MiG-31BM/Κ Interceptor/Attack aircraft: News #2

MiG-31I(K) Nº36 RF-92462 . Forum Armiya 2022

There is a restriction of information in the SMO zone so there are no images of Russian aircraft, but in Kamchatka I found this video from several months ago

Two new MiG-31BMs were shipped to Yelizovo

With these two there are already at least 6 MiG-31BM in the regiment
The rest of the squadron still uses the MiG-31 without modernizing

The needs of the SMO in Ukraine, including the deployment one regiment of the MiG-31I(K), seem to have slowed down the deployment of MiG-31BMs to Yelizovo, where there should also be a second MiG-31BM squadron soon.



Nº34 RF-33800
https://russianplanes.net/id308319



Nº39 RF-33807
https://russianplanes.net/id308214

other MiG-31BM in Yelizovo, Nº36 RF-38002
https://russianplanes.net/id309211

With these two there are already at least 7 MiG-31BM in the regiment: Nº 22, 25, 34, 35, 36 38, 39

AMCXXL, I appreciate your opinions so I would like to ask you:

What is your take on the future of the MiG-31? Do you think that indeed a replacement for it is in the works? Is it needed? And the MiG-31 itself, besides launching Khinzal missiles, do you think it still holds up to today for Air interception and being capable of taking on enemy jets or that is simply more for the Su-35?

Militarywatch magazine

Russia’s Most Dangerous Tactical Combat Jet Now in Action Over Ukraine: MiG-31BM Foxhound Dominating the Skies

Тhe Russian Air Force has begun to deploy its heaviest class of tactical combat jet for operations against Ukrainian targets, according to reports from number of Western media outlets, with the MiG-31BM/BSM Foxhound making its debut in the eight month long war. These reports claim that the Foxhound has been deployed to neutralise Ukrainian Air Force assets, with a study by the British Royal United Services Institute claiming that the aircraft “have proven highly effective against Ukrainian attack aircraft and fighters, with the MiG-31BM and R-37M long-range air to air missile being especially problematic.” Regarding the R-37M in particular, it noted that “the extremely high speed of the weapon, coupled with very long effective range and a seeker designed for engaging low-altitude targets, makes it particularly difficult to evade.” Other reports indicate that some MiG-31s from the 712th Regiment have been forward deployed to facilities on Crimea, and in late October shot down a Ukrainian Su-24M strike fighter.




The MiG-31 has for decades been seen as the uncontested top Russian asset for air to air combat, with the induction of a fraction of a unit of Su-57 fifth generation fighters only recently having challenged this title. The Foxhound is an oversized aircraft capable of flying much higher and faster, carrying much larger sensors, and deploying more firepower, than even other Russian heavyweights such as the Su-30 and Su-35 which form the backbone of its fleet. Its R-37M missile is a close contender for the title of the most dangerous in the world, with a 400km engagement range, Mach 6 speed and 60kg warhead which no other missile outside China comes close to matching. The MiG-31 was the first fighter or interceptor in the world capable of firing all its weapons at extreme altitudes in space, providing missiles such as the R-37 with much more energy than if it were employed by other aircraft, and was also the first with a phased array radar and the ability to cruise supersonically for very extended periods. The Foxhound fleet has been prioritised for upgrades since the early 2010s, including the integration of new weapons and avionics, and has increasingly been deployed to the Arctic as tensions with NATO rise in the theatre due to its high performance and suitability for operations in extreme weather.




Although Ukraine’s fighter fleet, unlike its air defences, has posed little challenge for the Russian Air Force due to the obsolete nature of its inventory, deployment of MiG-31s provides a valuable opportunity to test the aircraft and their missiles under combat conditions. Russian fighters, and the Su-35 in particular, have gained extensive air to air combat experience since the outbreak of the war and multiple air to air kills, which is something no 21st century fighter from any other country have benefitted from. The Su-57, too, alongside its deployments for strike and air defence suppression missions, was reported but not confirmed to have been involved in a single air to air engagement in which it shot down a Ukrainian Su-27.

While MiG-31BM/BSM interceptors have only recently begun to play a significant role in the Russian-Ukrainian War, a strike variant the MiG-31K was forward deployed against NATO states shortly before the conflict began as a deterrent, while one carried out a major strike on Ukrainian positions near the Polish border in March. Like the R-37M missile, the Kh-47M2 hypersonic ballistic missile carried by the MiG-31K is an oversized weapon which other classes of Russian tactical combat aircraft would be unable to employ as effectively. The missile's cost and scarcity, however, means it has not played a large role in strikes against Ukrainian targets neither ha the MiG-31K. Russia is currently developing a successor to the MiG-31 under the PAK DP program, although whether this will be an ambitious space flying near hypersonic aircraft as some sources claim, or a conservative enhanced derivative of the current MiG-31, remains uncertain.

https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/mig31-teaching-ukraine-most-dangerous

MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in Primorsky Krai

A MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in the Primorsky Territory, the crew ejected. This was reported on December 2 by emergency services.

The fighter jet crashed in the forest, there is no information about infrastructure damage or injuries.

"He fell in a wooded area near the village of Alekseyevka," TASS reports, citing a source in the emergency services.

In April, a MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in the Leningrad region. The crew ejected.

https://translated.turbopages.org/proxy_u/ru-en.en.e2699a52-6389eb1d-6671f38c-74722d776562/https/iz.ru/1434604/2022-12-02/istrebitel-mig-31-poterpel-krushenie-v-primorskom-krae?utm_source=iz&utm_campaign=vidjet&utm_medium=3&utm_content=1434604

|franco

MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in Primorsky Krai

In April, a MiG-31 fighter jet crashed in the Leningrad region. The crew ejected.

Black year for MiG-31

29-jan MiG-31K RF-95217 Nº92 red from Savasleyka regiment crashed in Soltsy Air Base
08-apr MiG-31BM from Khotilovo regiment crashed in Torkovichi (Leningrad)
01-oct MiG-31BM from Khotilovo regiment crashed in Belbek (Sebastopol)
02-dec MiG-31BM from Vladivostok regiment crashed in Alekseyevka (Primorie Krai)


previously there other 5 MiG-31BM accidents

06-nov-13 MiG-31BM RF-90904 Nº09 red from Kansk regiment damaged on landing at its airbase and retired
04-sep-14 MiG-31BM RF-90896 Nº34 red from Kansk regiment crashed in Armavir (Krasnodar Krai)
25-jan-16 MiG-31BM RF-90905 Nº11 red from Kansk regiment crashed in Krasnoyarsk Krai
19-sep-18 MiG-31BM RF-92370 Nº85 blue from Savasleyka Training Center crashed at Kulebaki (Nizhny Novgorod)
27-may-20 MiG-31BM w/o RF- Nº53 red from Khotilovo regiment burned in its parking in the airbase

Total 8 MiG-31BM and 1 MiG-31K lost since starting operation 12-13 years ago

Hopefully russia can upgrade more or buy from kazakhstan, since its completely incapable and unwilling to mass pdoruce newly built MiG-31BMs.

The losses are probably a reflection of them being used more. That is all. There are still probably loads of them in storage somewhere which can be upgraded since over 500 MiG-31 were built.

It depends on mig-41. If it is produced soon there is no need for more mig-31.

@limb
Hopefully russia can upgrade more or buy from kazakhstan, since its completely incapable and unwilling to mass pdoruce newly built MiG-31BMs.

@lancelot
The losses are probably a reflection of them being used more. That is all. There are still probably loads of them in storage somewhere which can be upgraded since over 500 MiG-31 were built

Russia still has several dozen MiG-31s in storage for modernization, not a problem

However, Kazakhstan has MiG-31B with a refueling probe that are also one of the most modern (it received 15 in 1991) that would be very useful for a squadron of MiG31-BM with a refueling probe, for example for Kanchatka.

Losses are for several reason, included the usage, the age of the airframes and probabky also tne ukronazi sabotage. Several planes burned "spontaneously" very often in 2020/21

@Isos
It depends on mig-41. If it is produced soon there is no need for more mig-31.

Unlikely.
Everything that NATO does like the coup in Ukraine and the current war, sanctions etc... is only to hinder and delay the development of Russia.
I doubt that before a decade the MiG-31 will begin to be replaced, assuming that Russia emerges relatively unscathed from this war.

nlikely. Everything that NATO does like the coup in Ukraine and the current war, sanctions etc... is only to hinder and delay the development of Russia. I doubt that before a decade the MiG-31 will begin to be replaced, assuming that Russia emerges relatively unscathed from this war. wrote:

Yes, the MiG-41 is a very distant future. For now, there is no information on the progress of the project.

There was no information about su-75 and they just showed it.

Mig is supposed to work for a long time now on that project. They will probably show a prototype in the next couple of years.

Economically speaking they aren't Russia from 1990s.

Anyway, as long as Topol-M and kinzhals work they are fine.

Arms race is useless for them. Let China handdle that battle with the US.

There was no information about su-75 and they just showed it. wrote:

Su-75 it's a much simpler design. The MiG-41 is to fly even faster than the MiG-31.It will be incomparably more complex and complicated

This is from BMPD, 2018...I copied only the most interesting parts of the text. There are still plenty of those planes. I assume that their use will continue for the next 12 or so years.

After the flight of the first prototype on September 16, 1975, the Sokol plant produced 519 interceptors in 1976-1994. This number included 349 early MiG-31s, 101 MiG-31DZs and 69 MiG-31Bs.
The Aerospace Forces currently has about 130 MiG-31s ​​in service. Another 130 are in storage, and about 65 of them are on the territory of the 514th ARZ in Rzhev. The MiG-31 is in service with regiments in Bolshoy Savino, Kansk, Khotilovo, Monchegorsk, Central Corner, Yelizovo and Savasleyka. Approximately 10 aircraft are used for testing at the 929th State Flight Test Center of the Ministry of Defense in Akhtubinsk.
130 MiG-31s ​​in storage make it possible to create several more aviation units if funding is available.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwidm8Gch977AhUMt6QKHUr0DigQFnoECCQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbmpd.livejournal.com%2F3206861.html&usg=AOvVaw2vZPJtQMzFHeDnHvsCwJqq

Su-75 it's a much simpler design. The MiG-41 is to fly even faster than the MiG-31.It will be incomparably more complex and complicated

Sure it is but the work on mig-41 was started long time ago.

What I am saying is that they won't say anything until they show it. Just like the su-75. They made it secretly.

Mig 41 work may be at its last stage right now. We can't know. They seem to be getting secrecy at the level of USSR.

Same for pak da which can show up anyday since they were working for a decade now on this project which is the time needed to start creating prototypes.

Su-75 was made in the last years it seems. Not a planned project, sukhoi did it onits own IMO and they were right to do so.

PAK DP requires new engines, based on Izdeliye 30 core, which are not in production yet. So do not expect any MiG-41 soon.
Same deal with regards to PAK DA which needs Izdeliye RF engine.

The core of the MiG-41 is its engines, they will be turbofans for takeoff and landing and low speed cruising, but for high speed and high speed cruising they will most likely operate in a ramjet mode.

The plane itself is probably not more complicated than the Su-75... both will have advanced radar and IRST and likely also wide band radar in its wings to compliment nose based radar and optics (IRST) to create a powerful sensor base for all sorts of targets, and the engines wont be super complicated... the engines of the SR-71 essentially did the same thing of operating as a ramjet at top speed... the real issue will be dealing with the heat and they have new heat resistant metals and coatings for that sort of thing, not to mention composite materials, perhaps ceramic based.

They have been working on the technologies for some time and we will likely only see the MiG-41 when they have a flying prototype ready.

They were talking about 2028 or so for a time when the MiG-31s will start to need to be replaced, or perhaps given full overhauls, they put the MiG-31s engine back into production so getting them out of storage should not be any problem at all.

BTW I do find it amusing to hear what Russia can't afford any more... their economic collapse didn't happen... perhaps western media missed that... wonder if they will equally miss the problems in the west regarding economies that now want to boost support for Ukraine and also their own arms reserves, plus they could do with some new planes and tanks and other equipment too... the know how to spend lots of money, that comes too easy to them.

PAK DP requires new engines, based on Izdeliye 30 core, which are not in production yet. So do not expect any MiG-41 soon.
Same deal with regards to PAK DA which needs Izdeliye RF engine.

Su-57 also requires them but thry still finished it and are producing it.

Engines can be fited after that. And it's very unlikely to get those engines.

Just like mig-31, mig-41 will be a high speed interceptor. It will be a fuel truck weighting 1.5 more than the weight of su-57 so izd.30 won't be powerfull enough. And if we talk about mach 4 cruise speed there is no chance at all it uses that engine.

LMFS already posted here that the PAK DP engine will use the Izdeliye 30 engine core. Just because it uses the same core it does not mean the rest of the engine is the same. The engine of the US SR-71 for example was a modified turbojet.

We don't even know the PAK-DP exists even as state order. PAK-DP is a completely fan made name. The project may or may not exist. It could be 10 years out, or 50 years out. So far the PAK DP is like the Hermes ATGM, pulse detonation engine, photonic radar,  nuclear fusion, cure for cancer, etc. Always 5-10 years away.

MiG-31 exists and can be turned in to MiG-31BM, but for whatever reason, the MoD sees fit that no MiG-31Bms are upgraded from aircraft in storage.

We don't even know the PAK-DP exists even as state order. PAK-DP is a completely fan made name.

We have heard from several high up Russian military officials that the MiG-31 is a valuable aircraft and that a replacement is needed and is in development.

The MiG-41 might use an engine based on the new engine for the improved Su-57, but equally it might not.

Its engine needs to operate as a ramjet, but as a turbojet it doesn't need to be amazing or very powerful at all.

A proposed supersonic civilian airliner was going to use a very old turbojet engine as used on the F-4 Phantom, the point is that it will use the turbojet to take off and land but once it gets up to decent speed it will revert to ramjet propulsion and the turbojet will essentially either shut down or run at idle all the way.

90% or more of the flight will be in ramjet mode where the turbojet is doing nothing at all, so its power or fuel efficiency are not actually very important... reliability and ease of service and maintenance are more important... they don't even need to run hot... they can be subsonic only...

For the MiG-41 they might want extended range subsonic cruise performance for a patrol mode over large empty places, but much of the time it will be all about top speed to reach the target as quickly as possible to try to intercept it and destroy it before it launches anything to multiply the interception duties.

If it can fly at 20-30km altitude at mach 4.2 it could become an ideal platform for launching anti satellite weapons and super long range missiles.

Don't know where name Pak DP came from but it was stated a few years ago a new platform was needed and funding was gone into such research. Some sources indicated MiG-41.

With that said, sources also said funding for a new jump jet was pushed too. So who knows.

PAK-DP; Перспективный авиационный комплекс дальнего перехвата - ''Prospective air complex for long-range interception'', it has not been confirmed anywhere in the military industrial complex that it will bear the designation MiG-41.

PAK-DA; Перспективный авиационный комплекс дальней авиации - ''Prospective aviation complex for long-range aviation'', possible number and designation is unknown, no guesswork also.


PAK-FA; Перспективный авиационный комплекс фронтовой авиации - ''prospective aviation complex of front-line air forces'' is now Su-57.

LTS; Лёгкий тактический самолёт - Light tactical aircraft is now Su-75.

Ho hum. Here you go straight from the horse's mouth.

17 Aug 2018
Russia’s MiG aircraft corporation working on fifth-generation fighter jet
As was reported earlier, the MiG-31 interceptor will be eventually replaced by the MiG-41 aircraft, which is also known as the PAK DP

LUKHOVITSY /Moscow Region/. August 17. /TASS/. Russia’s MiG Aircraft Corporation is working on the MiG-41 fifth-generation fighter-interceptor, MiG CEO Ilya Tarasenko told TASS on Friday.

"No, this is not a mythical project, this is a long-standing project for the MiG and now we are carrying out intensive work under the aegis of the UAC [the United Aircraft Corporation] and will present it to the public soon," the MiG chief executive said, replying to a question about the work on the MiG-41 plane.

As was reported earlier, the MiG-31 interceptor will be eventually replaced by the MiG-41 aircraft, which is also known as the PAK DP (Prospective Aviation Complex of Long-Range Interception).

As former Commander of Russia’s Aerospace Force, Chairman of the Federation Council Defense Committee Viktor Bondarev earlier said, the experimental design work on the PAK DP’s development was expected to start from 2018.

Meanwhile, MiG CEO Tarasenko said that the R&D and experimental design work on the cutting-edge Russian interceptor was planned to begin "in the immediate future" and its deliveries to the Russian Armed Forces were expected to start in the mid-2020s.

Aside from the manned version, the interceptor’s unpiloted variant is also being considered.

https://tass.com/defense/1017603