Mikoyan MiG-31BM

The Mikoyan MiG-31BM is an interceptor and attack aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force from 2014. It is a modern, up-to-date variant of the MiG-31 Foxhound, which in turn is based on the MiG-25 Foxbat that had been designed and produced by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Today, it is the fastest interceptor in the world, capable of flying at Mach 3+ at high altitude and at Mach 1.4 at low altitude.

Number Built and Capability

More than 130 MiG-31BM aircraft have already been delivered to the Russian Air Force. Although it has no been built with stealth technology materials, it is practically undetected when flying at low altitude at supersonic speeds. For ground-attack operations, the Mikoyan MiG-31BM carries either one Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile or six FAB-500 smart, glide bombs.

In the interceptor role, this Russian warplane is capable of tracking and engaging simultaneously up to 24 targets. This is thanks to the upgraded Zaslon M phased array radar and the new Baget 5506 computer. Its radar, which is set up in the aircraft nose, has a 1.4-m diameter and a detection range of 470 km. Thus, the MiG-31BM is the only aircraft which can intercept and destroy enemy cruise missile flying at extremely low altitude. Thanks to the its two Soloviev D-30F6 turbofan engines, it is the interceptor with the longest range, breaking the world record by flying seven hours and four minutes and covering the distance of 8,000 km.

Below, the Mikoyan MiG-31BM flying in the skies over Russian territory.

Specifications

Type: interceptor/attack aircraft

Length: 22.62 m (74 feet, 3 inches)

Wing Span: 13.46 m (44 feet, 2 inches)

Wing Area: 61.6 m2 (663 square feet)

Height: 6.45 m (21 feet, 2 inches)

Powerplant: two Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines.

Maximum Speed: 3,250 km/h (Mach 3+)

Combat Range: 3,100 km, with two drop tanks

Crew: two

Armament: one 23-mm GSh-6-23 cannon; ten R-74M air-to-air missiles; one Kh-47M2 Kinzhal air-to ground missile.

Below, the upgraded Foxhound at a military base.

The MiG-31BM during flight interception drills (video).