What Is The MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound. High-speed long-range interceptor featuring powerful phased-array radar and heavy air-to-air missile payloads.
Russia
Origin
Interceptor
Role
Mach 2.83
Top speed
25,000 m
Service ceiling
MiG-31 Foxhound Specifications
The Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound is a heavy, long-range, supersonic interceptor able to reach speeds of Mach 2.83. As the first fighter with a passive electronically scanned array (Zaslon PESA) radar, it tracks up to 10 targets simultaneously at high altitudes, firing long-range R-33 missiles in all kinds of weather settings.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.83 (1,865 mph)
Service ceiling
82,000 ft (25,000 m)
Combat radius
390 nmi (720 km)
Rate of climb
41,000 ft/min (208 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
2 (Pilot, WSO)
Length
74 ft 3 in (22.62 m)
Wingspan
43 ft 11 in (13.40 m)
Empty weight
48,060 lbs (21,800 kg)
Engine
2x Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofans
Service
First flight
16 September 1975
Unit cost
$33 million
Operators
Russia, Kazakhstan
What Weapons Does The MiG-31 Foxhound Carry?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has an internal 23mm GSh-6-23M rotary cannon and semi-recessed fuselage pylons firing R-33 and long-range R-37M air-to-air missiles designed for multi-target intercept capabilities.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
R-33 (AA-9 Amos)
Category
Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
120 km (75 miles)
R-37M (AA-13 Axehead)
Category
Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 6 missiles
Range
300 km (186 miles)
R-77 (AA-12 Adder)
Category
Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
80 km (50 miles)
R-73 (AA-11 Archer)
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
30 km (18.6 miles)
GSh-6-23
Category
23 mm Rotary Cannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon (260 rounds)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
Kh-47M2 Kinzhal
Category
Air-Launched Ballistic Missile
Loadout
1 missile (MiG-31K)
Range
2,000 km (1,243 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 is limited to Mach 2.83, around 1,864 mph, making it the second fastest aircraft in service after the MiG-25 it replaced. It could theoretically exceed Mach 3, but the limit is set to protect the engines. Unlike the Foxbat, the MiG-31 handles well at low altitude and can sustain supersonic speed at low level, which the earlier aircraft could not.
How Was The MiG-31 Foxhound Developed?
Design began in the early 1970s to address the MiG-25's weaknesses: poor low-altitude performance, no look-down shoot-down capability and a single crew member overloaded by the interception task. Mikoyan added a second crew station for a weapons officer, fitted the Zaslon phased-array radar – a world first on a production aircraft – and redesigned the structure around more efficient D-30F6 turbofans. It first flew on 16 September 1975 and entered service in 1981.
Has The MiG-31 Foxhound Seen Combat?
The MiG-31 has seen limited air-to-air combat. Its principal operational use has been patrolling Russian airspace, particularly the Arctic approaches, where its range and radar suit the vast distances involved. From 2022 the MiG-31K variant has launched Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles against targets in Ukraine, giving it a strike role that it was never designed for.
Who Operates The MiG-31 Foxhound?
Russia operates the large majority of the fleet, with Kazakhstan retaining a small number. Production ended in 1994 after roughly 500 airframes, but upgrades to MiG-31BM and BSM standard have kept the type current, and it is expected to remain in Russian service into the 2030s.
MiG-31 Foxhound FAQs
Common questions about the MiG-31 Foxhound, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the MiG-31 Foxhound as a civilian?
No, the MiG-31 Foxhound is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the MiG-31 Foxhound?
No, you cannot take the controls of the MiG-31 Foxhound, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the MiG-31 Foxhound cost?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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