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

TR1 wrote:Apparently there are 58 operational MiG-31BM (and BSM) to date, including several experimental airframes.

We have noticed that the number of modernized MiG-31 is much higher than it is supposed to be judging by the contracts signed about MiG-31 modernization and that is what is

wrong with this article when it claimes that only 60 MiG-31 will be modernized by 2018. But never mind that the good thing is that MiG-31 modernization is continuing on a unprecedented

level. We know that:

- much more MiG-31 will be modernized by 2020 than stated 60 (in fact that number will be overrun by the end of this year alone)

- afterwards we found about the decision to put hundereds more MiG-31 in service and modernize them (post °226)

- we found out that Russia intends to develope Mach 4.3 MiG-31 successor

and now we know that radicaly new modernization which will greatly enchant MiG-31 is in the pipeline and that modernization will apply to all existing MiGs and the ones that will

enter service in the comming years:

MiG, Aviadvigatel Confirm MiG-31 Development

MiG-31 is getting much needed attention and love for its worth is unprecedented to Russia

Notice in that link it is the Aerospace Defence forces that seem to be driving Mig-31 development. The VVS seems happy with the Su-35 and PAK FA programmes and are neglecting the 31 a bit I think.

Hense it will be... in my opinion, the VKKO that drive the MiG-31 upgrade and replacement programme... and rightly so... she was always a PVO bird.

This seems to me to mirror the situation with CAS aircraft with the existing aircraft upgrade Su-25SM getting a further upgrade... to be followed by a new replacement probably in 10 years or so time.

GarryB wrote:Wasn't there a report that they were planning to upgrade 100 by 2020 or am I confusing it with the Tu-22M3M upgrade?

The plan was for 9 squadrons (about 100 aircraft). But that was 2-3 years ago, looks like they're planning a larger number now

2 more MiG-31BM delivered to Russia Air Force   

MiG-31BM have taken up on combat duty in WEST

3 new MiG-31BSM spotted:
http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=45391&page=82

Question is, how many have been converted so far, prototypes are borts 25 and 26, so there are at least 3 more new conversions. Seems it's either 5 or 7 completed so far.

The military units of Western Military District took deliveries of upgraded MiG-31BM fighters

The specialists of aviation engineering service of the Western Military District (WMD) have completed the acceptance of two upgraded MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors, press-service of WMD reports.

"The new vehicles piloted by the representatives of WMD’s military units performed ferry flight to their home base – a military airfield located in Tver Region. In the near term the aircraft will come on duty and start protecting the airspace of Russian Federation", - the source added.

The fighter regiment of WMD stationed in Tver Region will be outfitted with jets of the type this year. In 2013 a squadron of Murmansk composite regiment of WMD was outfitted with the upgraded MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors, the press-service added.

MiG-31BM is the two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range fighter-interceptor. It is fitted with state-of-the-art control system. Its target acquisition range is 320 km; its destruction range is 280 km. Its radar is capable of detecting 24 air targets simultaneously and the jet can attack 8 of them with missiles at once.

http://fotografersha.livejournal.com/551808.html?page=2

Some great MIG-31 photos.

Air Force will use modernised MiG-31 for another 15 years — Deputy PM

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.

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.

And ability to carry more missiles due to new type of missiles and different construction.

I would not be that surprised if Russia will actually build some new MiG-31 fighters. After all, they are the best suited for Arctic region, specially its landing gear. The closest to MiG-31 is Su-34, but it is fighter-bomber, not interceptor. Even if they produce new build MiG-31BM fighters, they should get newer EW equipment like Pastel RWR, MAWS sensors and new jammers for self protection. New radar in Irbis class and new IRST could as well improve its capabilities for intercepting any target in Arctic region. Few regiments of new and modernized MiGs with a network of new EW radars will well close the big gap in airspace control and defense, Russia have in Arctic.

http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20140808/191851679/Russian-Deputy-Prime-Minister-Suggests-Resuming-MiG-31.html

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

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

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.

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.

Lets hope it will fly even faster   

Air Force Commander: Interceptor to replace the MiG-31 will go on Russian troops until 2025

Russian Air Force plans to use Mig-31 jets over North Pole in forthcoming drills

BALASHIKHA( Moscow region), August 11. /ITAR-TASS/. The Russian Air Force has been planning to use Mig-31 jets to intercept targets over the North Pole during the forthcoming exercises, Chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General Viktor Bondarev told ITAR-TASS on Monday.

"We have once again confirmed colossal possibilities of Mig-31 aircraft, which flew to the latitude of the 82nd degree with two refueling takes only, which was not the best of its capacity. It has enough flight safety resource, but we decided to take no risks. During the next exercise, we hope that the Mig-31 jets will, for the first time in their history, fly over the North Pole," the Air Force commander said.

The exercises with the use of the Air Force and air defense forces were held on the Ashuluk test-site in the Astrakhan region in the south of Russia.

MiG-31s based in Perm

And ability to carry more missiles due to new type of missiles and different construction.

The new R-37M missiles should allow 6 belly weapons to be carried plus four more weapons on the wings for a max of 10 R-37M missiles.

Of course new WVR IIR guided missiles and new model R-77 BVR missiles designed for internal carriage should be slimmer and more compact so double or triple ejector racks from standard wing pylons might allow a wider variety of options too.

(BTW George1... my vote... beautiful plane... beautiful pictures... )

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

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

Not good... At least it wasn't a engine explosion or similar, and the pilots survived!

September 16, 1975 was the first flight of MiG-31 interceptor

'Happy 39th to the MiG 31!' 

Russian Air Force Drills Kick Off In Arctic

MOSCOW, September 16 (RIA Novosti) - Over 25 fighters and bombers from Russia's Western Military District have started tactical flight training in the Arctic, spokesperson for the district Col. Oleg Kochetkov said Tuesday.

"As part of the drills, flight personnel will practice joint action on air policing, air target interception, ground target engagement and airstrike and anti-aircraft fire evasion. All tasks will be practiced both during the night and day time in various weather conditions," the official said.

The drills are scheduled to last until the end of the week. Kotchetkov added that Mikoyan Mig-31 BM Foxhound interceptors will be carrying out air patrolling missions along the Northern Sea Route, while the Sukhoy Su-24 MR Fencer aircraft will practice reconnaissance and target detection and designation.

In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the creation of a unified network of naval facilities in Russia's Arctic territories to host advanced warships and submarines as part of a plan to boost protection of the country's interests and borders in the region. In August, Russian Air Force commander-in-chief Viktor Bondarev said that an airbase on Kotelny Island in the Arctic Ocean, which had been out of use for 27 years, will be modernized by the end of 2014. Similar works are being carried out on other Russian islands in the Arctic, where abandoned Soviet military infrastructure is scheduled to be restored by October 2015.

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

Here, here A magnificent aircraft...

Yep! I feel like the interceptor role is still valuable even despite their abandonment.