vertical tail fins. Unlike the MiG-25, it has two seats, with the rear occupied by a dedicated weapon systems officer. The MiG-31 is limited to five g when traveling at supersonic speeds. While flying under combat weight, its wing loading is marginal and its thrust-to-weight ratio is favorable. The MiG-31 is not designed for close combat or rapid turning. The wings and airframe of the MiG-31 are stronger than those of the MiG-25, permitting supersonic flight at low altitudes. Like the MiG-25, its flight surfaces are built primarily of nickel-steel alloy, enabling the aircraft to tolerate kinetic heating at airspeeds approaching Mach 3. The MiG-31 airframe comprises 49% arc-welded nickel steel, 33% light metal alloy, 16% titanium, and 2% composites. Its D30-F6 jet engines, each 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.

Air & Air Defense Specifications

Crew 2

Engine Afterburning Turbofan (93 hp)

Max Speed 3000.0 km/h

Cruise Speed 2500.0 km/h

Service Ceiling 25000 m

Wingspan 13.46 m

Variants

Ye-155MP (MiG-25MP) Prototype modification of the early MiG-31. First flight on 16 September 1975.

MiG-31 First variant which entered in serial production. 349 aircraft were built.

MiG-31M Development of a more comprehensive advanced version, the MiG-31M, began in 1984 and first flew in 1985, but the dissolution of the Soviet Union prevented it from entering full production. One piece rounded windscreen, small side windows for rear cockpit, wider and deeper dorsal spine. Digital flight controls added, multifunction CRT cockpit displays, multi-mode phased array radar. No gun fitted in this model, refueling probe moved to starboard side of aircraft, fuselage weapon stations increased from 4 to 6 by adding two centre-line stations. Maximum TO weight increased to 52,000 kg (115,000 lb) using increased thrust D-30F6M engines instead of the D-30F6 engines. 1 prototype and 6 flyable pre-production units were produced.

MiG-31D Two aircraft were designated as Type 31D and were manufactured as dedicated anti-satellite models with ballast in the nose instead of radars, flat fuselage undersurface (i.e. no recessed weapon system bays) and had large winglets above and below the wing-tips. Equipped with Vympel ASAT missiles. Two prototypes were built.

MiG-31LL Special modification used as a flying laboratory for testing of ejection seats during flight.

MiG-31 01DZ Two-seat all weather, all altitude interceptor. Designated as MiG-31 01DZ when fitted with air-to-air refueling probe. One hundred produced of DZ variant.

MiG-31B Second production batch with upgraded avionics and in-flight refueling probe 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. A new version of the compromised radar was hastily developed. MiG-31B also have the improved ECM and EW equipment with integration of improved R-33S missiles. Long range navigation system compatible with Loran/Omega and Chaka ground stations added. This model replaced the 01DZ models in late 1990.

MiG-31E Export version of the MiG-31B with simplified avionics. Never entered in serial production.

MiG-31BS Designation applied to type 01DZ when converted to MiG-31B standard.

MiG-31BM After passing state testing in 2008 this modernized variant of MiG-31B was approved for introduction into air force of Russia. 50 planes are modified to MiG-31BM (Bolshaya Modernizatsiya/Deep Modernization) standard in accordance with 2011 contract. Efficiency of modernized MiG-31BM is 2.6 times greater than basic MiG-31. The MiG-31BМ's maximum detection range for air targets was increased in the upgrade to 320 km (200 mi). It had the ability to automatically track up to ten targets, and the latest units can track up to 24 targets and simultaneously engage up to eight targets. The on-board Argon-K is replaced with new Baget 55-06 computer that selects four targets of highest priority, which simultaneously are engaged by long-range R-33S air-to-air missiles. New long range missile R-37 (missile) with speed of Mach 6 and range up to 400 km (250 mi) is developed during modernization process for use with newly modernized MiG-31. MiG-31BM has multi-role capability as is capable of using anti-radar, air to ship and air to ground missiles. It has some of avionics unified with MiG-29SMT and has refueling probe. MiG-31BM broke world record while spending seven hours and four minutes in the air while covering the distance of 8,000 km (5,000 mi).

MiG-31BSM An upgrade of the BS version, it is the latest modernization variant first time contracted in 2014 for modernization of 60 aircraft, it is very similar in some aspects to the BM standard. Unlike the BS standard, aircraft modernized into the BSM standard are equipped with air refueling probe. Improvements were made to the aircraft canopy, where new and better heat resistant glass was used, thus enabling the MiG-31BSM to fly with cruise speed of 3,000 km/h (1,900 mph) at long distances without any damage. Furthermore, new faster central computer Baget-55-06 is used with addition of multi-functional displays, one for pilot and three for weapons operator-navigator. Also there is a new set of navigation equipment. The MiG-31BSM has multi-role capability with ability to use anti-radar, anti-ship and air-to-ground missiles. Main visible difference between the BS and BSM standards is adding of the rear-view periscope above the front cockpit canopy.

MiG-31K The MiG-31K carries the new long range, hypersonic Kh-47M2 “Kinzhal” missile, which has a range of 2,000 km.

MiG-31FE Planned export version of the MiG-31F.

MiG-31I (Ishim) Proposed modification for air launch to orbit of small spacecraft with a payload of 160 kg (350 lb) to 300 km (190 mi) altitude or 120 kg (260 lb) to 600 km (370 mi) altitude orbit.

MiG-31 (Izdeliye 08) MiG-31 modified as a launch platform for the Izdeliye 293 Burevestnik anti-satellite missile. At least two prototypes converted. Tests from September 2018.

System

Alternative Designations MiG-31; NATO: Foxhound

Type Attack Aircraft

Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich/Mikoyan

Crew 2 ea

Hardpoints 8 × underwing pylons

Dimensions

Length 22.62 m

Wingspan 13.456 m

Wing Area 61.6 m2

Height 6.456 m

Weight, Empty 21,820 kg

Weight, Gross 41,000 kg

Maximum Takeoff Weight 46,200 kg

Automotive

Engine Name 2 × Soloviev D-30F6

Engine Type Afterburning Turbofan

Engine Power 93 kN (21,000 lbf) thrust each dry, 152 kN (34,000 lbf) with afterburner

Fuel Capacity 16,130 kg internal, plus optional external fuel tanks

Maximum Speed 3,000 km/h

Cruise Speed 2,500 km/h

Range 3,000 km with 4 x R-33E and 2 drop tanks; 5,400 km with 4 x R-33E and 2 drop tanks with one aerial refueling

Service Ceiling 25,000 m

G Limits +5

Rate of CLimb 288 m/s

Main Gun System

System

Name 1 × 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M

Type Rotary Cannon

Caliber 23 mm

Length 1.4 m

Height 180 mm

Weight 6 kg

Action Gas-operated

Barrels 6 ea

Rate of Fire 6,000–8,000 rounds per minute

Muzzle Velocity 715 m/s

Feed System Belt or linkless feed system

Ammunition

Type Rifle

Caliber 23 mm

Cartridge 23×115mm AM-23

Basic Load 800 Rounds

Missiles

Missile Payloads The MIG-31 has 8 × underwing pylons with provisions to carry combinations of missiles which vary based on mission and aircraft variant.

Air-to-Air 4 × R-33E; 4 × R-60MK; 2 × R-40RD/TD

Air-to-Ground 4 × Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missile; 1 × Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile

Avionics

Radar The MiG-31 aircraft is equipped with world’s first electronically scanned N007 Zaslon phased array radar. It is also known as SBI-16 Zaslon (Flash Dance) radar and operates from the rear cockpit by WSO. It can receive signals from early warning radar (EWR) and airborne warning and control systems (AWACS). Zaslon has the capacity to scan 200km distance. The radar can trap ten targets and engage four simultaneously flying in the surrounding radius of the aircraft (behind and below the aircraft). The antenna of Zaslon is fixed and can be moved electronically. The electronic steering of the radar beam is much faster and accurate than mechanical steering. The Zaslon radar has the capacity to search and attack various targets in air and ground using continuous and discontinuous fields of control and guidance commands despite target defensive manoeuvres, electronic counter measures (ECM) and adverse weather conditions.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) 8TK IRST

Cockpit The MiG-31 cockpit is equipped with digital avionics such as MFDs and liquid crystal displays (LCDs), which provide updated instrument readings and radar information. Both front and rear sides of the cockpit are equipped with zero / zero ejection seats which allow the pilot to fly at the altitude and airspeed preferred. The pilot sits in the front seat of the cockpit while the weapon system officer (WSO) sits in the rear cockpit seat, controlling the radar operations and weapon deployment thereby decreasing the work load of the pilot and increasing the efficiency.

Sensors MiG-31 is equipped with light duty (LD) / speed and direction (SD) sensor, track while scan (TWS) radar, infrared search and track (IRST) system and radar warning receiver (RWR) system. The aircraft assigns partial power to track targets and the remaining to scan. The TWS radar system in the aircraft uses two new technologies – phased array radars and computer memory devices. The IRST sensor detects and tracks jet aircraft and helicopters that emit infrared rays, while the RWR systems detect radar systems emitting radio waves through the ground or in the air. The RWR comprises a visual display unit (VDU) in the cockpit that monitors radars by producing audible sounds.

Protection

Airframe The MiG-31’s airframe contains various materials including welded nickel steel (49%), titanium (16%), aluminum alloy (33%) and 2% of composites.

Stealth Properties No

Heat Signature Reduction No

NBC Protection INA

EW Countermeasures Yes

Chaff/Flares Yes

Image Sources

Notes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-31; https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/russia-cmd-five-mig-31bm-fighters/; https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2019/08/russian-fighter-jets-strategic-bombers-move-along-norwegian-coast;