The Mikoyan MiG-31Foxhound is the first Russian fourth-generation combat aircraft
Posted on 01/01/2012 8:34:18 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Russia to modernize 60 MiG-31 interceptors by 2020
The Russian Air Force will receive over 60 modernized MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor aircraft by 2020, the Defense Ministry said.
A modernization contract was signed by the ministry and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation in December last year.
“We are planning to upgrade more than 60 MiG-31 interceptors to the MiG-31BM version by 2020,” Air Force spokesman Vladimir Drik said last week.
Relatively few MiG-31s have been modernized to the MiG-31BM version since the heavy interceptor entered service with the Russian Air Force in 1982.
The modernized version is fitted with upgraded avionics and digital data links, a new multimode radar, color multi-function cockpit displays, and a more powerful weapons-control system. It can detect airborne targets at the range of 320 kilometers (200 miles) and simultaneously track up to 10 targets.
The MiG-31BM can carry new air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles such as the AS-17 Krypton anti-radar missile.
MiG-31 interceptors are an integral part of a comprehensive aerospace defense network being created in Russia to thwart any potential airborne threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
The Mikoyan MiG-31Foxhound is the first Russian fourth-generation combat aircraft
interceptors are not necessarily dogfighters. ref MIG-25.
What does BM mean in Russian? I’m guessing it doesn’t mean what americans typically think of when they say “BM”.
I think it’s roughly the Russian equivalent of ‘Big Modernisation’-which means a significant upgrade of this aircraft.
I dunno why this beat has 4 Aphids. It should be used as a hit and run intercepter.
A modern imaging-infrared missile slaved to helmet-cued targeting eliminates many of the old rules of thumb about maneuverability and the like. With modern IIR missiles like the (Israeli) Python 5, (NATO/American) Aim-9X, (German) Iris-T, (NATO/Brit) ASRAAM, (Russian) R-74, (South African) A-Darter etc - with any of those missiles being in the within-visual range regime is an exercise in mutually assured destruction. 'Shortrange' IIR missiles have become far more advanced than their prior iterations to the extent that their lethality within their range is high enough to be considered absolute. Two planes foolish enough to get in WVR can easily shoot each other down. Slaved to helmet cued targeting all a pilot would need to do is look at the target, without having to maneuver the plane, and if he can see the other plane it is dead.
I think they were offered a couple of years ago as the Mig-25 was being retired. I don’t think the Mig-31 really has a niche for countries like India. UAVs do the reconnaissance job better and the SU-30 even in its current avatar makes more sense as an interceptor. The 31s are pretty old and have higher maintenance costs.
Foxhound is a Cold Warrior. It was made to defend a vast airspace with it’s high speed, long range missiles and ability to serve as mini-AWACs for lighter Sukhoi and Mig legacy fighters.
Su-30 is a better option for India.
Mig-31 could be like an elephant in a tiny room there.
Hardly so, India also has extensive border regions-which is why it brought the Mig-25 in the early 80s. The need for the Mig-31 has diminished in the age of UAVs, datalinks and advanced missiles...which is why nobody has purchased it.
Well, it wasn’t for sell until just recently but I do agree with you, it is an outdated platform, thus still impressive.
I believe it has been proposed for export since the 90s-
in 1992, according to this link.
http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/mig-31/mig-31.htm
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