urbanf@yj.data.nokia.fi (Urban Fredriksson) (06/19/91)
From: urbanf@yj.data.nokia.fi (Urban Fredriksson)
Some facts on the MiG-31
from the 12-18 June 1991 issue of Flight International
It may look like a MiG-25, and it started development as
MiG-25MP, but turned out so different it was given a new
designation. This is a pure long-range interceptor (absolutely
not a dogfighter) designed for countering low flying cruise
missiles, or preferably their launching aircraft. It has
capability to attack fast high altitude targets as well.
It has a crew of two, and can operate (as apart from previous
Soviet doctrine) quite independently of ground control. Groups of
MiG-31's can coordinate their radar search patterns and exchange
data within the group or with ground control via datalink.
There is a retractible IR seeker in front of the nose gear. The
phased array radar (not just a flat antenna) has a very wide
field of view which gives it the capability to track and
simultaneously attack targets in very different directions. (With
a mechanically steered antenna you can only do this within a
rather narrow sector.)
Length 12,69 m
Span 13,46 m
Take-off weight 41 tons with full internal fuel (46 with external)
Internal fuel 20 tons (estimated)
Engines 2 x 150kN at full afterburner (estimated)
Max speeds 810 kt sea level
M 2,8+ high altitude
Mission radius 720 km supersonic cruise, internal fuel
1400 km subsonic cruise, external fuel
Air refuelling capability
23 mm cannon (260 rounds) in fairing on fuselage side under right wing
Under fuselage: 4 x AA-9
Inner wing pylon: 2 x AA-6 or 4 x AA-8
Outer wing pylon: ?
--
Urban Fredriksson, Stockholm, Sweden (who ONLY speaks for himself!)
urban@kista.relay.nokia.fi