The upgraded version of the MiG-31 fighter will be the main carrier aircraft of the Russian hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missile.
This version was called “Mig-31E” and for the first time was equipped with digital devices and an electrical system and electronic computers for the remote control of the aircraft. All this will allow the aircraft to be delivered automatically, without the pilot interfering with the trajectory of the missile and launch at the calculated moment.
The developed aircraft passed its first tests during the strategic forces of Russia in early 2022, when the MiG-31E fighter destroyed two training targets, sea and land.
Experts note that previous versions of the MiG-31K fighters are still in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The “E” version of the fighter aircraft differs from the “Ka” version by having a remote control system, which receives all information about the speed and altitude of the aircraft, as well as information from the ground , which allows the pilot. to work more. comfortable.
Experts say that the pilot of the “Ka” version of the fighter was always forced to operate the aircraft in the necessary systems. Computers do this automatically in the “E” upgraded version.
It is noteworthy that the Russian Ministry of Defense previously reported that three MiG-31 fighters equipped with hypersonic “Kinzhal” missiles are stationed at the “Chkalovsk” airfield in the Russian far-west Kaliningrad province, where they will cooperate with the sea and air. . defense aircraft
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on August 21 that the Russian armed forces used the “Kinzhal” hypersonic missile three times during the Russian military operation in Ukraine.
It is worth noting that “Kinghal” is a missile capable of reaching a speed of approximately Mach 10 (equivalent to about 12,000 km / h). It can perform aerial maneuvers in flight, making it impossible to be blocked by enemy air defenses and missile shields.
The Russian newspaper “Izvestia” previously reported that the Russian Aerospace Forces Command has created a MiG-31 fighter regiment equipped with “Kinzal” hypersonic missiles.
It is worth noting that the speed of the MiG-31 fighter can reach 3000 km / h at an altitude of 20 km. And this fighter can fly at a distance of 3000 km. Different versions of this aircraft have been used in the past to test various promising weapons, including using the aircraft to launch satellites, where the first stage of the missile performed paper. All this allows the aircraft to be developed so that it can carry a hyper-air missile.
Source: Izvestia
Source: Arabic RT
