In Russia began development of the fighter-interceptor of the new generation
The Russian state corporation "Rostec" reported that experts are conducting development work on the creation of a new fighter-interceptor MiG-41. Earlier it was noted that this modification will be able to perform tasks in space and will be a completely new model of the aircraft, and not a modified version of its predecessor - the MiG-31.
"The project of a promising long-range interception aircraft complex under the symbol" MiG-41" is at the stage of development work, "Rostec said. The process will be completed by creating a prototype. This is stated in a message on the corporation's website dedicated to the Day of Aviation of the Russian Air Defense Forces, which is celebrated on January 22.
"This holiday has been preserved, despite the fact that the aviation of the air defense forces as a separate branch of the armed forces currently does not exist in the Russian Army. Nevertheless, the air defense aircraft, represented in the form of fighters and interceptor fighters, did not cease to exist in practice, and no one canceled its tasks, "Rostec noted.
Currently, MiG-31 interceptor fighters are on combat duty. The company noted that now these aircraft are being upgraded to the BM version. These works began in 2008.
The material also indicates the characteristics of the MiG-31BM: a speed of 3000 kilometers per hour, operation at an altitude of up to 21 thousand meters, the ability to detect a target for hundreds of kilometers.
"The new equipment expands the capabilities of the MiG-31BM, turning it from a highly specialized interceptor into a multifunctional combat unit that effectively interacts with anti - aircraft missile systems, "the Rostec website says.
As an example, the work of a "powerful radar" is noted, which can be used "to point at air targets guided missiles launched from other fighters approaching the enemy at a distance of a missile salvo in the radar silence mode."
"Due to the modernization of avionics and weapons, the efficiency of the MiG-31BM compared to the MiG-31 increased by 2.6 times," the company said.
Currently, experts are working on extending the life of the MiG-31BM, so that the interceptors remain in service for about 10 more years. "Experts believe that the resource of the titanium body of aircraft built about 30 years ago is almost inexhaustible. And taking into account the updated equipment and weapons, the MiG-31BM will be able to be used by the military until a more modern replacement appears for it, " the state corporation noted.
The MiG-41 is being developed to replace the MiG-31 high-altitude interceptor. As previously stated in the Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG", the new fighter will be able to perform tasks in space.
Earlier, two American magazines gave forecasts about the future of Russian combat aircraft. Military Watch wrote that the MiG-41 will combine the advantages of its two predecessors-the MiG-25 and MiG-31-and a new generation of technology. According to the author of the note, this aircraft will be able to threaten enemy satellites.
At the same time, the National Interest said that Russian specialists are developing a stealth interceptor of the 6th generation. The code name of this weapon is PAK DP, which is also credited with the MiG-41 index.
So, according to the American journalist Mark Episkopos, the new fighter-interceptor will replace the MiG-31, which has long been quite successfully in service with the VKS. The author of the material suggested that it is on the basis of the MiG-31 that a new aircraft will be created. At the same time, it was emphasized that the MiG-41 will surpass its predecessor in all indicators.
Angelina Milchenko
