The MiG-31's N-007 Zaslon radar was the world's first phased-array unit; it can track 10 targets simultaneously, and control the engagement of four of them at once. Operational experience showed that the MiG-31 was deficient in range and some 40-45 aircraft were fitted with semi-retractable in-flight refueling probes.
Introduced in 1990, the MiG-31B gained
an improved radar with better electronic counter measures capability, upgraded R-33S
air-to-air missiles
armament and improved avionics, including new digital processors.
Existing MiG-31s were upgraded to the same standard as the MiG-31BS.
MiG-31s
continue to form the back bone of Russia's air defenses. At least
300 are in service, equipping around 15 fighter regiments.
Kazakhstan is the only former Soviet republic to operate the MiG-31,
with a regiment based at Semipalatinsk.
The MiG-31M remains the most advanced version of the Foxhound yet seen. It was
designed to exploit the longer-range R-37 (with a claimed reach of
up to 300 km) as well as the R-77 air-to-air missiles. It featured
Zaslon-M radar, plus a range of new avionics systems, an extensively
redesigned rear cockpit with new displays and uprated D-30F-6M
engines. The first of seven flying MiG-31M prototypes made its
maiden flight in 1985. The MiG-31M had the misfortune of being born
at the wrong time, when defense budgets were being slashed. Today,
the programme seems to be dead in the water. MiG MAP has proposed
several MiG-31 variants for a variety of roles including defense
suppression and long-range interdiction, as well as an export
MiG-31E interceptor with downgraded radar.
The latest version is the
MiG-31BM; this is billed as a true multi-role Foxhound, able to
undertake long-range interception, precision strike and defense
suppression tasks. Both cockpits feature advanced displays allowing
the crew to deploy precision-guided munitions.
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