MiG-25 Trailer

The MiG-25 'Foxbat', despite Western panic about its tremendous performance, made substantial design sacrifices in capability for the sake of achieving high speed, altitude, and rate of climb. It lacked manoeuverability at interception speeds, was difficult to fly at low altitudes, and its inefficient turbojet engines resulted in a very short combat range at supersonic speeds. The MiG-25's speed gauge was redlined at Mach 2.8, and pilots were instructed not to top Mach 2.5 in order to preserve the engines. Achieving the MiG-25's maximum speed of Mach 3.2 would result in the destruction of the engines.

Development of the MiG-25's replacement began with the Ye-155MP (Russian: Е-155МП) prototype which first flew on 16 September 1975. Although it bore a superficial resemblance to a stretched MiG-25 (with a longer fuselage for the radar operator cockpit), it was in many respects a totally new design. Soviet manufacturing limitations forced the MiG-25 to use nickel steel for 80% of its structure. The Ye-155MP doubled the use of titanium to 16% and tripled the aluminum content to 33% to reduce structural mass. More importantly, supersonic speed was now possible at low-level altitudes. Fuel capacity was also increased, and new, more efficient low-bypass-ratio turbofan engines were fitted.

The most important development was the introduction of an advanced radar capable of both look-up and look-down engagement (locating targets above and below the aircraft), as well as multiple target tracking. This finally gave the Soviets an interceptor capable of engaging the most likely Western intruders at long range. It also reflected a policy shift from reliance on ground-controlled interception (GCI) to greater autonomy for flight crews.

Like its MiG-25 predecessor, the MiG-31 was surrounded by early speculation and misinformation concerning its design and capabilities. The West learned of the new interceptor from Lieutenant Viktor Belenko, a pilot who defected to Japan in 1976 with his MiG-25P. Belenko described an upcoming "Super Foxbat" with two seats and a capability to intercept cruise missiles. According to his testimony, the new interceptor was to have air intakes similar to the MiG-23 'Flogger', which the MiG-31 in reality does not have, at least not in production variants. While undergoing testing, a MiG-31 was spotted by a reconnaissance satellite at the Zhukovsky flight test center near the town of Ramenskoye. The images were interpreted as a fixed-wing interceptor version of a swing-wing fighter codenamed the "Ram-K". The latter was eventually revealed to be the Sukhoi Su-27 'Flanker', a wholly unrelated design.

Series production of the MiG-31 began in 1979, with operational models entering Soviet Anti-Air Defense (PVO) service in 1982. It was first photographed by a Norwegian pilot over the Barents Sea in 1985.

The MiG-31 was sought after for a variety of long-range missions. Following the collapse of the USSR, however, the budget for spares (MIG31 AOG desk was created to solve this problem) and maintenance collapsed, leaving many squadrons unable to maintain their complex aircraft. By 1996, only 20% of remaining aircraft were reportedly serviceable at any time; however, by early 2006, a stronger Russian economy permitted the return to service of around 75% of the Russian Air Force's (VVS') MiG-31s.

About 500 MiG-31s were produced, approximately 370[3] of which remain in Russian service, with another 30 or so in Kazakhstan. Some upgrade programs have found their way in the MiG-31 fleet, like the MiG-31BM multirole version with upgraded avionics, new multimode radar, hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, liquid-crystal (LCD) color multi-function displays (MFDs), ability to carry the AA-12 'Adder' missile and various Russian air-to-ground missiles (AGMs) such as the AS-17 'Krypton' anti-radiation missile (ARM), a new and more powerful computer, and digital datalinks. However, only very small number of Russian aircraft have been upgraded to the MiG-31BM standard, although others have been equipped with the new computer and the ability to carry the R-77 long-range missile as well.

The MiG-31 is likely that it will continue serving for years to come, depending on its upgrades and the growth of the Russian economy which has upgraded the plane recently

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mig 31 Foxbat

[oraci]

the mig-25 was a very sucefull design.

the fact that american intelligence thought

it was a air-superiority aircraft till balenko's defection, has corsed this aircraft reputation. For his intended rule it was a perfect aircraft. With wearpons loaded it was 900Km/h faster than anything americans had (with weapons).

And next to the Mig-17 was the only fighter that actualy shot down a Generation-higher american fighter (F-18 1st gulf war)

[aandc20052]

@oraci yes I agree and that why we built the F-15

[242stealth]

'MiG-25 Trailer' This is a 31, not a 25....

[xxwzaebd]

This is a mig 31. The mig 25 cannot turn at all and would be shot don by a C130 in seconds. The C130 can at least turn.

[hvhbt]

Obeservem que há um objeto estranho passando de lado de cima para baixo da aeronave UFO no instante do vídeo 1:04 a 1:05 seconds

[Samjapa]

It's a Mig-31 Foxhound.

[Plur307]

@Mtk711s I remember reading that a Mig-25 needed major maintenance after achieving its to speed. It literally would melt and rip apart the leading edges of the wing from the friction created. Perhaps the Mig-31 was made out of cheaper materials for cost savings. I believe the same is also true of the F-22. It has a huge amount of thrust but a relatively low top speed. I think it literally tears itself apart if you try to reach its top speed.

[bazeer]

@242stealth

agree

[Mtk711s]

I have a question here. Mig 31 is slower than Mig 25 right? How is that, when 31 has for almost 1/3 more powerful engines than Mig 25? Anyone who was thinking about this?

[Mtk711s]

@BelgianCommando Fuck YEAH!

[tipex12]

rename it mig-31 trailer !

[maxdelbruck]

Ouching horoshow!

[921qw]

what is the name of the music?