News

16.09.2005

Thirty years since the first flight of MiG-31

On September 16, 1975 the prototype of MiG-31 fighter performed its first flight. The unmatched altitude and speed performance as well as the advanced armament still allow the efficient use of this aircraft in the Russian Air Force. The unique performance of MiG-31 are to a great extent caused by the capabilities of the powerplant that comprises two high efficiency bypass turbojet engines D-30F6.

The specialists of Mikojan Design Bureau started design of MiG-31 as far back as in 1970. The design was based on production MiG-25 interceptor developed as long ago as in 60-ies in response to high altitude supersonic reconnaissance planes and bombers developed in USA. MiG-31 supersonic fighter-interceptor - a further upgrade of MiG-25 fighter-interceptor - is intended for use in air defense system, and is capable of long-term patrolling and fighting against all types of air targets, including small rocket gliders, helicopters and high altitude airplanes at any time of day, any weather and in conditions of intensive radio-electronic combats.

MiG-31 was intended to intercept and eliminate air targets flying both at high and medium and small altitudes (against the earth background), in the front and aft hemispheres, in favorable and unfavorable weather conditions, day and night, when the opponent is using maneuvering or with active and passive radar clutters and thermal traps employed.

MiG-31 became the first Russian combat aircraft of the forth generation and is still considered the fastest fighter in the world. A good evidence of the aircraft uniqueness is the fact that in September 2003 the two crews of Russian Air Force broke 23 world records in 35 000 ... 45 000 kg T/O weight class. D-30F6 engines developed by a legendary designer Pavel Soloviev are capable to develop the full augmented thrust of 15500 kg, which is almost trice higher than at MiG-25. Unlike other interceptors, MiG-31 may be refueled from flying tankers during flight, which considerably increases flight range and time.

It was the first time when RED-3048 electronic engine controller was used on the engine. This controller was the advanced one compared to the systems used at American F-14 and F-15.

MiG-31 Performance:
Maximum velocity - 3000 km/h
Maximum velocity at 3 km height - 1500 km/h
Supersonic cruise velocity - 2400 km/h
Practical ceiling - 20 600 m