Description: The Russian MiG-31 is a long-range supersonic interceptor. It used to be dedicated to the air defense of the Soviet Union. Although based on the MiG-25 the many changes neccessary to improve range and flight performance at low altitude resulted in an all new aircraft. The fuselage was strengthened to make it suitable for supersonic flight at low level. The 'Foxhound' is powered by two D-30F6 turbofans which improved range drastically over the... ( +expand to view full text )
Description: The Russian MiG-31 is a long-range supersonic interceptor. It used to be dedicated to the air defense of the Soviet Union. Although based on the MiG-25 the many changes neccessary to improve range and flight performance at low altitude resulted in an all new aircraft. The fuselage was strengthened to make it suitable for supersonic flight at low level. The 'Foxhound' is powered by two D-30F6 turbofans which improved range drastically over the MiG-25 engines. The D-30F6 needed larger air intakes and larger exhaust nozzles. The key to succes of the MiG-31 as an interceptor is the Zaslon SBI-16 phased array radar. This fire control radar is capable of tracking 10 targets at ranges up to 120 kilometers (75 miles) and engage four targets at once. Tracking and engagement is the task of the WSO which is seated behind the pilot. It is armed with four longe-range R-33 (AA-9 Amos) air-to-air missiles carried under the fuselage.
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