Aircraft overview
The Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound is a two-seat supersonic interceptor built around high-speed interception and a powerful radar. A pilot and navigator-operator divide the flying and mission work. Its E-155MP prototype first flew on 16 September 1975.
The MiG-31E is an export version of the basic MiG-31. The specifications below describe the MiG-31E. The later MiG-31BM modernisation is a separate configuration; an aircraft’s family name does not specify every subsequent upgrade.
Photograph: Vitaly V. Kuzmin · 2011-04-12 · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Unmodified photograph.
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At a glance
MiG-31E · export configuration; later BM upgrades differ
- Principal role
- Fighter-interceptorDesigned to intercept high- and low-altitude air targets.
- Crew
- TwoPilot and navigator-operator.
- Engines
- Two D-30F6 turbofansMiG-31E engine reference; engine and aircraft limits are separate.
- Length / wingspan
- 21.62 m / 13.456 mMiG-31E dimensions.
- Maximum take-off mass
- 46,200 kgWhole aircraft at take-off, including fuel and stores.
- Radar
- RP-31E phased arrayE-version reference: up to ten tracked targets; weapons system supports engagement of up to four.
- Published range without aerial refuelling
- 3,000 kmMiG-31E with four R-33E missiles and two external fuel tanks; flight profile and reserves are not specified.
In Air Defender
Role guidance · v0.8.16.0
Air Defender’s v0.8.16.0 catalogue lists the MiG-31 Foxhound as an interceptor. Its family-level label does not identify the E export fit or a later BM upgrade. The game’s catalogue values appear separately below.
Read Aircraft Data alongside the contact’s reported information. A high reference speed or radar capability does not describe what that flight is doing now. Use identification and the available fighter reports to assess it.
Game catalogue values · v0.8.16.0
In-game specifications
These figures come from the game’s general aircraft reference. A matching civilian register entry can supply different fields in Aircraft Data. How to read the two layouts →
- Role
- Interceptor
- Category
- Military Fighter
- Service ceiling
- 67,600 ftA reference upper height. Read Flight Info for the contact’s present height.
- Maximum speed
- 1,645 knotsA reference maximum, not the speed the aircraft is flying now.
- Cruise speed
- 540 knotsA typical speed for the main part of a flight, not a guaranteed commanded speed.
- Stall speed
- 140 knotsA reference for specified conditions. Stalling means the wing loses lift, not that an engine stops.
- Typical range
- 1,865 NMA reference flying distance, not fuel remaining or radar detection range.
- Typical crew
- 2
- Powerplant
- Twin turbofan engines with afterburners (Soloviev D-30F6) Compare engine types →
- Manufacturer
- Mikoyan (Russia)
Use the right procedure
In depth
A two-person interception crew
The pilot flies the aircraft while the navigator-operator contributes to the mission and interception work. This second crew position is part of the MiG-31’s operational design, rather than simply an instructor’s seat in a training aircraft.
The E version is designed to intercept targets above or below the fighter, by day or night and in poor visibility. Terrain, weather and enemy interference can still limit an individual interception.
Phased-array radar
The RP-31E is a phased-array radar. A phased array controls the relationship between signals across its antenna elements to steer the beam electronically within its field of view. It does not need to turn a dish for each change in beam direction.
The E-version radar specification describes tracking up to ten air targets, with the weapons system supporting simultaneous engagement of up to four. Tracking a target and assigning a missile engagement are different functions.
D-30F6 engines and control
Two D-30F6 turbofans provide propulsion. Electronic automatic-control equipment formed part of the engine programme during the 1970s, helping regulate engine operation. This early electronic control differed from later full-authority digital control systems.
Weapons fit and range conditions
The MiG-31E has long-, medium- and short-range air-to-air missile options. Its 3,000 km range example carries four R-33E missiles and two external fuel tanks.
With that stated fit and one aerial refuelling, the published range rises to 5,400 km. The flight profile, reserves and amount of fuel transferred are not specified, so these are reference mission figures rather than a guaranteed distance for every sortie.
Variants
MiG-31
The basic two-seat interceptor family, whose E-155MP prototype first flew in 1975.
MiG-31E
Export version. Its equipment and performance specifications are dated 2014.
MiG-31BM
A later modernisation based on the MiG-31B, with changes to radar and other mission equipment. Its configuration differs from the MiG-31E.
After 1998
2014 · MiG-31E export configuration
The E-version equipment and mission figures above describe the configuration documented in December 2014. The December 2014 date applies to this equipment description; the MiG-31 family is older.
Later BM modernisation
The MiG-31BM programme developed the MiG-31B with updated radar and mission equipment. A general MiG-31 label in the 1998 setting does not specify these later upgrades.
References and further reading
MiG-31E design, radar, dimensions and mission figures
Prototype milestone, crew and later modernisation
- United Aircraft Corporation · Historical anniversaries: Su-24 T-6-2I and MiG-31 E-155MP first flights
- Rostec · MiG-31BM: crew division, D-30F6 engines and later modernisation