Mikoyan MIG-31E Foxhound

The export interceptor built for high-speed long-range defense.

Overview

Mikoyan Gurevich Russia ICAO: MG31 1979–1994 $57 million

The MiG-31E is an export version of the Russian MiG-31 interceptor. Developed from the late Cold War MiG-25 lineage, it emphasizes speed, altitude, and long-range missile capability. The aircraft remains one of the fastest operational fighters.

Live Fleet Activity (MG31)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Soloviev D-30F6 turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 34,172 lbf · 152 kN
Avionics
Zaslon Phase Array Radar
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
74 ft 3 in  ·  22.62 m
Tail height
21 ft 8 in  ·  6.60 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
44 ft 2 in  ·  13.46 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
102,000 lb  ·  46,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,800 lb  ·  1,700 kg
Fuel capacity
5,300 gal · 20,100 L · 16,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,620 kt  ·  1,864 mph  ·  3,000 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,620 nm  ·  1,860 mi  ·  3,000 km
Fuel burn
0.35 nm/gal  ·  0.17 km/L
Ceiling
82,000 ft  ·  25,000 m
Rate of climb
56,700 ft/min  ·  288 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,950 ft  ·  1,200 m
Landing distance
2,600 ft  ·  800 m
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Russian Air Force Mikoyan Gurevich MiG 31

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Operational Context

Mikoyan MiG-31E Foxhound — long-range interceptor fighter

The MiG-31 first flew in 1975 and entered service in 1981, with the export MiG-31E following later. It features a large twin-engine airframe and powerful radar optimized for intercept missions. The aircraft was designed to counter high-speed reconnaissance platforms.

Two Soloviev D-30F6 turbofan engines producing approximately 33,000 pounds of thrust (147 kN) each with afterburner power the interceptor. Maximum speed exceeds Mach 2.8. Maximum takeoff weight approaches 103,000 pounds (46,720 kg).

The MiG-31E retains the Foxhound’s emphasis on speed and missile reach. It remains in service in upgraded configurations. The aircraft continues to symbolize high-performance Soviet interceptor design.

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