MiG-31BM/Κ Interceptor/Attack aircraft: News

GarryB wrote:In that link they mention putting it back into production... it would be interesting to see new build MiG-31s.

The MiG-31M had some aerodynamic refinements that improved performance and handling... but there could be quite a few other improvements they could apply to further improve performance without a whole new design.

Certainly new engines... perhaps related to the new engines for the operational PAK FA optimised for supercruise that are lighter and more fuel efficient than the existing types.

Also a new AESA radar and more up to date EOs and IRST would also be of benefit...

they were planning a replacement for the mid 2020s, but that will likely be made of new materials that are heat resistant but also light and strong, and of course likely be scramjet powered in high speed cruise mode.

Viktor wrote:    ... final confirmation from Viktor Bondarev (my man)   

Air Force Commander: the development of the aircraft to replace the MiG-31 will begin in 2017

magnumcromagnon wrote:

Viktor wrote:    ... final confirmation from Viktor Bondarev (my man)   

Air Force Commander: the development of the aircraft to replace the MiG-31 will begin in 2017

Let's hope it's the fabled Mig-41, with a possible top speed of Mach 4.3.

George1 wrote:Russian MiG-31 Foxhound jet crashed in Armavir, Krasnodar region

MOSCOW, September 4 (RIA Novosti) – A Russian MiG-31 “Foxhound” jet has crashed near the city of Armavir in the country’s southern region of Krasnodar, with both its pilots surviving, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Thursday.

“On September 4 at 7:38 a.m. Moscow time [03:38 GMT] at a distance of 25 kilometers from [the city of] Armavir a MiG-31 crashed during exercises,” Konashenkov said.

The spokesman said that the pilots reported that there was a problem with the right-side landing gear upon approach.

“Both MiG-31 pilots landed safely and were found quickly and sent to the main airbase by helicopter,” he said.

Neither of the pilots’ lives is in danger, he added.

In early August, Air Force commander-in-chief Col. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said Russia will start developing an interceptor to replace its fleet of 122 MiG-31 jets by 2028.

The MiG-31 is a long-range supersonic interceptor jet. The two-seater aircraft can intercept targets up to 124 miles (200 kilometers) away thanks to its advanced radar and long-range missiles. It can operate efficiently in all weather conditions and is equipped with state-of-the-art digital avionics.

The MiG-31 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1981. Production of the aircraft ended in 1994 but it remains in service in the Russian and Kazakh air forces.

On August 8, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin proposed to resume the production of MiG-31s, saying they could be effective for another 15 years. Rogozin also stressed that the aircraft had no rivals

Mike E wrote:'Happy 39th to the MiG 35!' 

medo wrote:MiG-31 have its undisputed area of operations - Arctic region. They should place at least 4 squadrons of MiG-31BM in arctic air bases for constant operations and patrols over region.

Арктический аэродром на архипелаге Новая Земля подготовлен к приему боевой авиации, сообщил журналистам представитель Западного военного округа (ЗВО) Олег Кочетков.

«Специалисты материально-технического обеспечения (МТО) ЗВО в рамках тактико-специальных учений выполнили задачи по подготовке аэродрома к посадке боевой авиации, обслуживанию авиационной техники на земле, выполнению заправки топливом, азотом и кислородом, а также подготовки летного состава и истребителей к дальнейшему вылету», — сказал Кочетков, отметив, что экипажи истребителей-перехватчиков МиГ-31БМ уже отработали посадку на новый аэродром.