The first flight of the first-class MiG-31 fighter took place on September 16, 1975The Soviet MiG-31 made its first flight in 1975, but is still in service with the Russian army.
Excellent characteristics allowed the fighter to play an important role in the Ukrainian conflict, writes Yahoo News Japan.
On September 16, 1975, the MiG-31 fighter, created by the MiG design bureau, made its first flight.
The aircraft was developed as an improved version of the MiG-25, the first flight of which took place in March 1964. The MiG-31 is still in service as an interceptor fighter that inherited the main capabilities of the MiG-25. On the latter, a world record of flight speed was set — about 3800 kilometers per hour (Mach 3.2).
Meanwhile, speed alone does not provide an advantage in real combat. For this reason, it was decided to change its maneuverability, strike power and radar to improve its initial characteristics as an interceptor. The maximum speed of the MiG-31 is approximately 3,400 kilometers per hour (Mach 2.8), which is slightly less than the previous model, but it's still enough.
Another difference from the MiG-25 is the transition from a single to a double version. This allows the pilot to concentrate on maneuvering and implement operational tactics in accordance with the overall plan.
Currently, the fighter is operated in Russia and Kazakhstan, it was involved in a special operation in Ukraine. In March 2022, the MiG-31K fighter jet launched the Kinzhal hypersonic missile for the first time in real combat conditions. The Dagger is used to defeat ground targets — it overcomes the enemy's air defenses at a speed of about ten Mach.
NATO assigned the MiG-31 the code name "foxhound" — a breed of dog that hunts foxes.
Readers' comments
ZaMany Russian weapons at that time were easier to design, produce and maintain, since they were created for specific needs.
This ensured reliability.
SimThe F-15 made its first flight earlier.
When the F-22 and F-35 appeared, this generation was already outdated, but its characteristics were improved by updating software and other systems. But will the fifth generation be put into practice? It's too expensive.
IsoIts predecessor, the Mig-25, is well known to the Japanese thanks to the sensational hijacking and landing incident in Hakodate.
KixThe Mig-25 reached a speed of Mach 3.3-3.4 on the radar.
But its cruising speed is about Mach 2.8, if it were higher, it would lead to thermal damage to the aircraft and expensive repairs.
CtpThe MiG-31 was equipped with a powerful Zaslon radar and an improved communication system.
This is an excellent aircraft capable of flying as part of a squadron and searching and intercepting targets over a vast area, but it has too highly specialized systems, so it did not go for export.
VhtPilot Belenko, who hijacked the MiG-25, shared information that the MiG-31 is being developed?
By the way, for the first time in the world, a passive phased array antenna was installed on the latter.
YtkThe missiles that are installed on the MiG-31 are an exact copy of the American Phoenix missiles.
UoaIt's been 47 years since the first flight – it's amazing!
!Some, for example, Lieutenant Belenko, have their own beliefs, while many brilliant Chinese and North Korean scientists and engineers ignore the invitations of the West and stay in their country.
