The MiG-31BM is today one of the most versatile interceptor fighters in the world. In the international codification, the supersonic aircraft is called Foxhound, which means “foxhound”. We can say with confidence 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.
Appearance story
The MiG-31BM project received approval only in the early 1970s. Prior to this, the best military engineers of the Soviet Union, led by A. Chumachenko, were engaged in the creation of the MiG-31 strike fighter for several years . 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 in the daytime. Gradually, navigation equipment was improved. In the spring of 1976, it was decided to introduce new electronic tracking equipment into the aircraft software package. Thanks to this, the combat capabilities of the fighter have expanded. So, on board was a radar with a phased antenna.
The plane was built according to the tandem scheme, that is, the crew was supposed to accommodate only two people. The pilot was assigned the functions of piloting, and the navigator - processing operational data. The first successful tests of the aircraft took place at the end of 1978, and after a year and a half, the project was completed by a resolution of the USSR government.
Characteristic differences of the series
The MiG-31BM has a number of important distinguishing features from the original MiG-31. First of all, this concerns the airborne radar system. 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 features technical specifications regarding the anti-radar protection system. It includes missile launchers such as the Kh-25MPU, Kh-29T, Kh-31P and others. In addition, the distinguished features of the series can include an upgraded laser guidance system.
For crew comfort, a special cab layout was developed. Now the pilot has the opportunity to timely receive data on tactical training. Previously, the commander could not know what his navigator was doing. To monitor the situation, the cockpit is equipped with a 10-inch multifunctional indicator. The navigator, in turn, got the opportunity to display on-screen radar information.
Fighter design
The 31BM glider model was developed based on the MiG-25. When designing, special attention was paid to the body, which is able to withstand a lifting load of 25% more than previous versions. The shell consists of 50% steel, 33% high-strength aluminum alloy and 13% titanium. The rocket launcher is half fixed in the casing. The MiG-31BM aircraft technical characteristics of the engines are similar to the prototypes of the Tu-134. We are talking about the D-30F6 engine, which was developed back in 1979. These are powerful modular engines with nozzle and afterburner. When fighter is launched, the fire track method is used. Vibration reduction 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 multi-functional fighter. Its main advantage over the enemy is the universal radar, which immediately includes two modernized systems.
The first was called the Barrier. It was adopted in 1981. The system is capable of detecting a ground target with a probability of error of 0.5% at a distance of up to 200 km. Air visibility range is 35 km. The Barrier makes it possible to attack 8 channels simultaneously. A fighter is capable of hitting targets in a "dead loop" mode.
Additional radar "Barrier-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 integrated in Zaslon-M, which is capable of detecting live targets up to 56 km even in difficult climatic conditions.
The package also includes a digital noise immunity 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 thousand liters of fuel.
The total engine thrust on the afterburner is 31,000 kgf. Furthermore, the maximum threshold for operational overload is 5G. No wonder the MiG-31BM is considered the most “hardiest” fighter in the world.
Technical characteristics of airborne equipment allow the supersonic interceptor to reach a speed barrier of 3000 km / h. At the same time, cruising acceleration is 2500 km / h. Without refueling, the fighter is capable of flying up to 3,000 km. The ceiling is 20.5 km. The average duration of a flight without refueling is 3.3 hours.
Weapon characteristics
The MiG-31BM is equipped with a 23-mm multi-shell 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 installation. It is up to 10,000 shells per minute.
Missile systems are located on 6 suspensions. Plus an additional two points for the PTB. Pendants are fixed evenly on the body and wings. Drum sets include 4 long and medium-range missiles. The upgraded models have a UR-77 system with 4 shells.
Fighter armament allows the crew to hit targets with high accuracy both on the ground and in the air. Bombing is carried out by means of laser navigation. The maximum mass of the total combat load is 9 tons.
Required 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 new-generation radar. A simplified analogue of the version is the MiG-31B.
The letters "D" and "I" are designed to launch small satellite devices. MiG-31LL is an air laboratory. The 31M fighter has enhanced weapons and is often used as a bomber. Models "FE" and "E" are export options.
Fighter application
MiG-31 generation aircraft were designed to replace obsolete versions of the Tu-128 and Su-15. In the fall of 1984, fighters arrived at the location of the USSR Air Force on Sakhalin Island. After 10 years, about three hundred interceptors were on the balance of Russia. It was these winged vehicles that controlled the air during the second Chechen war.
In 2014, the government of the country decided to upgrade all the MiG-31s available in the system. It is expected that in 5-6 years all outdated models of the series will be improved to the MiG-31BM.
To date, fighters are used in reconnaissance.
Basing and export
The MiG-31BM aircraft technical specifications, literally, amaze the imagination. That is why these fighters are so in demand in other countries. However, most of the vehicles are located at the Russian Air Force.
Currently, the 31BM model is based on 6 military airfields. Most of them are in Yelizovo - about 30 units. Following are the bases of Khotilovo (24 pcs.) And Central Corner (14 pcs.).
The leading country for the maintenance of export MiG-31s is Kazakhstan. At the airfield of Karaganda, as part of the 610th base, there are 33 fighters.