MiG-31 Foxhound. Fly MIG-31 Hgh-altitude Fighter in Russia. Fly to the Edge of Space

The MiG-31 (NATO code Foxhound) is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed to replace the MiG-25 Foxbat. The MiG-31 is designed to be integrated into the national air-defense system and is capable of continued patrolling and destroying of all types of aerial targets including small-size winged missiles, helicopters and high-altitude supersonic aircraft at day or night time under any weather conditions and extensive electronic warfare.

The aircraft is a two-seater with the rear seat occupant controlling the radar which improves aircraft effectiveness since the second pilot is entirely dedicated to radar operations and weapons deployment.

The most capable Russian air defence interceptor aircraft, it has a multiple-target engagement capability and was the first Russian fighter to have a true look-down, shoot-down capability. The MiG-31 fighter-interceptor basic version has become the first serially produced fighter over the world which is equipped with airborne phased array radar capable of simultaneous tracking of 10 air targets which is considered to be the world's most powerful fighter radar.

There is MiG-31E export version of the basic MiG-31 aircraft of the Russian Air Force.

The air targets can be intercepted via the information received from ground automated control system, single coordinate support of this system as well as during the semi-automated actions in the discontinuous radar field and fully independent operations in group. The data link system available aboard the aircraft ensures the mutual exchange of tactic information in automatic mode among the group of four aircraft one of which is a leading one and the group of four MiG-31E aircraft is capable to control the air space in band of 800 km-width to frontage. Besides the airborne equipment it is capable to give the target designation to the interacting aircraft when the MiG-31E aircraft is engaged in the combined formation.
The MiG-31 aircraft is called by the leaders of the Russian Air Force as the main aircraft of the air defence fighter aviation. The aircraft and its airborne radio-electronic equipment are being continuously upgraded and new aircraft weapons are being introduced.

The aircraft basic version is operated in Russia and Kazakhstan.

At present together with the other Russian companies Russian Aircraft Corporation “MiG” is analysing the possibility of creating the Russian-Kazakhstan aerospace system "Ishim" intended for placing in orbit small satellites. The upgraded MiG-31 aircraft is supposed to be used as the carrier in such system.

Key characteristics of MiG-31:

Length, m	21.62	Flight range, km:
Wing span, m	13.46	- without in-flight refuelling	3,000
Height, m	6.456	- with one in-flight refuelling	5,400
Take-off weight, kg:	46,200	Weapons:
Maximum flight speed, km/h:		Number of external stations	6
- near ground	1,500	"A-A" missiles:
- at high altitude	3,000	- long range	4хR-33E
Service ceiling, m	20,600	- middle range	2хR-40TD1
Maximum G-load	5	- short range	4хR-60MK
		Air gun, 30 mm	GSh-6-23M

Read more about MIG brand new unificated family of “4++” generation fighters and upgrade programmes.