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

nemrod wrote:Mig-31 successfully intercepted a cruise missile -KH-55, or ASX-15 - during an exercise. If I recall, the rcs of this cruise missile is equal of smaller than 0.0001. It is noteworthy to notice that the missile was detected at distance of 90 km. The Mig-31 with its strong PESA radar was designed to intercept the tomahawk waves. Many US experts believe -at the best case- that less than 10% of cruise missiles could reach their target if they are opposed to Mig-31 BM.

I don't think the missile RCS is that small (not sure what it is for a KH-55) but they do fly low and perform evasive maneuvers....good find though

No doubt Kh-55 cruise missile have smaller RCS than fighter planes. If they use some RAM material on them to reduce RCS, than it could be similar to F-35, but I doubt those target missiles have RAM on them. I more think their RCS is around 0,1 m2 and this is still good result for MiG-31BM radar to see such small target at 90 km distance.

medo wrote:.... I doubt those target missiles have RAM on them. I more think their RCS is around 0,1 m2.....

Nope.
Months ago, I don't remember whether it is a year ago, I heard chinese general that saying that ASX-15 has rcs largely lower than any stealth aircraft. As you said, this AS-15 must be equipped with RAM. Else this test of cruise missile intercepted was pointless. At the beginning in the end of 70's and early 80's the Mig-31 was a nightmare for NATO, they especially feared that this model could be exported. As Yeltsin was compliant with western diktat, he did not export this model, but this time as Putin was less compliant it would be a real nightmare for US empire.

from head-on the RCS of such a missile is possibly 0.0001m^2, however its more likely the MiGs detected them from anywhere but the front so the RCS is large enough to be detected. or it could have been detected by the thermals of the MiGs- the place has purty cold climate and is mostly forested plains so there is little terrain to hide behind and the cold atmosphere makes such a small jet engine obvious for thermals.

They had help from a A-50.

They've been used to intercept P-120 Malakhit AS missiles in joint Navy / Airforce exercises a few years ago

http://tass.ru/en/russia/803283

MiG-31 will get new navigation system for Arctic operation, which will enable navigation without satellite navigation and new Vitebsk electronic warfare complex.

Vitebsk!? That is well nice. Wonder if it will only be the ECM part or the DIRCM part as well.

mack8 wrote:Vitebsk!? That is well nice. Wonder if it will only be the ECM part or the DIRCM part as well.

ECM only I believe...sounds like the DIRCM component isn't yet serially produced according to the link you posted in the Su-25SM thread

New navigation system for the Arctic.

http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/vooruzhenie_i_voennaya_tekhnika/perekhvatchiki_mig_31_poluchat_novuyu_navigatsionnuyu_sistemu_dlya_raboty_v_arktike/

Maybe they will install some air to ground modes for Zaslon-AM radar, at least ground mapping, which will help in arctic navigation and improve air to air capabilities with more targets tracking and better ECCM. I also hope they will replace old RWR with new Pastel RWR and install chaff and flare dispensers and maybe even MAWS sensors.

They've apparently offered several variations for the upgrade....it depends on the customer (MOD) what they want to chose

does anyone know of figures of how many have been upgrade to BM level?

d_taddei2 wrote:does anyone know of figures of how many have been upgrade to BM level?

72+.

Berkut wrote:

d_taddei2 wrote:does anyone know of figures of how many have been upgrade to BM level?

72+.

thanks, do you know if they will all be upgraded? as i understand they plan to replace it in 2020's, and the aircraft is getting old now.

No, they will serve well into 2020's. They are not as old as you think they are. Most F-16's and basically all F-15C's are older.

As I know, up to now, there were two orders for MiG-31BM upgrades, the first was for 50 planes and the second for 60 planes. Maybe there will be more as Arctic region become more important and will need more squadrons in Arctic regions on islands airbases and in mainland airbases. Those MiGs have enough flying hours in reserve to serve well into 2030 and in that time MiG-31 replacement will be developed.

d_taddei2 wrote:

Berkut wrote:

d_taddei2 wrote:does anyone know of figures of how many have been upgrade to BM level?

72+.

thanks, do you know if they will all be upgraded? as i understand they plan to replace it in 2020's, and the aircraft is getting old now.

As mentioned 110 orders are in for BM upgrades, but a senior Air Force General was quoted as saying the total would be closer to 130 when completed.

Russian MiG-31s Perform Unique Non-Stop Flight With Three Aerial Refuelings

A flight of Russian MiG-31 interceptor jets successfully performed an unprecedented operation: they covered more than 4,000 km with three air refuelings.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian MiG-31 interceptor jet pilots performed a unique six-hour non-stop flight with three air refueling operations, head of the press service of the Russian Central Military District, Col. Yaroslav Roshchupkin, said Saturday.

"The pilots from the Central Military District devoted the unique flight of MiG-31BM interceptor jets to today's opening of the International Army Games," Roshchupkin said in a statement.

The flight from Zabaikalsky Territory in Siberia to Perm Territory in Russia’s Ural is the first performed by a MiG-31 aircraft type, he added.

The crews which successfully performed the flight will be submitted state awards, he said.

Russia hosts the first International Army Games organized by the Russian Defense Ministry on August 1-15. The competition brings together over 2,000 participants from 16 other nations. The contests will be held in 11 different locations across Russia.

The MiG-31, one of the world's fastest fighter-interceptors in service, has been the subject of a comprehensive upgrade to MiG-31BM standard.

The type is a long-range supersonic interceptor jet designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at extremely low, low, medium and high altitudes.

The initial MiG-31 type was first used in Soviet Russia in 1981. The production of the aircraft was stopped in 1994 but it remains in service in the Russian and Kazakh air forces.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20150801/1025295734.html#ixzz3haIGmE7D

Nice

NIIP: the range of the weapons control systems of the MiG-31 doubled

MOSCOW, August 12 - RIA Novosti, Yekaterina Zgirovskaya Alexander Newar. The range of updated weapons control system SUV "Barrier-AM", mounted on a modernized to the level of "BM" fighter-interceptor MiG-31, almost twice more than the systems on the previous versions of the aircraft, told the General to develop a system of "Scientific Research Institute of Instrument name Tikhomirov" ("NIIP Tikhomirov") Yuriy White.

George1 wrote:Planned to resume production of fighter-interceptor MiG-31?

I doubt MiG will restart production of MiG-31, most probably they restart a production of spare parts for their modernization and to prolong their operational life for another decades. Production of new undercarriage legs could show, that MiG-31BM destined for Arctic bases will get new undercarriage for harsh environment operations. They will also get new windshields that they could fly at full speed again.