Mikoyan MiG-31

Mikoyan MiG-31

The Mikoyan MiG-31 (NATO reporting name: Foxhound) is a Russian fourth-generation, twin-engine, supersonic, interceptor aircraft. It is an upgraded version of the Mikoyan MiG-25, and was first introduced in 1983. The MiG-31B is a variant of the MiG-31, and it is equipped with more advanced radar and avionics systems. It is capable of intercepting and engaging high-speed and high-altitude targets, and can carry a variety of air-to-air missiles.

The MiG-31 has a range of advanced features such as an improved radar, avionics, and weapons systems. It is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, and can carry a variety of weapons including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and bombs. The MiG-31 has been used in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, and has been exported to countries such as Kazakhstan.

It is considered as one of the most advanced fighter jets of its time and still, it is considered as one of the most capable interceptors in service due to its high speed, long-range, and advanced avionics.

Range

The Mikoyan MiG-31B has a range of approximately 3,000 km (1,864 miles) with internal fuel and 4,500 km (2,796 miles) with external fuel tanks. This allows it to have a long-range capability for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft can fly at a maximum speed of 2,485 km/h (1,547 mph) and can reach a maximum altitude of 20,000 meters (65,617 ft). With its advanced avionics and weapons systems, the MiG-31B is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously and has a high degree of maneuverability. This makes it a formidable opponent in air combat scenarios, particularly in intercepting and engaging high-speed and high-altitude targets.

Speed

The Mikoyan MiG-31B has a maximum speed of 2,485 km/h (1,547 mph) or Mach 2.35. This high speed makes it an agile and quick aircraft, able to outmaneuver most of its opponents. Additionally, it has a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which enables it to make quick and sudden maneuvers.

The MiG-31B has advanced engines, the Soloviev D-30F6, which are capable of producing a thrust of over 8,600 kgf (18,968 lbf) each. This allows the aircraft to reach supersonic speeds without the use of afterburners, making it more fuel-efficient.

In addition to its high maximum speed, the MiG-31B also has a high cruising speed, allowing it to quickly cover long distances and reach its target area in a short amount of time. This feature makes it a suitable aircraft for long-range reconnaissance, air defense, and strike missions.

Power

The Mikoyan MiG-31B is powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 turbofan engines. These engines are capable of producing a thrust of over 8,600 kgf (18,968 lbf) each, giving the aircraft a high thrust-to-weight ratio. This allows the MiG-31B to make quick and sudden maneuvers, making it an agile and formidable opponent in air combat scenarios.

The engines also have a high thrust vectoring capability, which allows the aircraft to make more precise maneuvers and increase its agility. The MiG-31B can also fly at high speeds without using afterburners, making it more fuel-efficient.

The MiG-31B has a built-in radar, the Zaslon, which is a phased array radar with a range of over 400 km (250 miles), this radar allows the aircraft to detect and track targets even in adverse weather conditions or at night. Additionally, it has an advanced avionics and weapons systems, including electronic warfare, and navigation systems, which are integrated into the aircraft's control system, making it a versatile and capable aircraft.

Cost price

The cost price of the Mikoyan MiG-31B is not publicly disclosed by the Russian manufacturers. However, it is considered to be a highly advanced, fourth-generation interceptor aircraft, and is likely to be more expensive than earlier generation fighters such as the Mikoyan MiG-25.

It's worth noting that prices for military equipment are often inflated by the governments who are selling them to include research and development costs and other hidden costs that are not directly related to the production of the aircraft.

It is also hard to give an accurate number as the cost of an aircraft can vary depending on the quantity of the order, the level of customization, and the procurement process. Additionally, the cost of maintaining and upgrading the aircraft is also expected to be high, due to its advanced technology and systems.

Blocks

 It has several versions, which represent incremental upgrades and improvements made to the aircraft over time. The following are some of the known blocks of the MiG-31:

MiG-31: The initial version of the aircraft, which was first introduced in 1983.

MiG-31M: This is an upgraded version of the MiG-31, which was first introduced in 1984. It features improved radar, avionics, and weapons systems.

MiG-31D: This is a two-seat version of the MiG-31, which was developed for training and reconnaissance missions.

MiG-31BS: This is an upgraded version of the MiG-31, which was first introduced in 1991. It features improved engines, a new avionics suite, and an advanced electronic warfare system.

MiG-31BM: This is an upgraded version of the MiG-31, which was first introduced in 1999. It features improved engines, a new avionics suite, and an advanced electronic warfare system.

It is worth mentioning that these blocks are not official and may vary depending on the source but they give an idea of how the aircraft was developed and improved over time.

Properties of  Mikoyan MiG-31B

To summarize, the properties of the Mikoyan MiG-31B include:

Long-range interceptor capability: With a range of approximately 3,000 km (1,864 miles) with internal fuel and 4,500 km (2,796 miles) with external fuel tanks, the MiG-31B is capable of intercepting and engaging high-speed and high-altitude targets at long distances.

High speed: With a maximum speed of 2,485 km/h (1,547 mph) or Mach 2.35, the MiG-31B is one of the fastest interceptor aircraft in service.

Advanced avionics and weapons systems: The MiG-31B is equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare, and navigation systems, as well as a built-in radar, the Zaslon, which is a phased array radar with a range of over 400 km (250 miles). This allows the aircraft to detect and track targets even in adverse weather conditions or at night. Additionally, it is capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air missiles.

Versatility: The MiG-31B is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a versatile aircraft for various roles such as reconnaissance, air defense, and strike missions.

High thrust-to-weight ratio and thrust vectoring: The MiG-31B has a high thrust-to-weight ratio and thrust vectoring capability, which allows it to make quick and sudden maneuvers, making it an agile and formidable opponent in air combat scenarios.

Advanced Engines: The aircraft is powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 turbofan engines which are capable of producing a thrust of over 8,600 kgf (18,968 lbf) each, giving the aircraft a high thrust-to-weight ratio. This allows the MiG-31B to make quick and sudden maneuvers, making it an agile and formidable opponent in air combat scenarios.

High Altitude: The MiG-31B can reach a maximum altitude of 20,000 meters (65,617 ft) which makes it a formidable opponent in high altitude air defense scenarios.

Combat Proven: The MiG-31B has been used in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, and has proven to be an effective aircraft in intercepting and engaging high-speed and high-altitude targets.

Fuel capacity

The Mikoyan MiG-31B has an internal fuel capacity of around 14,000 kg (30,864 lb), and it also has the capability to carry external fuel tanks. The aircraft's fuel system is designed to provide a high level of flexibility and reliability. The internal fuel tanks are located in the fuselage and wings, and the external fuel tanks can be carried on the aircraft's hardpoints.

The aircraft's engines, the Soloviev D-30F6, are designed to be highly fuel-efficient, allowing the MiG-31B to fly at high speeds without using afterburners, which can save a significant amount of fuel. Additionally, the aircraft's advanced avionics and navigation systems allow for optimized flight planning and fuel management, further increasing its fuel efficiency.

The MiG-31B's range with internal fuel is approximately 3,000 km (1,864 miles) and with external fuel tanks it can reach a range of 4,500 km (2,796 miles). This long-range capability allows the aircraft to undertake long-distance reconnaissance, air defense, and strike missions without the need for mid-air refueling.