☰
MENU
☰
MENU
×
Aircraft
Army
Navy
National flag graphic of the nation of soviet-union

Mikoyan MiG-31 "(Foxhound)"


Supersonic Interceptor

Supersonic Workhorse.



The Mikoyan MiG-31 "Foxhound" was born as an all-weather, all-altitude offshoot of the earlier MiG-25 "Foxbat" supersonic interceptor of the Soviet Union. It was developed specifically to succeed the aging Tu-28/-128 "Fiddler" in its supersonic interceptor role. Unlike the MiG-25, the MiG-31 introduced a second crewman and, with its powerful radar and missile armament, can engage multiple targets at extreme ranges with deadly efficiency. Despite its Cold War roots, the MiG-31 enjoys an extended service life with the Russian Air Force mainly due to extensive modernization of its various systems and weapons. 519 total aircraft were produced from 1975 to 1994 though only three global operators ever fielded the type - Russia, Kazakhstan, and the former Soviet Union.
Image of mikoyan-mig31-interceptor-landing-down-undercarriage.jpg


2
CREW
Speed
1,864
MPH
Ceiling
82,021
FEET
Range
1,864
MILES


Mission Roles



AIR-TO-AIR
INTERCEPTION
RECON
TRAINING
Image of mig31-jet-fighter-coming-in-for-landing.jpg


Gallery



1 / 5
Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense; Public Release.
2 / 5
Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense; Public Release.
3 / 5
Image from the U.S. DoD imagery database.
4 / 5
Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense; Public Release.
5 / 5
Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense; Public Release.





Qualities





The Need for Speed


High speeds at high altitudes necessitate that the MiG-31 be specially constructed. As such, it features light alloys, nickel steel, and titanium in its airframe design.


I See You


The MiG-31's powerful onboard radar allows for automated tracking of up to 24 targets with simultaneous engagement of eight threats - the onboard computer further dictating the top four.


High Performance


The twin Soloviev afterburning turbofan engines provide maximum power at all altitudes, the aircraft capable of reaching Mach 2.83 up to a ceiling of 82,000 feet.


Legs for the Journey


With two installed external fuel tanks and carrying a full complement of R-33 air-to-air missiles, the MiG-31 can reach out to ranges of 1,900 miles. An air refueling quality gives it even greater legs in the sky, making it an ideal deterrence over the vastness of the Russian frontier.


Specifications



Year:
1981
Status
Active, In-Service (42 yrs)
Manufacturer(s)
Mikoyan / Mikoyan-Gurevich - Russia / Soviet Union
Production
519 Units
3 Total

National flag graphic of RussiaNational flag graphic of the Soviet Union

Kazakhstan; Russia; Soviet Union (former)

(List includes former, current, and potential operating nations)
MiG-31: 2 x Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines each developing 21,000lb of thrust dry and 34,000 with reheat.

(Assuming optimal flying/environmental conditions)
Maximum Speed
1,864 mph | 3,000 kph | 1,620 kts
Cruising Speed
1,553 mph | 2,500 kph | 1,350 kts
Service Ceiling
82,021 ft | 25,000 m | 15.53 miles
Operational Range
1,864 miles | 3,000 km | 1,620 nm
Rate-of-Climb
56,700 ft/min | 17,282 m/min
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the MiG-31 production model)
Length
74.21 feet (22.62 meters)
Width
44.16 feet (13.46 meters)
Height
21.19 feet (6.46 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the MiG-31 production model)
Empty
48,105 lb (21,820 kg)
M.T.O.W.
101,853 lb (46,200 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the MiG-31 production model)
STANDARD (Later Removed):
1 x 23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M internal rotary automatic cannon (800 rounds afforded).

OPTIONAL:
Eight external, underwing hardpoints supporting air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles including:

R-33E (AA-9 "Amos") - Long-ranged Air-to-Air Missile (AAM).
R-40RD/TD (AA-6 "Acrid") - Long-ranged AAM.
R-60MK (AA-8 "Aphid") - Short-ranged AAM.
Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missile.
Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" hypersonic ballistic missile. Supported Types:



Automatic Cannon graphic Automatic Cannon(s)
Air-to-Air Missile graphic Air-to-Air Missiles
Anti-Ship Missile graphic Anti-Ship Missiles
Additional Fuel Tank graphic Additional Fuel
MiG-31 ("Foxhound") - Base Series Designation; initial production models of which 349 units were built in all.
Ye-155MP - Prototype designation built form the MiG-25MP variant; appearing September 1975.
MiG-31 01DZ - Twin-seat, all-weather variant; inflight refueling probe; 100 examples completed.
MiG-31B - Inflight refueling probe added; upgraded avionics suite.
MiG-31BM - Modernized MiG-31B of 2011; improved radar tracking of up to 24 simultaneous targets; Baget 55-06 computer system; support for R-33S and R-37 AAMs; anti-radar / anti-ship capable; air refueling probe; 50 examples.
MiG-31BS - MiG-31 01DZ brought to MiG-31B standard; lacking air refueling probe.
MiG-31BSM - Upgraded MiG-31BS models of 2014; modernized navigation equipment; air-refueling probe; improved canopy materials; Baget-55-06 computer system; MFD-equipped cockpit panel; anti-radar / anti-ship capable.
MiG-31D (Type 31D) - Anti-satellite variant; sans radar in nose (ballast fitted in its place); winglets; Vympel ASAT missile support; two prototype completed.
MiG-31E - Proposed downgraded export model of MiG-31B series; not produced.
MiG-31F - Proposed fighter-bomber form with support for all manner of air-to-ground precision weaponry; not evolved.
MiG-31FE - Proposed export variant of MiG-31F production form; not evolved.
MiG-31K - Attack aircraft model of 2018; MiG-31BM supporting Kh-47M2 "Kinzhal" Air-Launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM).
MiG-31I ("Ishin") - Special-mission spacecraft-launching platform.
MiG-31LL - Flying testbed for ejection seat testing.
MiG-31M - Advanced production form of 1985; multi-mode phased radar array; D-30F6M turbofan engines; relocated refueling probe to right side of nose; deeper fuselage along dorsal line; single-piece windscreen; digital cockpit integration; sans internal automatic cannon.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies


Products, related trademarks, and imagery are property of their respective owners. Images with the AnvilOfWar.com watermark are property of www.AnvilOfWar.com and licensed for reuse from www.MilitaryFactory.com. Images not containing the watermark are assumed to be in the Public Domain (U.S. DoD, British DoD, Russian MoD, China MoD). The information contained herein is provided for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as useable for hardware operation, restoration, or maintenance. AnvilOfWar.com does not sell or resell any of the products showcased on its website nor is the site endorsed by any government agency, institution, or politcal party. Consult original manufacturers or licensed sellers / resellers for procurement information. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

©2023 www.AnvilOfWar.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2019-2023 (4yrs)