MiG-31 Interceptor, Flight Craft 8

FLIGHT CRAFT 8: MIKOYAN MiG-31 Interceptor.

The MiG-31 started life as an advanced derivative of the famous MiG-25P interceptor, becoming the first Soviet fourth-generation combat aircraft. First flown in 1975, it differed from its progenitor primarily in having a crew of two (pilot and weapons systems operator), a highly capable passive phased-array radar – a world first – and new R-33 long-range missiles as its primary armament. The maximum speed was an impressive Mach 2.82, the cruising speed being Mach 2.35. The type entered service in 1981; more than 500 copies were built between 1981 and 1994. The powerful radar and other avionics allowed the MiG-31 to operate as a 'mini-AWACS' scanning the airspace and guiding other interceptors to their targets; a flight of three such aircraft in line abreast formation could cover a strip 800 km (500 miles) wide. To this day the MiG-31 remains one of the key air defence assets of the Russian Air Force.

The book describes the MiG-31's developmental history, including upgrade programmes, and features a full and comprehensive survey of the various MiG-31 model-making kits currently available on the market.

Authors: Yefim Gordon / Dmitriy Komissarov

Publisher: Pen & Sword Books (2015)

ISBN: 9781473823921

Description: 96 pages, Paperback, format A4, approx. 150 b/w & colour photos, 14 full colour side-views, 6 pages with detailed 3-view line drawings.

Condition: NEW COPY.

Shipping weight: 0.55 Kg.

Tags: MIG-31, SOVIET MILITARY AIRCRAFT (POST WW2), MODERN RUSSIAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT