The Foxhound in operational Service
By Combat Aircraft Monthly september edition 2010.
Written By Stefan Buttner.
The Current status of Mig-31.
Today, major structural changes have taken place in the Russian Armed Forces and from 2009 the RuAF have acquired a new appearance. In essence, Russia's military leadership set about changing the Regimental system of organization into a more effective brigade structure, while simultaneously introducing major changes within each of the standard formations.
For the RuAF this, is debateble and possible not the best situation. Huge cutbacks in Airbases and units.. but perhaps a necessity.
A certain numbers of units having been 'Re-formed', or to be more accurate 'Reduced'.
Of the units operating the Mig-31 & 31BMs, these changes affected Kotlas, where the regiment was reduced to a single sq structure, and Sokolovka, which was also reduced to a single sq and re-located to airfield at Tsentral'naya Uglovaya.
Today like many other bases in the new RuAF structure, this base is equipped with a mix units of upgraded Su-27SM and some Su-24MR/M2s.
Other bases operating Mig-31 finally began to receive the very latest modification; the multi-role Mig-31BM.
This aircraft has an upgraded radar, offering substancially improved performance and technical parameters. The main differences focus on the installed avionics, with the Zalson radar being replaced by the improved Zalson-M radar, originally intended for use on the abortive Mig-31M interceptor.
Thanks to this modification, maximum target detection range is extended to 320km(173nm) anf kill range is increased to 280km(151nm).
This is acheived using the advanced R-37 long-range radar guided AAM, which was developed quite some time ago, but is only now beginning to enter service with the Russian Mig-31 units.
It is claimed that using this missile today will allow a Mig-31 to simultaneously track 10 targets and engage six of them.
The Mig-31BM's avionics suite facilitates a variety of aircombat scenarios, including some that are quite unusual namly:
The aircraft can effectively co-operate with PVO surface-to-air missile or operate as an airborne command post.
When working in a group of other fighters like Su-27SM, Su-30/35 and Strikers like Su-24M2/Su-34's, equipped with less or equal powerful radar, the Mig-31BM can Co-ordinate their activities, providing guidance for their missiles while closing with the targets under radio silence to permissible launch range.
In a number of combat situations such a tactic could substantially increase the effictiveness of a group of fighters.
The Mig-31BM's cockpit has been upgraded to facilitate a range of intercept and support scenarios using satelite navigation, the latest multi-funcional liquid-crystal dispalys and other devices.
Apart from these changes, spatial awareness in formation flying is improved with the installation of a rear-view mirror and fixed periscope/camera for the pilot.
It can also perform AWACS mission if a section of four(otryad) Mig-31s
flying in a line-abreast formation, and seperated from each other by a dist of up to 200km(108nm), to monitor the airspace over linear 'front' of up to 800-900km(430-485nm).
At the same time permitted target distribution and exchange of information with ground and airborne command posts.
Today's the Mig-31 is arguably the only fighter in the world capable of dealing with low RCS low-flying Cruise missiles at very long range, as well as combating in high-altitude, high-speed enviroments.
Despite appearances, the impressive Mig-31 is more than just a throwback to the cold war.
Designed at the end of 1970s against a backdrop of superpower paranoia, the Mig-31 is today an interceptor without direct equal, combating impressive range with a formidable array of weapons, mulit-target capability and a crew of two.
There are just under 200 operative Mig-31 today, with lots of reserve aircraft held in Air Bases like Lipetsk and other places.
Despite of punishing cutbacks, the 'Foxhound' is one asset that the RuAF would like to preserve for as long as possible.
Only time will tell how long Russia can maintain this unique advantage.
