TNI: the United States has admitted that they do not represent the true capabilities of the MiG-31
The MiG-31 is one of the fastest combat aircraft in the world, writes TNI. It has been in service for more than four decades and still remains a mystery to the West. Thanks to the modernization, this aircraft will continue to serve for many more years, the article notes.
Peter Suciu
Based on its predecessor, the MiG-25, the MiG-31 became the first Soviet fighter with real capabilities to detect and destroy targets in the lower hemisphere and remains a formidable opponent in the sky. The Russian Ministry of Defense plans to keep the MiG-31 in service at least until 2030, reflecting its enduring strategic value.
The MiG-31 flies without getting tired
The MiG-31 (NATO classification: Foxhound or “Foxogon”) from the Mikoyan Design Bureau is considered the fastest of the active combat aircraft. The interceptor fighter has been in service for more than four decades and is not going to retire yet. Over the past 40 years, the aircraft has received a number of key updates, and a few months ago it was reported that its latest modification, the MiG-31I, along with other innovations received an in-flight refueling system to increase the combat radius.
Most analysts agree that the MiG-31 is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.83.
“The MiG-31I fighters of Russia's long—range aviation have been able to refuel in the air and have increased the range of combat use,” a source in the Russian defense industry told state media, while another source added that the MiG-31I differs from the previous version of the MiG-31K in that it is equipped with “other engines, avionics and missiles”.
The daily military newspaper Izvestia (so in the original. – Approx. InoSMI) reports: “The modification of the MiG-31I is the most modern. For the first time, this variant is equipped with unique digital complexes — an electric control system and on-board computers. They allow in fully automatic mode, without the intervention of the pilot, to bring the fighter to the desired launch trajectory and launch a hypersonic missile at exactly the right moment.”
Thanks to the innovations, the outdated MiG-31 platform will remain in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces for many years to come.
MiG-31: in sight
Produced on the basis of the MiG-25 interceptor (NATO code name Foxbat or “Flying Fox”) and equipped with modern digital avionics, the MiG-31 supersonic long-range interceptor fighter is still shrouded in mystery for the West, partly due to the fact that there is a lot of speculation and speculation surrounding all its capabilities. Its airframe consists of 49% arc-welded nickel steel, 33% light metal alloy, 16% titanium and 2% composite materials.
Unlike the MiG-25, it is a two-seater, with a special weapons systems officer occupying the back seat.
The MiG-31 was designed to operate effectively in all weather conditions, and its highly aerodynamic and streamlined body allows it to fly at low altitudes at the required supersonic speeds. It is equipped with efficient turbofan engines with a low degree of double-circuit, which increase the flight range.
Although the MiG-31 is not designed for close combat or rapid maneuvering, it was the first of the Soviet fighters to have real capabilities for detecting and destroying targets in the lower hemisphere and at the same time could track several targets simultaneously at high altitudes.
Moreover, the MiG-31 was the first in the world to receive the Zaslon radar with a phased array and a range of up to 200 kilometers. He could track up to ten targets and capture four of them at the same time. Until 2001, when the Japanese Mitsubishi F—2 with an improved phased array radar was adopted, the MiG-31 remained the only production fighter with such capabilities worldwide.
It was rumored that at the end of the Cold War, the Lisogon was used to hunt the American SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft (“Blackbird”) and, reportedly, once even captured it with its radars and aimed missiles, but the scout never violated the boundaries of Soviet airspace. Whether this incident actually happened is anyone's guess.
Still in service
The MiG-31 made its first flight in September 1975, production of the aircraft began in 1979, and it officially entered service in 1982.
The Soviet Union never exported the MiG-31, and a total of 519 aircraft were produced. Most of them remained at the disposal of the Russian Aerospace Forces, and about thirty more are in service with the Kazakh Air Force.
At the same time, it was reported that in 2007, Syria ordered eight MiG-31E aircraft, but the order was suspended due to Israeli pressure and lack of funds from Damascus. More recently, Turkish news agencies reported that six aircraft could have been provided to the Syrian Air Force, but Russia categorically denies the sale.
The Russian Ministry of Defense expects that the MiG-31 will continue to serve until 2030 or longer.
Peter Suchu is a writer from Michigan. Over a twenty-year career in journalism, he has written more than 3,200 articles for four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military technology, the history of firearms, cybersecurity, politics and international relations. He has also published in Forbes and Clearance Jobs
