The MiG-41 is a mysterious aircraft. It is a successor to the MiG-31, which was developed in the 1970s as a long-range interceptor. Unlike the F-22 Raptor, it can approach its targets at Mach 2.83 or 3,000 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 20 kilometers (more than 65 thousand feet).
The MiG-31 is a high-altitude interceptor, not an air superiority fighter. The MiG-31’s predecessor, the MiG-25 Foxbat, was famous for its ability to fly at Mach 2 and reach altitudes above 70,000 ft., but it was not designed to engage enemy aircraft.
Instead, Foxbat’s primary mission was to intercept cruise missiles and other high-speed targets at extreme ranges (and at extreme speeds). If you’ve ever seen Top Gun or any other movie where jets are trying to shoot down enemy fighters they probably used footage of a supersonic MiG-25 flying past them before they could get close enough to fire their missiles.
The MiG-31 also was one of the first aircraft to be equipped with an electro-optical sensor system, which could track up to ten airborne targets at once, and was also equipped with passive infrared detectors and radar as well as active infrared detectors.
The MiG-31 “Foxhound” interceptor is considered a highly capable aircraft. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.83 or 2,200 mph (3,540 km/h) at high altitudes; however, its maximum speed at low levels is about Mach 1.2 (1,300 mph/2,092 km/h). The Foxhound’s service ceiling is 62 miles (100 km).
The MiG-31’s armament consists of 12 medium-range R36 air to air missiles or six larger long-range missiles R 100 PFM 3 or R 96 PFM 3 with a range of 25 nautical miles (46 km)
The U.S., however, does have some concerns about the MiG-31’s weapons capability, particularly its ability to carry out anti-satellite operations and conduct ballistic missile defense missions. The MiG-31 can intercept cruise missiles and has an electro-optical sensor system that allows it to track up to 10 targets at once. It also has a weapons bay for launching air-to-air missiles or anti-radiation missiles against enemy aircraft or ground targets.
The F/A 24 Super Hornet is also equipped with an infrared search and track (IRST) system similar to those on the Mig 31 and other Russian combat jets, but unlike those systems, it cannot track multiple targets simultaneously like its Russian counterparts can do because of their advanced radar systems which allow them to do so at long ranges without having to be in visual range first before using their IRSTs, instead of having just one primary sensor system like those found on western fighters used by NATO members, such as France and Britain who may need more than one set of eyes when fighting against advanced adversaries such as China’s People Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) which already has fighter jets armed with long-range air-to-air missiles/weapons capable enough reach Mach 5 speeds!
The MiG-41 is reportedly a fifth-generation fighter, which will be capable of operating from aircraft carriers. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently announced that it was developing a fifth-generation fighter capable of operating from aircraft carriers. The announcement came after the unveiling of Russia’s first sixth-generation T-50 PAK FA supersonic stealth multirole fighter at MAKS Air Show 2018 in August.
The MiG 41 is expected to make its maiden flight in 2025 and then enter service with the Russian military. It is currently unclear whether this new fighter will replace or supplement existing equipment in Russia’s arsenal, or if it will take on a different role entirely (for example, replacing older models).
In December 2017, the Russian Navy tested a new shipborne radar system called the Shipborne Radar System (SSR). The SSR is designed to be used on ships, aircraft carriers, and submarines as well as other vessels. It can detect ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other threats at long distances with high precision. The system also can detect stealth aircraft and ships.
The Russian Navy is developing a new generation of aircraft carriers, called Project 23000E Shtorm, which will be capable of serving as the basis for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The MiG-41 fighters developed to operate from these carriers are expected to enter serial production in 2020 and begin replacing the MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets currently operating on Russia’s Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier by 2023.
According to different sources, the MiG-41 may be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar that could provide a better detection range than existing systems on other Russian military aircraft. The rumored engine powering this fighter includes two RD-33MK engines that could produce up to 60 tons (about 600 kilonewtons) of thrust each—an improvement over current engines used by Mikoyan’s MiG 29 Fulcrum (Fulcrum) fighters—and have increased fuel efficiency compared with previous models
The MiG-41 and the F-22 Raptor are both some of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. But, when comparing their capabilities, it’s easy to see that the MiG-41 is not a match for the American jet in terms of raw performance. Despite this, the Russian government plans to spend billions to procure these planes until 2020, and many aviation experts expect China to order similar planes from Russia soon. Only time will tell if these fighter jets will be worth their price tag.
The MiG-41 will likely be able to outperform the F-22 in terms of technology, resulting in heightened performance and defense capabilities. While Russia does not have the luxury of fielding more than a relatively small number of MiG-41 fighters, we’ll wait to see what Russia’s next move is. The United States will probably respond with a more advanced model in the next few years, which could spur Russia to further intensify its efforts to ensure that it keeps its technological edge.