MiG-31
Mikoyan · Soviet Union · first flew 1975 · fighter
The MiG-31 Foxhound is a large, very fast two-seat interceptor developed from the MiG-25 to hunt low-flying targets and cruise missiles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Big twin-fin interceptor
- Two-seat tandem cockpit
- Boxy side intakes
Similar in layout to the MiG-25 but larger, with a two-seat tandem canopy, more substantial wings and the same canted twin fins above boxy rectangular intakes.
Specifications
- The MiG-31 has a length of 22.7 m (74 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.46 m (44 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 3000 km/h (1864 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1975 and in service from 1981, the MiG-31 added a powerful Zaslon phased-array radar, more efficient turbofans and a second crew member to manage long-range engagements. It was the first operational fighter with an electronically scanned array radar.
Variants
Key versions include the baseline MiG-31, the upgraded MiG-31BM and the MiG-31K adapted to carry the Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile. The fleet has been progressively modernised to keep it relevant.
Where you'll see it
A front-line Russian air-defence asset, the MiG-31 has never been seen in UK skies and is not exported in the way the MiG-29 was. Its enduring speed keeps it among the fastest combat aircraft in service.
Related aircraft
- MiG-29
- MiG-29 9-12 Fulcrum-A
- MiG-29UB Fulcrum-B
- Mikoyan MiG-29M
- Hawker Siddeley TAV-8A Harrier
- Mitsubishi F-1
- Su-25
- Aermacchi MB-339A
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