Modernized MiG-31 fighters are now flying with the Russian Air Force.
The modernized MiG-31BM fighter now flying with the Russian Air Force. Photo: Rostec Corporation. |
The first 24
aircraft, which NATO calls the Foxhound, were modernized by the Rostec
Corporation, which is inducting about a dozen earlier variants of the MiG-31
for upgrade each year.
"After
completing the modernization of the MiG-31, we expect that military forces will
have more than 130 updated, outstanding aircraft with key technical parameters
available for use," Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said.
The MiG-31
interceptor, first produced in 1979, is based on the MiG-25, which it replaced.
It is a two-seat, long-range fighter for interception and destruction of cruise
missiles, low-flying satellites and other aerial targets. It has a maximum
speed of 1,860 miles per hour at high altitude and about 960 mph at low
altitude.
Its combat radius,
depending on speed, varies between about 440 miles and 900 miles.
Rosstec said the
new BM variant, which can engage ground targets, features new avionics. Its
Zaslon-M weapons control and radar system, developed by V. Tikhomirov
Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design, provides increased target
detection range -- nearly 199 miles -- and a firing range of about 174 miles.
The onboard radar
system of the MiG-31BM can simultaneously track up to ten air targets, Rostec
said.
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