MiG-31: start of development

The development of the MiG-31 began in 1968. Gleb Lozino-Lozinsky was appointed the chief designer of the theme. In 1976 he was replaced by Konstantin Vasilchenko. The MiG-31 received the factory code E-155MP. There was a certain connection with its predecessor in this: at one time, the MiG-25 was developed under the E-155 index. The added letters MP meant a multipurpose interceptor.

The general layout of the MiG-31 resembled the MiG-25 : two engines, two keels, a moderately swept trapezoidal wing, side air intakes with a characteristic beveled profile. However, the external resemblance should not be misleading, in essence it is a different aircraft.

The MiG-31 became the first Soviet fighter to be equipped with bypass turbojet engines. They are characterized by increased efficiency in non-afterburning mode. In addition, the new engines were smaller, which made it possible to increase the internal fuel capacity of the aircraft. The power plant for the interceptor was created in the design bureau under the leadership of Pavel Solovyov. The engine has the designation D-30F-6. The total thrust of the two engines in afterburner mode is 31 tons.

The wing of the aircraft was provided with small influxes, they improve the maneuverability of the aircraft at high angles of attack. The wing itself has a developed mechanization, which increases its load-bearing properties.

The air patrol time of the MiG-31 reaches 3.5 hours, almost twice as long as that of the MiG-25. It is important to emphasize that the comparison with the MiG-25 is not made to belittle the capabilities of this aircraft, but rather a starting point for a better understanding of what the MiG-31 is. For example, in terms of maximum speed and flight altitude, the machines are approximately equal, but the combat effectiveness of the MiG-31 is an order of magnitude higher.

The crew of the MiG-31 includes a pilot and a navigator-operator. To display radar information about the tactical situation, a large round screen was installed in the navigator's cockpit.

Initially, it was assumed that in a two-seat crew there would be a pilot in front, and a commander in the back. Further tests showed that there should be a navigator behind.

The duties of the crew were divided as follows: the ship's commander pilots the car, launches missiles and fires a cannon, makes final decisions in a given situation; the navigator plots the route, corrects it, prepares for air combat, if necessary, the navigator can pilot the vehicle.

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