Mikoyan MiG-31
The Mikoyan MiG-31 is one of the fastest and highest-flying combat aircraft ever built, developed to intercept high-speed, high-altitude threats like reconnaissance aircraft and cruise missiles across the vast expanse of Soviet and Russian airspace. Its powerful radar can track multiple targets simultaneously and share data with other MiG-31s in a formation, an early form of the networked air-defence tactics common in modern fighters. Its extreme speed and altitude capability have made it the launch platform of choice for Russia's air-launched Kinzhal hypersonic missile. Decades after its Cold War debut, it remains a key part of Russia's air-defence force.
Did you know?
Unlike most single-seat interceptors, the MiG-31 carries a two-person crew — pilot up front, radar/weapons officer seated behind.
Specifications
| Length | 22.7 m (74 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 13.5 m (44 ft) |
| Height | 6.2 m (20 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 46.2 t |
| Range | 1,400 NM (2,593 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,500 kt (2,778 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 67,600 ft (20,604 m) |
| Rate of climb | 41,000 ft/min (208.3 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 1,200 m (3,937 ft) |
| Landing distance | 800 m (2,625 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 15,500 l |
| Engines | 2x Soloviev D-30F6 |
| Units built | 519 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Mikoyan MiG-31 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Mikoyan, the MiG-31 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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