At what altitude do passenger planes fly? Kings of the stratosphere: the highest altitude combat aircraft in the world The human factor in choosing the optimal flight altitude

Over time, aviation has advanced by leaps and bounds. More and more new aircraft models are being designed with such high speeds that they can exceed the speed of sound at unimaginable heights by several times. Today we will share with you our Top 10 ranking fastest planes in the world. We will tell you about some of the features of these aircraft, who worked on their creation, when the first flights took place, and much more. This will be interesting, so let's get started. Let's fly!

10.Su-27

• A country: USSR/Russia
• Developer: Sukhoi Design Bureau
• Type: Multi-role fighter
• Production start year: 1981
• Maximum speed: 2876.4 km/h

Opening the top ten fastest planes in the world is the Su-27, a twin-engine fighter built in the former USSR in an attempt to outperform similarly advanced American aircraft. The aircraft made its first flight in May 1977 and officially entered service with the USSR Air Force in 1985. Can reach a maximum supersonic speed of Mach 2.35 (1,550 mph or 2,876.4 km/h).

The Su-27 gained a reputation as one of the most capable fighters of its time. These aircraft are still in service with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

• A country: USA
• Developer: General Dynamics
• Type: Fighter-bomber, strategic bomber
• Production start year: 1967
• Maximum speed: 3060 km/h

The large aerospace company General Dynamics completed the development of the F-111 Aardvark tactical strike aircraft about half a century ago. According to calculations, the F-111 Aardvark should accommodate two crew members. 1967 and the aircraft was the first to enter service with the US Air Force. It was used in strategic bombing campaigns, in reconnaissance operations, and also with its help in electronic warfare. This aircraft can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 with extreme ease. And this exceeds the speed of sound by about 2.5 times.

• A country: USA
• Developer: McDonnell Douglas, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
• Type: Interceptor fighter
• Production start year: 1976
• Maximum speed: 3065 km/h

In the late 60s, McDonnell Douglas completed its work on the development of a tactical twin-engine fighter. Its immediate purpose is to seize and maintain its superiority during periods of air combat. July 1972 The first flight was successful. A few years later, in 1976, the US Air Force accepted the F-15 Eagle into service.

This plane is one of those that cannot be successful. Its speed is impressive, exceeding Mach 2.5. The US Air Force plans to keep this aircraft in its service for a long time, at least until 2025. It has been exported abroad, namely Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia, Turkey.

• A country: USSR/Russia
• Developer: OKB MiG
• Type: Interceptor fighter
• Production start year: 1975-1994
• Maximum speed: 3463.92 km/h

Mikoyan's design bureau has completed production of a large, twin-engine supersonic aircraft, and already in 1975, in September, the first flight of the aircraft took place. In 1982, it was adopted by the USSR Air Force.

The speed of the MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83. His unique ability is that he is able to develop supersonic speed and fly at it even low above the ground. Years go by, and the MiG-31 continues to faithfully serve the Russian Aerospace Forces. This aircraft is one of the best representatives of its class and is rightfully ranked with the best and fastest aircraft in the world.

• A country: USA
• Developer: North American Aviation
• Type: Strategic bomber, exploration aircraft
• Production start year: 1964-1969
• Maximum speed: 3794.4 km/h

In the late 50s, North American Aviation developed the XB-70, which has six engines. The goal of the creators was to design an aircraft that would serve as a prototype for a strategic bomber with a supply of nuclear bombs.

In 1965, the XB-70 reached its peak speed while flying over Edwards Air Force Base in California. The height above the ground reached 21,300 meters, and the speed was Mach 3.1.

Between 1964 and 1969, two XB-70 models were built and used for test flights. In 1966, one of the models crashed during a mid-air collision. And the second model is in Dayton, it is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

• A country: USA
• Developer: Bell Aircraft
• Type: Experimental aircraft
• Production start year: 1955-1956
• Maximum speed: 3911.904 km/h

A whole group worked on the creation of this aircraft. This group included the United States Air Force, the National Advisory Committee, and the Bell Aircraft Corporation. In 1945, work on developing an aircraft with a rocket engine was completed. The purpose of creating the aircraft was to study the properties of aerodynamics when flying at supersonic speeds, with a range of Mach 2 and 3.

1955, November, X-2 made its first flight. A year later, Captain Milburn managed to reach a speed of Mach 3,196, while the altitude was 19,800 meters. Unfortunately, after reaching peak speed, the plane went out of control and crashed to the ground. Of course, this tragedy did not go unnoticed, and the X-2 program stopped its work.

• A country: USSR/Russia
• Developer: OKB MiG
• Type: Interceptor, reconnaissance aircraft, breakthrough aircraft
• Production start year: 1969-1985
• Maximum speed: 3916.8 km/h

Legendary designers - Seletsky, Gurevich and Matyuk worked on the production of this technical miracle. Its main purpose is to collect intelligence data and intercept enemy aircraft at speeds exceeding supersonic. 1964, the first flight took place, and in the 70s the Soviet Air Force actively used it.

The speed of the MiG-25 is incredible - Mach 3.2. Therefore, it is one of the fastest aircraft in the world and is still used for service in the Russian Aerospace Forces and beyond. Other countries such as Syria and Algeria use the MiG-25 in their air forces.

• A country: USA
• Developer: Lockheed Corporation, Scunk Works
• Type: Strategic intelligence officer
• Production start year: 1966-1999
• Maximum speed: 4039.2 km/h

Intelligence missions, or rather their implementation, are the main task of this aircraft. In addition, he easily repels enemy threats. The maximum speed is Mach 3.3, and the altitude is 29 thousand meters. It is worth noting that according to some sources, the speed of the Blackbird is indicated at Mach 3.5, but this is not confirmed data. Nevertheless, third place in the ranking of the fastest aircraft in the world is an honor.

• A country: USA
• Developer: Lockheed Corporation
• Type: Interceptor
• Production start year: 1963-1965
• Maximum speed: 4100.4 km/h

About half a century ago, Lockheed Corporation completed development of a prototype aircraft. The purpose of creating such an aircraft is to intercept enemy aircraft. Area 51 became the site for testing the YF-12. This place is a top secret US Air Force training ground. 1963, altitude 27,600 meters, YF-12 makes its first flight. Its speed is Mach 3.35. But over time, the US Air Force stopped the YF-12 flight program. However, the YF-12 was able to conduct several scientific research flights for NASA and the Air Force. At the end of the 70s, the aircraft's flights were finally completed.

1.X-15

• A country: USA
• Developer: North American Aviation
• Type: Experimental high-speed research rocket plane
• Production start year: 1959-1968
• Maximum speed: 8225.28 km/h

This device has no equal in speed - the world's fastest plane. It is capable of accelerating to Mach 6.72, the fastest speed for a manned aircraft. The rocket plane ended its flights in the 70s, but during its service, many famous personalities, such as Neil Armstrong, were able to take part in the program. The altitude to which the pilots rose was over 100 kilometers. Such pilots can already be safely called astronauts.

Looking into the sky, one could only estimate at what altitude the planes were flying, but it was not possible to determine this accurately without special equipment. The situation changes if you are inside an airliner; From here it is much easier for you to determine the altitude of the aircraft, since a special display can be located in the cabin, which will display information about the flight status. In the article we will find out what the maximum height of modern aircraft and who set this record.

In general, there are several factors that influence the choice of the optimal aircraft altitude:

• Model of the plane itself
• His movement speed
• Fuel consumption
• The amount of oxygen in the air

The higher we rise above the ground, the thinner the air around us will become. At high altitudes, rock climbers and mountaineers use special oxygen masks, and airplane cabins are sealed and contain enough air for comfortable breathing. These factors indicate that a person will not be able to stay so high in the atmosphere without the use of special equipment.

However, for airplanes and, in general, any fast-flying vehicles, such rarefied air plays into the hands, since it reduces the resistance of air flows. This affects total consumption fuel, since less energy is spent on overcoming the force of friction with the air, accordingly, less fuel is needed for greater speed. Therefore, there is a dependence of the speed on the possible height.

An airliner will also not be able to fly very high, since air currents, albeit rarefied, are necessary for it to support the wings, working similarly to water for a ship. Therefore above 12000 meters passenger aircraft they won’t fly because they will lose the air support they need so much. It turns out that the higher the flight altitude, the lower the fuel consumption and the lower the ticket price; Aviation companies are guided by these two factors.

Air traffic control service

Nowadays, there are many planes flying in the sky. Air traffic control services monitor and calculate the ideal altitude. Using their equipment, they process and respond to pilot requests, monitor the weather, turbulence zones, and ensure that planes each fly their own route to avoid collisions.

When creating a route, the weather forecast, atmospheric pressure, possible natural disasters, political situations on the territory of states. There is a certain range of altitudes within which the airliner usually flies, and to change the altitude higher or lower, permission from the dispatcher is required - this range is called the flight level. In addition, there is also lateral separation; this is when the distance between the two sides is more than 10,000 meters, and is maintained to avoid air turbulence.

Features of flight of non-passenger aircraft

For very different reasons, passenger aircraft have very different flight altitudes. If a civilian aircraft is equipped with a jet engine, it will fly at a distance of about 12,000 meters from the ground. Among similar aircraft, the Boeing 737-400 achieves such a height. The characteristics of the Airbus A310 aircraft allow it to reach an altitude of 11 thousand meters.

Airplanes carrying cargo, also known as cargo airliners, are not much different from ordinary ones. passenger aircraft, and have the same principle of economy. Airplanes, whose speed is about 300 km/h, fly at an altitude of 2000 meters. This parameter also depends on the aircraft model and its technical parameters.

As for non-civilian aircraft, they have a specially designed structure that helps them reach supersonic speeds without being detected. Combat aircraft primarily fly at altitudes exceeding 15 thousand meters. Some of them, thanks to their specific design, are even capable of reaching a height of 25 kilometers.

At one time, the MiG-21 was the most common combat aircraft in the world; in the USSR it was produced in various modifications from 1959 to 1985. The aircraft performed well during the military operations in Vietnam; Thanks to its amazing maneuverability, it was able to dodge missiles flying at it and more than successfully fight the American F-4 Phantom. At one time he set several flight altitude records.

MiG-25 – king of the sky

However, the aircraft altitude record now already belongs to the legendary MiG-25, which gained an altitude of 37,650 meters during test tests. Despite its not very attractive name, intimidating appearance and good technical performance, it does have one of the highest possible altitudes among aircraft in its class. This device was developed by the USSR specifically to combat American supersonic bombers, which were never created.

The aircraft has a very high flight speed and is capable of carrying a significant bomb load on board. Based on its technical parameters, the fighter could perfectly cope with the defense of airspace against American penetration. However, the hopes that were placed on him were never realized.

Despite its excellent technical data, it still had flaws in its design, and the main aspect for which it was created had disappeared. All these factors meant that its competitiveness was significantly weakened compared to the best fighters of the time, and besides, the MiG-21 was cheaper to maintain. Therefore, the aircraft soon ceased to be present in the world's military arsenals, with the exception of some possible individual units.

The MiG-25 has truly amazing capabilities. Its speed in normal mode is Mach 2.5, but this is not the limit - the plane is capable of reaching Mach 3, but no one does this, since there is a possibility of engine destruction. The aircraft was intended for aerial reconnaissance, was equipped with powerful R-40 air-to-air missiles with a range of 80 kilometers, and had advanced photographic and electronic special equipment.

One of the main disadvantages of the MiG-25 was its heavy weight, much greater than that of its Western competitors. Its maneuverability and handling suffered greatly at high speeds and low altitudes; In the circumstances of a normal dogfight, its radar capabilities were rather limited compared to other enemy fighters, and the difficulty of piloting at low altitudes meant that it simply could not be effective in such operations. Such imperfections of the aircraft could have been forgiven if it had been used at least once in a high-altitude interception operation, but it was much more often used for other purposes.

Almost all of these aircraft were removed from service after the collapse of the USSR. It served as the basis for the creation of one of the best fighters - the MiG-31. Nevertheless, the record for the maximum flight altitude of an aircraft still belongs to him.

We marvel at the speed a regular passenger plane can reach and how quickly it can take us from one point in the world to another. Few people know, but the speed of passenger airliners usually does not exceed 900 km/h. Almost any jet fighter can overtake such a ship, developing a speed of approximately three times greater.

But there are aircraft whose speed exceeds this indicator - hypersonic aircraft. Hypersonic devices are those that in flight are capable of reaching speeds several times greater than the speed of sound.

A specific indicator that would allow aircraft to be classified as hypersonic has not yet been determined by researchers.

Another criterion that causes constant controversy is the method of controlling the device. Some researchers are of the opinion that only those ships can be called airplanes controlled by a person. According to another point of view, drones can also be classified as aircraft. This division can be considered quite justified, since unmanned vehicles have more advanced technical characteristics. Also subject to dispute is the ability of the aircraft to take off on its own or using other powerful carriers.

As it were, most of There is a consensus among researchers that the determining factor in classifying a particular model as hypersonic is the maximum speed of the aircraft that it can develop while in the air. This approach allows us to expand the list of hypersonic aircraft models several times, the development of which is carried out by engineers from all over the world. Of course, many are interested in what the fastest aircraft in the world is already cutting through the skies, and what characteristics it has.

Heavenly Speed ​​Rating

To answer this interesting question, let’s make a rating: "The fastest planes in the world Top 10". In it we will mark those models air transport, which rightfully deserved to go down in history thanks to their characteristics.

10th place: Tupolev Tu-144

Photo of the Tupolev Tu-144 aircraft

The speed performance of the Tu-144 would not allow it to enter the top 10 fastest aircraft. However, it would be wrong not to mention him in this rating. Tupolev took an honorable tenth place, as it is the first supersonic passenger airliner in the world. Its first flight dates back to 1968. This event was literally a gift for the field of aviation development, since the flight took place on December 31, just before the New Year celebrations. But the most significant event in the history of the Tu-144 occurred on June 5, 1969, when it managed to break the sound barrier at an altitude of 11 km. Tupolev Tu-144 is the fastest passenger aircraft in the world, accelerating to 2,500 km/h.

9th place: General Dynamics F-111

In ninth place is a tactical bomber, accelerating to a speed of 3060 km/h. Unfortunately, the model was written off in the late 90s. At one time, the device became the first aircraft whose wing sweep could change, which gave it a significant advantage in the air.

8th place: McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The 8th position is given to the American all-weather fighter, which is one of the most successful aircraft. Now this model is still an important part of the US Air Force military and will not leave service until at least 2025. In addition, the American command plans to produce these devices for about three more years. The ship can reach a speed of 3065 km/h.

7th place: Mig-31

Domestic sky guard Mig-31

The seventh place was taken by a domestic aircraft capable of accelerating to 3463.92 km/h. The device boasts two powerful engines, allowing it to reach supersonic speeds at both high and low altitudes. Unfortunately, the production of this combat vessel was stopped in the first half of the 90s.

6th place: XB-70 Valkyrie

Sixth place went to the strategic bomber, whose main task during the Cold War would have been the delivery of nuclear weapons. It was assumed that the device would need a speed of 3672 km/h in order to elude Soviet interceptors, but, more importantly, not to fall under the consequences of a nuclear explosion. Only two aircraft of this model were created.

5th place: Bell X-2 Starbuster

The next place goes to an experimental aircraft, the main purpose of which is to study flight conditions at high speeds. According to preliminary data, the plane could reach a speed of 3911.9 km/h. The first flight of the device took place in 1954, but after two years this program had to be stopped. The fact is that after the plane has reached maximum speed, the pilot will no longer be able to control it.

4th place: Mig-25

The Mig-25 aircraft was built specifically to organize interceptions of American reconnaissance aircraft, which took an honorable fourth place. The device has unique capabilities:

• develops a speed of 3916.8 km/h;
• hits targets at altitudes up to 25 km.

The aircraft performed well in some conflicts and is still in service with the armed forces of some countries. A total of 1,100 aircraft of this type were created.

3rd place: Lockheed YF-12

In 3rd place was a device that was developed as a prototype aircraft capable of reaching a speed equal to 3.35 times the speed of sound. This aircraft model received several honorary titles, which a little later went, roughly speaking, to Lockheed’s “brother” - the SR-71 Blackbird model. The development of both devices was carried out by designer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. The maximum speed that the YF-12 could reach was 4100.4 km/h.

2nd place: SR-71 Blackbird

“Blackbird”, and this is how the name of this model can be translated into Russian, was used by the US Air Force and NASA. Moreover, the first aircraft was needed to carry out strategic reconnaissance missions, and the second - for research purposes. A total of 32 vessels were built, since the creation of the device was associated with an important problem: the high temperature of the device, to which it heated up in flight. In addition, this model requires special fuel to operate, and refueling can only be done in flight. The speed of the blackbird is 4102.8 km/h.

1st place: North American X-15

Fastest manned hypersonic aircraft

Speed ​​itself fast plane, which is manned, is 8200.8 km/h. The model was developed specifically for research related to hypersonic flights in which the ship is controlled by a pilot. The aircraft is equipped with a rocket engine and launches from a strategic bomber. It is noteworthy that the ship can rise to a height of 107 km. Actively used until 1970.

Unmanned Rivals

Currently, the fastest unmanned aircraft in the world is the Boeing X-43, built on a jet engine. The first flight of the device was unsuccessful, as the plane crashed after staying in the air for only 11 seconds. But already the third flight of the X-43A resulted in the setting of a new world speed record - 11,230 km/h.

Orbital Sciences Corporation X-34 could receive the title of the fastest aircraft, but there is one “but” that prevents this. In theory, the ship can accelerate to 12,144 km/h. However, during experimental flights he was unable to catch up with his main rival and reached a speed of less than 11,230 km/h.

Dangerous competition

Chinese hypersonic developments WU-14 deserve special consideration. Essentially, the WU-14 is a controlled glider carried on an intercontinental ballistic missile. The rocket complex launches the device into space, from where it sharply dives down, while gaining incredible speed. During testing, this device was able to reach speeds exceeding 12,000 km/h. But many researchers are of the opinion that this development does not belong to the class of aircraft, but to be classified as a warhead.

In contact with

And not the Su-27, but the MiG-31 high-speed interceptor. This aircraft, designated Foxhound by NATO classification, has become one of the most unusual examples of modern aviation weapons. He did not have to take part in active hostilities, however, the very fact of the existence of such a machine was already capable of cooling the ardor of any aggressor. Suffice it to say that the use of the MiG-31 can almost completely neutralize the massive cruise missile attacks that the United States and its NATO allies love to deliver. In addition, this interceptor poses a huge danger to any modern military aircraft that finds itself within its range, which is quite extensive.

The history of the creation of the MiG-31 interceptor fighter

In the early 60s, American B-52 strategic bombers were equipped with AGM-28 Hound Dog strategic cruise missiles. Despite the fact that this weapon was very inaccurate (the probable circular deviation was more than three kilometers), it posed a significant threat to the USSR. The greatest concern among the Soviet military was reports about the imminent creation of a special modification of the AGM-28, capable of flying to a target at ultra-low altitude while skirting the terrain.

It was almost impossible not only to shoot down, but even to simply detect such a missile at that time, especially in the northeastern part of the USSR, where there was not yet a continuous radar field or a network of air defense airfields. A need arose to create a new interceptor capable of independently, without assistance from the ground, identifying low-altitude objects against the underlying surface and destroying them as quickly as possible.

In those years, the Mikoyan Design Bureau was engaged in fine-tuning the ultra-high-speed fighter MiG-25, which had many advantages, but was still not suitable for combating cruise missiles. However, it could be used as a base for a new interceptor. Work in this direction began in 1968, after the Soviet government issued a decree on the creation of the E-155 aircraft. The designers had to prepare preliminary designs for three different modifications of this vehicle: the E-155MP interceptor, the E-155MR reconnaissance aircraft and the E-155MRB front-line bomber.

Over the next few years, various options for the layout of the future aircraft were considered. The most promising project turned out to be the “518-22” project, which was later converted into “518-55”. On its basis, in 1972, not preliminary, but full-scale design of the E-155MP interceptor began, which, after the transition to mass production, was to be called MiG-25MP.

It should be noted that in reality the new aircraft was significantly different from the MiG 25. It was created for different engines, the crew included a navigator, but the most important thing was the new on-board equipment - the Zaslon radar station, which had unprecedented capabilities for the 70s .

On September 16, 1975, the first flight of the E-155M prototype took place. Two years later in Gorky ( Nizhny Novgorod) 11 interceptors were produced, already designated MiG-31. Flight design tests began and continued until the end of 1978. During one of the flights, the new aircraft successfully attacked a low-altitude target. In addition, a radar was tested, which was able to detect and steadily track ten aircraft at once.

In 1981, the MiG-31 was adopted by air defense fighter aircraft, and from that moment its operation began. At the same time, test flights continued as work was already underway on new modifications of the interceptor. Subsequently, multi-purpose versions of the MiG-31 appeared, and in 2018 it became known that the aircraft became the carrier of the Kinzhal anti-ship aeroballistic missile.

Interceptor design features

Externally, the MiG 31 fighter is very similar to its “predecessor”, the famous MiG-25 aircraft, however, it would be a mistake to assume that these machines differ from each other only in electronic equipment. The layout diagram is indeed almost identical, but its elements have been significantly changed.

Wing and tail

The high-mounted trapezoidal wing of the aircraft has been somewhat strengthened; the frame now includes not two, but three spars. Another difference is the root influx, the sweep of which is 70 degrees. This detail allows the interceptor to maintain stability when flying at high angles of attack. The main part of the wing has a sweep of 41 degrees. The internal caisson houses 4 fuel tanks.

The trailing edge is equipped with ailerons and flaps along its entire length. The mechanization is complemented by deflectable wing tips (can be rotated at an angle of up to 13 degrees). There are aerodynamic ridges located on the upper surface of the consoles.

The vertical tail consists of two keels. Each of them is equipped with a rudder. The camber angle of the keels is 8 degrees. The horizontal tail is all-moving, its surfaces can be used as elevators, as well as to give the aircraft a roll, thereby complementing the ailerons. Two fuel tanks are located inside the keels.

Power point

The MiG 31 aircraft is equipped with two D-30F6 bypass turbojet engines; later modifications were equipped with D-30F6M. The development of this engine was carried out from 1972 to 1979. The design was carried out not from scratch, but on the basis of the D-30 engine (thrust - 6,800 kgf), which was used by Tu-134 airliners. Thanks to a number of improvements and after the installation of the afterburner, the thrust was increased to 15,500 kgf (later up to 16,500 kgf).

The air intakes had to be expanded, since the new engine has increased air consumption during operation.

Fuselage

The main power element of the airframe is the middle part of the aircraft fuselage, inside of which seven fuel tanks are located. The body in this part of the machine is welded. The design generally coincides with the MiG-25.

Part of the fuselage is a garrot, starting immediately behind the cockpit. Control rods are located inside the grotto, and on later modifications there is a fuel tank

The creators of the interceptor took into account that the maximum speed of the MiG 31 decreased slightly and the requirements for heat resistance of the material were reduced, which made it possible to significantly reduce the proportion of stainless steel in the fuselage - from 80 to 50%. Titanium content increased from 8 to 16%. The share of aluminum alloys is 33%. The remaining one percent is composite materials.

In some flight modes, approximately one quarter of the total lift is generated by the fuselage, which is one of the load-bearing parts of the aircraft structure. Two aerodynamic ridges are located in its tail section. The camber between them is 12 degrees.

Chassis

In order to improve maneuverability on unpaved airfields, the main landing gear of the Mig-31 interceptor is made in a special configuration. The rear wheel on each of the carts is slightly shifted “outward”, and the front wheel is “inward”. This reduces the risk of getting stuck in a deepening rut.

The main landing gear retracts forward into niches located under the air intake ducts. The flaps covering them can be used as brake flaps. The front support is retracted back.

Fighter cockpit

The pilot and navigator-operator are housed in two sealed cabins located in the forward part of the fuselage. The lights open up and back. The cabins are separated by a plexiglass partition, the thickness of which is one centimeter. Both crew members have ejection seats, model K-36DM. Behind the cabins there is an equipment compartment, in front there is a radar station.

Aircraft control system

Unlike other fourth-generation fighters, the MiG-31 does not have fly-by-wire controls, but rather older mechanical controls. Its operation is ensured by special rods and cables. They are stretched from the cockpit to the control surfaces and wing mechanisms through the fuselage and covered with a garrot on top.

The fighter-interceptor is equipped with the KN-25 navigation complex, which includes short- and long-range radio systems, global navigation equipment and two inertial systems. The interceptor, in addition, can be controlled by the SAU-155MP autopilot.

Weapon control system

The MiG-31 supersonic fighter is equipped with a pulse-Doppler radar station RP-31 R007 “Zaslon”. It is the main part of the aircraft’s weapons control system. The main feature of this radar is the presence of a passive phased antenna array. It is noteworthy that before the MiG-31, such radar stations were not installed on production fighters even in the US Air Force.

The Zaslon radar is capable of detecting a target such as an American F-16 fighter at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. Bombers or transport aircraft can be detected at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. At the same time, nationality is determined. Automatic tracking is provided at a distance of 120 kilometers.

The radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 different targets, 8 of which can be targeted by missiles. The electronics itself determines the four highest-priority objects in terms of danger or importance, which should be struck first.

"Zaslon" can receive data from other interceptors or from the A-50 AWACS aircraft - the connection is made automatic. Thanks to this, protection against active interference is ensured - all the “pieces” of information are collected together, which makes it possible to detect hidden targets and point missiles at them. In addition, target designation data can be transferred to another fighter or ground-based air defense system, after which the enemy will receive an attack from a completely unexpected direction.

In general, the on-board equipment allows the MiG-31 to be used as a leader aircraft, controlling an entire aviation group covering a vast air space.

A later modification of the radar, Zaslon-M, detects targets at a distance of up to 320 kilometers. Twenty-four of them are simultaneously escorted. Eight targets can be hit simultaneously. The equipment is complemented by a heat direction finder operating in passive mode and capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 56 kilometers without turning on the radar.

The “main caliber” of the first modifications of the MiG-31 was the R-33 missile, which hit enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. Modern versions of the interceptor are equipped with R-37, whose range is 300 km. The interceptor's armament kit also includes R-77 and RVV-BD missiles, which ensure the destruction of targets at medium and close range.

In close combat, the MiG-31 can use a rapid-firing six-barreled gun GSh-23-6 (dismantled on some modifications).

Specifications

There are many modifications of the MiG-31 fighter, between which there are sometimes significant differences. Nevertheless, the main operational characteristics are quite similar, since it was mainly the on-board equipment that changed.

The parameters of the initial interceptor are as follows:

For multi-purpose modifications, the combat load can be up to nine tons with a slight increase in the take-off weight of the vehicle.

Flight characteristics

The MiG-31 makes both short sorties to intercept specific targets and long loitering in the air on duty.

During takeoff of the MiG-31, the take-off run is from 950 to 1200 meters, and the landing run is 800 meters.

Advantages and disadvantages of the MiG-31

The main advantage of the interceptor is, of course, the excellent characteristics of its weapon control system.

This aircraft has other advantages:

1. High speed in afterburner allows you to intercept the fastest targets, including American SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft;
2. Excellent rate of climb. The plane is capable of “jumping” to a height of 30 kilometers;
3. Interaction with anti-aircraft missile systems, other aircraft and ground command posts, which expands the capabilities of the MiG-31. A small unit of such aircraft can completely control the airspace over a medium-sized country;
4. Onboard weapons make it possible to hit both large, slow-moving aircraft and highly maneuverable targets. When firing at cruise missiles, the hit accuracy approaches 100%;
5. The latest modifications of the MiG-31 are capable of striking ground targets - the aircraft has become multi-purpose. In addition, it became a good launch platform for the Kinzhal hypersonic anti-ship missile.

Among the disadvantages, the first one to highlight is low maneuverability. In close combat, this aircraft is significantly inferior to any other modern fighters. True, for the Mig 31, maneuverability characteristics were not initially considered a priority. In addition, the cable control system has long been outdated; it complicates piloting and does not allow the full capabilities of automation to be realized.

MiG-31 modifications

At first, the fighter was a “pure” interceptor. The first attempts to modernize the MiG-31 involved development in the same direction. Then multi-purpose versions of the aircraft appeared. They were intended mainly for arming the Russian army, although there were also export models.

Mig-31M

This modification of the machine made its first flight back in 1985. Changes have been made to the airframe, in particular, there are larger and more rounded root nodules on the wing, and an additional fuel tank is placed inside the gargrot. A monolithic visor is installed on the front cockpit, and the navigator-operator's canopy has been reduced in size. This was done in order to improve the readability of tactical situation indicators. The number of fuselage nests for long-range missiles has been increased to six. At the same time, the gun was dismantled.

In addition, the engine spacing relative to the longitudinal axis of the fighter has been increased. Larger rudders are installed on the keels. The power of the power plant has been increased by approximately 2000 kgf.

The main differences from the base model are the installation of an updated Zaslon-M radar station and improved on-board equipment, which for the first time included multifunctional indicators. The direction finder has been replaced with an optoelectronic system. The interceptor was able to use the R-37 missile, during testing of which the target was destroyed from a distance of 300 km.

This option was not built in series, since it was completed only in the 90s, when complete collapse reigned in Russian industry.

MiG-31B

This version of the aircraft was equipped with a retractable boom for in-flight refueling, which made it possible to significantly increase the combat radius. The modernized fighter received the Zaslon-A radar and a slightly improved weapons control system as a whole. Such a replacement, among other things, made it possible to compensate for the damage caused as a result of the leak of secret information about the MiG-31 aircraft outside the USSR, identified in 1985. In addition, the armament kit included the R-40TD medium-range missiles for the first time.

MiG-31BM

The development of this modification began in 1997 and was carried out in two directions at once. Firstly, the performance characteristics of the onboard radar and weapons control complex were brought to the parameters previously achieved on the MiG-31M aircraft, and secondly, the interceptor was turned into a multi-role fighter.

The mass of the combat load has increased and is 9 tons for this modification. The aircraft is capable of using adjustable bombs KAB-500 (up to eight units) and KAB-1500 (up to six units). The weapons complex also included Kh-31 missiles in anti-ship and anti-radar versions, Kh-59M and Kh-29T air-to-surface missiles, as well as Kh-25MP (or MPU) anti-radar missiles.

All surviving Russian MiG-31s, with the exception of carriers of the Kinzhal complex, will be converted into MiG-31BM. In addition, this option was also offered for export.

MiG-31D

Non-serial experimental modification armed with the Kontakt (79M6) missile. With the help of this weapon it was supposed to destroy uninhabited orbital vehicles.

MiG-31I

This interceptor variant provides an aerial platform for a satellite launch system, which can weigh between 120 and 160 kilograms. This is facilitated by both the high speed and the considerable practical ceiling of the aircraft. Injection into orbit up to 600 kilometers high is provided.

MiG-31LL

The plane is a flying laboratory. The MiG-31LL was based at the airfield in Zhukovsky.

MiG-31F

This modification, shown at the 1995 Le Bourget Air Show, represents the first attempt to transform a two-seat interceptor into a multi-role aircraft. As with the MiG-31BM variant, the weight of the combat load has been increased to 9 tons. The set of weapons for destroying ground targets is also basically the same. At the same time, the MiG-31F is equipped with the original modification of the Zaslon radar, the capabilities of which are not as great as those of the MiG-31BM on-board equipment.

Combat use of the fighter

The MiG-31 interceptor has never used its missiles against real, rather than training, targets. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that it did not have combat use. For example, it was this aircraft that put an end to the clearly excessive activity of American SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft near the eastern and northwestern borders of the USSR.

In the early 1980s, Blackbirds regularly provoked the Soviet air defense system, forcing it to use secret combat modes. MiG-31 interceptors literally “pushed” the Americans away from the border. Soviet aircraft They flew in groups of 8-10 aircraft, alternately transferring SR-71 escort to each other. This made it clear to the American pilot that even with the shortest and most accidental border crossing he would be immediately destroyed. As a result, reconnaissance flights ceased, and the Blackbird itself was eventually decommissioned.

In 2016, several MiG-31BM fighters were sent to Syria. The main purpose of these interceptors is to control airspace and coordinate the efforts of other aviation. In this regard, MiGs were able to partially replace A-50 aircraft, the operation of which is more expensive.

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MOSCOW, March 3 – RIA Novosti, Andrey Kots. In the air battles of World War II, an iron rule was born: whoever is taller has an advantage. To suddenly dive onto an enemy plane from the direction of the sun, escape like a candle from anti-aircraft guns, photograph a fortified area and get out of the air defense zone unnoticed - only a high-flying bird is capable of this. Today, in the era of powerful radars and long-range anti-aircraft missiles, the old axioms are no longer so relevant. However, height still plays a vital role in military affairs. RIA Novosti publishes a selection of the highest altitude aircraft in Russia and the United States - both in service and sent to a well-deserved “retirement”.

MiG-25

The third generation supersonic high-altitude fighter-interceptor MiG-25 began entering the Soviet Air Force in 1970. At that time, there was no aircraft in the world capable of evading this machine. It reached speeds of up to 2,800 kilometers per hour and could climb to a height of more than 20 thousand meters in just nine minutes. Over decades of operation, the MiG-25 played the role of interceptor, reconnaissance aircraft, stratospheric bomber, air defense breakthrough fighter, and training vehicle. Powerful engines and a durable airframe allowed it to withstand enormous overloads, and the latest avionics for that time helped it to navigate perfectly in the air and see all types of targets.

The MiG-25 holds 29 world records. The most significant and not yet beaten by any manned jet aircraft was installed by test pilot Alexander Fedotov on August 21, 1977. He lifted his experienced MiG-25M to an incredible 37,650 meters! Of course, this was a lightweight “flying laboratory” and not a production copy. But the “standard” height for combat vehicles is 23 kilometers—an altitude unattainable for the vast majority of aircraft of that time. So, in the early 70s, Soviet pilots flying reconnaissance modifications of the MiG-25 freely flew over the entire territory of Israel, Turkey and Iran.

SR-71 Blackbird

The American strategic reconnaissance aircraft SR-71 is one of the main symbols of the Cold War. Even now, this aircraft, which first flew in 1964, looks like a guest from the future: futuristic design, a tailless layout that was rare at that time, stealth technology and outstanding flight performance. In 1976, Drozd set an absolute speed record among manned aircraft with turbojet engines - 3529.56 kilometers per hour. The maximum height reached by the SR-71 is 25,929 meters.

During the Cold War, these aircraft became a working tool of the CIA. They carried out reconnaissance flights over the territory of the USSR and Cuba, photographed military installations in Egypt, Jordan and Syria in 1973, and flew over Indochina. The SR-71 is the only type of American aircraft that North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners could not shoot down. He avoided the missiles by sharply gaining altitude and increasing speed - the reconnaissance officer did not even need to maneuver to break away from the pursuit. However, by the end of the 70s, MiG-31 fighters appeared in the USSR: they were quite capable of intercepting the SR-71. Ultimately, this led to the closure of the strategic reconnaissance jet program.

MiG-31

Of all the aircraft currently in service, the fastest and one of the highest altitude is the Russian MiG-31 interceptor fighter, a direct descendant of the MiG-25. Thanks to its powerful D-30F6 engines, it is capable of accelerating up to 3,400 kilometers per hour and rising to a height of up to 25 thousand meters. These indicators, coupled with a flight range of 2,240 kilometers without external fuel tanks, make the MiG-31 an ideal interceptor in an integrated air defense system. A group of four such aircraft is capable of controlling airspace with a frontal length of up to 1,100 kilometers. Today, the entire MiG-31 fleet is being upgraded to the BM version, which differs new system weapons control and on-board radar, which detects targets at a distance of up to 320 kilometers.

The military leadership of the USSR tried to use the ability of the MiG-31 to quickly gain speed and altitude to solve many problems, including strategic ones. In the 1980s, Soviet designers were developing a special anti-satellite missile to arm modified interceptors. In the event of a major war, these MiG-31s ​​were supposed to go to maximum altitude and attack enemy satellites hanging in low orbits with new weapons.

U-2

The American U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft first flew on August 1, 1955. At that time, this vehicle was invulnerable to Soviet air defense systems. Subsonic U-2s were more than comfortable at altitudes above 20 kilometers and could remain in the air for up to seven hours. Naturally, US intelligence actively used the new aircraft, regularly sending them into Soviet airspace. However, this did not last long. On May 1, 1960, the scandal of CIA pilot Francis Powers, who flew a U-2C plane two thousand kilometers deep into Soviet airspace and was shot down by an S-75 anti-aircraft missile, thundered throughout the world.