Russia to Create New MiG-41based on MiG-31

Speed of the new Russian fighter-interceptor MiG -41, developed on the basis of the MiG-31, exceed Mach 4, said test pilot Anatoly Kvochur.

“This upgrade was to take place just 20 years ago. However, this did not happen, so now demands increased. It includes the increasing speed of interceptor to Mach 4-4.3,” said Kvochur.

He commented on the State Duma deputy Alexander Tarnaev message that Russia develops a new fighter, the MiG -41 on the basis of heavy fighter – interceptor MiG-31, the speed of which was 2.8 Mach.

For comparison: the strategic supersonic reconnaissance USAF Lockheed SR- 71 can reach speed of Mach 3.2.

Tarnaev said at a meeting of aerospace defense experts that the Chief of Staff signed an order of deep modernization of Soviet fighter- interceptor MiG-31.

Fighter-interceptor MiG-31 was developed in the USSR in the first half of the 1970s. The aircraft is capable of speed up to three thousand km/h, and its combat radius is 720 km.

MiG-31 is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at extremely low, low, medium and high altitudes, day and night, in adverse weather conditions, during the application of active and passive enemy radar jammers, as well as false heat targets. Originally it was intended to intercept cruise missiles at all altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites.

Aircraft is armed with six-barreled 23 mm gun with 260 rounds, and is equipped with six suspension points for missiles “air-air” of various types. A group of four MiG- 31, depending on the version can control the air space over the front length of 900-1200 km. Upgraded MiG-31BM can detect targets at ranges of up to 320 km and hit them, closer to 280 km.

Total number of different versions of MiG-31 in the Air Force of Russia is about 190 units. Production of interceptors was discontinued in 1994, but only recently started upgrading these aircraft to the MiG- 31BM version.