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

The Russian Defense Ministry signed a new contract for the modernization of MiG-31 fighter-interceptors

Moscow. January 8. INTERFAX-AVN - Work on the modernization of the next batch of fighter-interceptors in the guise of the MiG-31BM has already begun, a source in the aircraft industry told Interfax.
"A new contract has been signed with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for the overhaul and deep modernization of another fighter-interceptor batch in the MiG-31BM standard" said the agency’s source.
According to him, the MiG corporation (included in the KLA) has already started work on modernization and will continue the implementation of this state order in 2019.
On August 24, UAC President Yury Slusar told Interfax that the entire fleet of interceptor MiG-31s ​​will be upgraded by 2023. “We expect that in the coming years, the VKS will receive a few dozen more modernized MiG-31BMs, so that by 2023 the entire existing fleet will be modernized,” Y. Slyusar said.
According to some information, at present there are about 120 MiG-31s ​​in the Russian Aerospace Forces, plus about 150 more planes at storage bases. It is estimated that there are around 100 modernized MiG-31BMs in service today.
The MiG-31BM supersonic fighter is designed for long-term patrols and combat high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, strategic bombers and low-flying targets. The aircraft is able to simultaneously hit 6 and accompany up to 10 air targets.

dino00 wrote:Good decision.
They have to improve to mig-31k too.

GunshipDemocracy wrote:

dino00 wrote:Good decision.
They have to improve to mig-31k too.

what do  you mean "improve" 31K ? they have all they need to use Kiznahls.

dino00 wrote:

More migs with more khinzals, i think they need a few Changes to launch them. But you are right no improve needed.

GunshipDemocracy wrote:

dino00 wrote:

More migs with more khinzals, i think they need a few Changes to launch them. But you are right no improve needed.

not sure how many 31k's are needed. Especially that Tu-22M3M seem to take over as Kinzhal carrier. And what extras are needed for 31k but BM is pure interceptor with new virtually everything (canopy inclusive) .

But no worries as many as they are needed, MoD will order ...

Hole wrote:But MiG-31 is much faster re-deployed than S-400/-500.

And please call them Tu-22M3´s or the whole discussion will start over again.

magnumcromagnon wrote:

Actually a lot of people are still underestimating the true wide-spread implications of the death of the INF treaty. With the INF treaty out the way S-300V4/S-400/S-500/Nudol can be fitted with large tactical nuclear warheads, of which the effective range could potentially grow by 5 times. The 400km range of S-300V4/S-400 could end up growing to 2000km in range, and the S-500 with it's 600km range can potentially grow to 3000km range, with the additional benefit of having a surface-to-surface direct attack mode (the S-300 series has had this mode for emergency self-defense).

GunshipDemocracy wrote:

magnumcromagnon wrote:

Actually a lot of people are still underestimating the true wide-spread implications of the death of the INF treaty. With the INF treaty out the way S-300V4/S-400/S-500/Nudol can be fitted with large tactical nuclear warheads, of which the effective range could potentially grow by 5 times. The 400km range of S-300V4/S-400 could end up growing to 2000km in range, and the S-500 with it's 600km range can potentially grow to 3000km range, with the additional benefit of having a surface-to-surface direct attack mode (the S-300 series has had this mode for emergency self-defense).

surely fanooyism level 5 reached But why to trash MiG-31 thread with your schoolkid fantasies?

GarryB wrote:I would take that to mean the existing flying aircraft will be modernised, so with 100 already modernised and about 120 MiGs actually flying that means a "few" dozen... just under two dozen or 20 more would mean about 120 flying upgraded MiG-31s by 2023.

What Slyusar says is " несколько десятков" which can also mean several dozens (check with native to be sure).
IMHO You dont need 4 years to upgrade 9 MiGs to me, and several dozens is definitely not 9 units, but of course I can always be wrong.

Hole wrote:

ali.a.r wrote: Is that a trick of the light? Or is that a new paintjob? Because it is very beautiful.

Tsavo Lion wrote:On afterburners or when cruising?

GarryB wrote:3,400km/h would only be on full AB at altitude...

This photo is interesting as the rounds appear to be real missiles rather than dummies.

If you look close the R-73s have the laser fusing windows on their fuselage sides just back from the front control fins and the engine exhaust nozzles are the silver thrust deflectors used on the operational missiles.

Interesting mix of missiles... the old R-33s, plus R-73s and a couple of R-77s... all would be very good for chasing down cruise missiles and their launch platforms…

AMCXXL wrote:

Max. tested speed of MiG-31 is abput 3000 km/h or 2,83 mach (at altitude +/- 11.000 meters, sound speed is 295 m/s or 1062 Km/h)