Mikoyan MiG-31: Interceptor (FlightCraft)

By: Yefim Gordon and Dmitriy Komissarov

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Synopsis: A history of this advanced Russian jet, including useful information for model makers. The MiG-31 started life as an advanced derivative of the famous MiG-25P interceptor, becoming the first Soviet fourth-generation combat aircraft. First flown in 1975, it differed from its progenitor primarily in having a crew of two (pilot and weapons systems operator), a highly capable passive phased-array radar—a world first—and new R-33 long-range missiles as its primary armament. The maximum speed was an impressive Mach 2.82, the cruising speed being Mach 2.35. The type entered service in 1981; more than 500 copies were built between 1981 and 1994. The powerful radar and other avionics allowed the MiG-31 to operate as a &“mini-AWACS&” scanning the airspace and guiding other interceptors to their targets; a flight of three such aircraft in line abreast formation could cover a strip 800 km (500 miles) wide. To this day the MiG-31 remains one of the key air defense assets of the Russian Air Force. This book describes the MiG-31&’s developmental history, including upgrade programs, and features a comprehensive survey of the MiG-31 model-making kits available on the market.