Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>Mig-29>HA9701

General Background

The MiG-31 (NATO - Foxhound) is a two-seater long-range supersonic interceptor fighter. The MiG-31 was developed in the 1970s and completed Its maiden flight in September 1975. The MiG-31 set several world records by reaching an altitude of 37,650 meters (123,523 ft) in 1977 as well as setting a time-to-altitude record of 35,000 meters (114,829 ft) in 4 minutes 11.78 seconds. The MiG-25 “Foxbat” was the basis for the MiG-31 “Foxhound” but equipped with the latest digital avionics that allows it to operate in all weather conditions and the first Soviet aircraft to have look-down shoot-down capability.

The Aircraft

The MiG-31 was developed as an interceptor but when Russia developed the Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile they needed an aircraft that could carry the missile’s heavy weight so the MiG-31K was developed as an attack aircraft. The normal bomb and missile load of the MiG-31BM was replaced by an adaptation to carry the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal “Dagger” that has a 2,000 km range. Ten of the MiG-31BMs have so far been converted. The 764th Fighter Aviation Regiment is the first front-line MiG-31K operator and is expected to have around 24 MiG-31K aircraft including 31 BLUE RF-92332.

Specifications :

First flight:	September 16, 1975
Role:	long-range, two-seat supersonic interceptor aircraft
Serial production began:	1976
Introduction into service:	May 6, 1981
Crew:	2, Pilot and Weapons System Officer
Dimensions
Length:	22.62 m (74 ft 3 in)
Wingspan:	13.456 m (44 ft 2 in)
Height:	6.45 m 21 ft 2 in)
Weight:
Empty:	21,820 kg (48,105 lb)
Loaded:	41,000 kg (90, 390 lb)
Maximum Takeoff :	46,200 kg (101,854 lb)
Performance
Power Plant:	2 X Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines each producing 93 kN (21,000 lbf) thrust dry, 152 kN (34,000 lbf) with afterburner
Rate of Climb:	288 m/s (56,700 ft/min) Armament
Maximum speed:	3,000 km/h (1,900 mph) Mach 2.83 @21,500 m (70,538 ft)
Cruise:	2,500 km/h (1,600 mph) Mach 2.35
Service Ceiling:	25,000 m (82,000 ft)
Range:	3,000 km (1,900 mi) with 4 X R-33E and 2 drop tanks
Combat range:	1,450 km (900 mi) @ Mach 0.8 @ 10,000 m (32,808 ft)
Armament:
Gun:	1 X 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23M rotary cannon 800 rounds (later removed)
	Hardpoints 4 X under wing pylons These can carry Missiles Air-To-Air 4 X R-33E 2 X R-40RD/TD 4 X R-60MK 4 X R-73 Air-To-Surface 4 X Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation 1 X Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile (MiG-31K)