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Mikoyan MiG-31 facts for kids

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Russian Air Force MiG-31 inflight Pichugin
MiG-31 of the Russian Air Force

The MiG-31 Foxhound is a very fast Soviet and Russian interceptor aircraft. It's like a special police car of the sky, designed to stop enemy planes. This powerful jet first joined the Soviet Air Force in 1982. It can fly incredibly high and fast to protect its country's airspace.

What is an Interceptor Aircraft?

An interceptor aircraft is a type of military aircraft. Its main job is to stop and destroy enemy planes. These planes are usually very fast and can climb quickly. They carry powerful missiles to complete their mission. The MiG-31 is one of the fastest interceptors ever built.

Key Features of the MiG-31

The MiG-31 is known for its amazing speed and ability to fly very high. It can fly faster than the speed of sound. This jet also has a special radar system. This system allows it to see many targets far away. It can even share information with other planes. This helps a group of MiG-31s cover a huge area.

How it Works

The MiG-31 uses a powerful radar called Zaslon. This radar can track many targets at once. It can guide its missiles to hit different planes at the same time. This makes the MiG-31 very effective at protecting airspace. It can also work with other fighter jets. The lead MiG-31 can share target information with them.

Speed and Power

The MiG-31 is powered by two strong engines. These engines allow it to reach incredible speeds. It can fly at over 2.8 times the speed of sound. This means it can travel over 3,000 kilometers per hour. It can also fly very high, reaching altitudes of over 20,000 meters. This makes it hard for other planes to escape.

Role and Use

The main role of the MiG-31 is to defend large areas. It protects against enemy bombers and spy planes. It can fly long distances without needing to refuel. This makes it perfect for patrolling vast territories. The MiG-31 has been updated over the years. Newer versions, like the MiG-31BM, have improved systems.

Images for kids

  • Russian Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31BM Pichugin-1

    MiG-31BM taking off from Chelyabinsk Shagol Airport, 2012

  • DN-ST-92-02246

    MiG-31BM showing its Zaslon phased-array radar

  • MIG-31Datalink

    Diagram shows how four MiG-31s can keep up to 1,000 km (620 mi) under control, and how the leader can pass information to friendly fighters.

  • Cockpit of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 (2)

    Front seat cockpit of older MiG-31 variant

  • Merlion86 0557 (9597099035)

    MiG-31BM armed with R-33 missiles

  • MiG-31 790 IAP Khotilovo airbase

    A side view of a MiG-31 from 790th Fighter Order of Kutuzov Aviation Regiment on the runway of Khotilovo airbase, Tver region.

  • Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound formation - Zhukovsky 2012 (8710851439)

    A MiG-31B on left and MiG-31BM on right flying in formation.

  • MiG-31 790 IAP Khotilovo airbase 2

    A front view of a MiG-31 on the ramp of Khotilovo airbase, Tver region

  • Russian Air Force MiG-31 planform Naumenko

    Bottom view of a MiG-31BM

  • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31E landing at Sormovo (2007)

    MiG-31E landing, with brake chute deployed

  • Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31BM bn81 2020

    MiG-31BM take-off with afterburner

See also

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