IVHG-31M / 05

Still listed as highly classified when the French edition of this book was published in 1991, the MiG-31M was first shown publicly in February 1992 It looks very much like the MiG-31, but after looking closely one notices many differences. After all, the basic MiG-31 was developed with early-1970s technology, it is no wonder that serious updates were needed

First known within the OKB as izdehye 05, the new aircraft has kept most of the MiG-31 structure. The most striking change involves the complete reshaping of the cockpit and the dorsal spine running aft

The 057 identification number on this MiG-31 M means that it is the seventh prototype of "product 05.” The one-piece windshield greatly improves the pilot’s view (Photo RR)

Seen from this angle, the most noteworthy features of the MiG-ЗШ are the deeper and broader dorsal spine, the greater area of the rudders, and the ECM/ECCM wing tip fairings. (Photo RR)

from it, which is now broader and deeper—no doubt saddle tanks were added to increase the internal fuel capacity. The three-window wind­shield has been replaced by a single-piece of rounded glass that gready improves the pilot’s view. But surprisingly, the systems operator has only two small view ports. Other modifications include a greater lead­ing edge root extension, a reduction of the wing fence’s depth on the upper surface, and the addition of a “Christmas tree" of dielectric pan­els and bodies to the wing tips (possibly to house a number of ECM and ECCM antennae). Those wing tip units are practically identical to those tested some twenty-nine years before on the first seven preproduction MiG-25Ps, but at that time they were used more as winglets and anti­flutter bodies.

The height of the fins was increased slightly. Because the rudders were enlarged as well, the base of these surfaces is not inserted into the fin any longer. All systems have been upgraded, and the aircraft is now fitted with digital flight controls, cathode-ray-tube (CRT) multifunction displays in the cockpit, and a more advanced phased-array radar (developed by Fazatron) that has a bigger diameter, altering both the shape and volume of the radome. The semiretractable refueling probe is now located on the right side of the fuselage.

Armament of the MiG-31 M includes six long-range air-to-air mis­siles beneath the fuselage and four new medium-range RW-AE air-to – air missiles on the four wing pylons. Apparently the MiG-31 M has no additional cannons.