MiG-31BM: specifications. MiG-31: the best in all characteristics

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

MiG-31BM is one of the most versatile fighter-interceptors in the world today. In the international codification, the supersonic aircraft was named Foxhound, which means "fox hound". It is safe to say that the MiG-31 is the best in all respects. It is designed to detect and destroy the enemy at extreme heights under any conditions.

History of Appearance

The MiG-31BM project received approval only in the early 1970s. Prior to this, for several years, the best military engineers of the Soviet Union under the leadership of A. Chumachenko were engaged in the creation of the MiG-31 attack fighter. Since 1975, the project was headed by K. Vasilchenko. On his shoulders lay not only the development of the concept of a supersonic aircraft, but also its testing.

Initially, the MiG-31BM fighter-interceptor could hit targets during daylight hours. Gradually, navigation equipment improved. In the spring of 1976, it was decided to introduce new electronic tracking equipment into the aircraft's software package. Thanks to this, the combat capabilities of the fighter have also expanded. Yes, onon board was a radar with a phased antenna.

The plane was built according to the "tandem" scheme, that is, the crew had to accommodate only two people. The pilot was assigned the functions of piloting, and the navigator - the processing of operational data. The first successful tests of the aircraft took place at the end of 1978, and a year and a half later, the project was completed by a decree of the USSR government.

Characteristic differences of the series

MiG-31BM has a number of important distinguishing features from the original MiG-31. First of all, this concerns the onboard radar complex. Thanks to this equipment, the crew is able to detect up to 24 targets in a matter of seconds. In addition, a third of them can be attacked at a time. The MiG-31BM also has technical characteristics regarding the anti-radar protection system. It includes such rocket launchers as Kh-25MPU, Kh-29T, Kh-31P and others. In addition, the upgraded laser guidance system can be included in the distinctive features of the series.

For the comfort of the crew, a special layout of the cabins was developed. Now the pilot has the opportunity to receive data on tactical training in a timely manner. Previously, the commander could not know what his navigator was doing. To monitor the situation, the cockpit is equipped with a multifunctional indicator with a diagonal of 10 inches. The navigator, in turn, was able to display radar information on the screen.

Fighter design

The 31BM airframe model was developed on the basis of the MiG-25. When designingspecial attention has been paid to the hull, which is able to carry 25% more lifting load than previous versions. The shell is made up of 50% steel, 33% high-strength aluminum alloy and 13% titanium. The rocket launcher is half fixed in the body. The MiG-31BM aircraft has engine specifications similar to those of the Tu-134 prototypes. We are talking about the D-30F6 engine, which was developed back in 1979. These are powerful modular engines with a nozzle and an afterburner. When launching a fighter, the "fire track" method is used. Vibro-combustion is automatically eliminated by the combined collector. The engines themselves are made of titanium, iron and nickel.

Radar characteristics

MiG-31BM is a new generation multifunctional fighter. Its main advantage over the enemy is the universal radar, which includes two modernized systems at once.

The first one was called "Barrier". It was put into service in 1981. The system is capable of detecting a ground target with an error probability of 0.5% at a distance of up to 200 km. The visibility range in the air is 35 km. "Barrier" makes it possible to simultaneously attack 8 channels. The fighter is capable of hitting targets in the "dead loop" mode.

Additional radar "Zaslon-M" entered service in 2008. It makes it possible to detect flying targets up to 320 km and defeat up to 290 km. At the moment, no fighter in the world has such characteristics. In addition, the 8TP heat direction finder is built into Zaslon-M,capable of identifying live targets up to 56 km even in difficult climatic conditions.

The package also includes a digital anti-jamming system from the MiG-31.

Description: performance characteristics

The length of the fighter version 31BM is 21.6 m with a wingspan of 13.5 m. The mass of the supersonic vehicle is 21.8 tons. The maximum weight with a full load is up to 47 tons. The total volume of the tanks is 17,000 liters of fuel.

The total thrust of the engines in the afterburner is 31,000 kgf. At the same time, the maximum operating overload threshold is 5G. No wonder the MiG-31BM is considered the most "hardy" fighter in the world.

The technical characteristics of the onboard equipment allow the supersonic interceptor to reach the speed barrier of 3000 km/h. In this case, cruising acceleration is 2500 km / h. Without refueling, the fighter is capable of flying over a distance of up to 3,000 km. Height ceiling - 20.5 km. The average flight duration without refueling is 3.3 hours.

Weapon characteristics

The MiG-31BM is equipped with a 23-mm multi-round gun of the GSH-6-23M series, as well as R-33, R-40T, R-60 and R-60M guided missiles. It is worth noting the rate of fire of the GSh-6-23M. It is up to 10,000 rounds per minute.

Missile systems are located on 6 pendants. Plus an additional two points for PTB. Suspensions are fixed evenly on the hull and wings. Percussion installations include 4 long-range and medium-range missiles. Upgraded models haveR-77 UR system with 4 projectiles.

The fighter's armament enables the crew to hit targets with high accuracy both on the ground and in the air. The bombardment is carried out by means of laser navigation. The maximum mass of the total combat load is 9 tons.

Demanded modifications

Since the implementation of the MiG-31 project, a huge number of different aircraft variations have been born. The most popular of them was the MiG-31BM. This multifunctional supersonic interceptor is capable of not only attacking targets at long distances, but also carrying out reconnaissance thanks to the integrated next-generation radar. A simplified analogue of the version is the MiG-31B.

Models of the letters "D" and "I" are designed to launch small satellite vehicles. MiG-31LL is an air laboratory. The 31M fighter has enhanced armament and is often used as a bomber. Models "FE" and "E" are export options.

Application of a fighter

Aircraft of the MiG-31 generation were designed to replace the outdated versions of the Tu-128 and Su-15. In the fall of 1984, the fighters arrived at the location of the USSR Air Force on Sakhalin Island. After 10 years, about three hundred interceptors were on the balance sheet of Russia. It was these winged vehicles that controlled the air during the second Chechen war.

In 2014, the country's government decided to modernize all the MiG-31s in service. It is expected that in 5-6 years all outdated models of the series will be upgraded toMiG-31BM.

Today, fighters are used in reconnaissance.

Based and exported

The technical characteristics of the MiG-31BM are literally amazing. That is why these fighters are so in demand in other countries. However, most of the devices are located at the location of the Russian Air Force.

At the moment, the 31BM model is based on 6 military airfields. Most of them are located in Yelizovo - about 30 units. Following are the Khotilovo bases (24 units) and Central Corner (14 units).

Kazakhstan is the leading country in terms of maintenance of export MiG-31s. There are 33 fighters at the Karaganda airfield as part of the 610th base.