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Aircraft info:
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The MiG-31BM is an modernization of the MiG-31B/BS from the early 2000s, aimed at giving it more onboard modern systems. The upgrade was made as an more economic alternative to the more advanced MiG-31M interceptor, with the new BM model receiving new systems like the Zaslon-AM radar, upgraded cockpit with new LCD displays, integration of new weapons like the R-37M and a whole bunch of upgrades to equipment like radio and GPS navigation systems. With the new Interceptor being approved for serial modernization in 2007.
Aircraft history:
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The history of the MiG-31BM starts in 1997 with the development of a new MiG-31 model based on the existing B/BS models with the main requirement being to upgrade to to similar levels of the MiG-31M model. With the first two units of the new BM model made in 1998 with these two featuring the new fire control systems made by Rossiyskaya Avionika with new air to air weapons and the ability to perform ground attack capability, unfortunately due to the lack of funds the modernization program for the foxhound the program would be frozen. Later the modernization program would be resurrected by the VVS in 2001, although the foxhound upgrade would differ from the previous one with new avionics made by the state owned company Ramenskoye Priborostroitelnoe notability the ability to use air to ground munitions was lost most likely as an cost cutting measure. With the two prototypes made by converting the old Rossiyskaya Avionika BM model prototypes, with the first one taking to the skies for the first time in 2005 and flight tests starting right after and continuing until 2007 and with the new BM being approved for serial modernization on the existing MiG-31B/BS fleet. With the first two MiG-31BM models being delivered in 2008 and further deliveries continuing to 2011 with 31 MiG-31BM/BSM models with additional contracts awarded in 2011 and 2014 for upgrades of 113 MiG-31B/BS to the BM/BSM standard. With the new BM/BSM upgrades taking place in the 2010s the interceptor would serve in the Russian VVS/VKS with also some being used by the Russian navy VMF. With the MiG-31BM seeing combat for the first time in 2022 as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine being deployed on combat air patrols near the Ukrainian border with it using its powerful long range Zaslon-AM radar and long range R-37M AA-13A Axehead missiles to launch missiles in to Ukrainian air space with out leaving the safety of its own airspace. Although the new foxhound was not safe to losses notability several has been lost due to drone strikes while being parked at Russian air bases.
Aircraft specifications:
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Dimensions and size:
- Length: 20,62m
- Wingspan: 13,46m
- Height: 6,15m
Weight:
- Empty weight: 22680kg
- Normal take off weight: 41000kg
- Max take off weight: 46835kg
Engine output and flight performance:
- Top speed near ground: 1500km/h
- Top speed at altitude: 3000km/h
- Service ceiling: 20000m
- Engine: D-30-F6 2x
- Full afterburner engine output: 15500 kgf 2x (Bench thrust)
- Max dry thrust output: 9500 Kgf 2x (Bench thrust)
Onboard avioncs and other equipment:
- Radar: RP-31AM Zaslon-AM PESA radar
- RWR: L-150
- IRST: 8TP IRST
- Countermeasures: Unknown countermeasure amount mounted underneath the aircraft (Possibly UV-05 blocks mounted)
Armament:
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Main armament:
- GSH-23-6
- 8 total hardpoints
Air to air missile:
- 4x R-37M
- 4x R-33S
- 4x R-73
- 4x R-77-1
Gallery:
Sources:
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Mikoyan Mig-31 Famous Russian Aircraft: Yefim Gordon
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Russian Air Power: Piotr Butowski
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MiG Red Star Fighters 2019, Key publishing
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Modern Russian Military Aircraft: Ryan Cunningham
