| Two-seat heavy fighter interceptor MiG-31-plane not having of analogues in the world by flying characteristics, and also by capabilities of armament system. In the beginning of the 70-th years Mikoyan’s design office, possessing experience of MiG-25 creation,has begun development of new interceptor, capable to patrol above the Arctic areas and to destroy simultaneously the various air targets, including winged missiles. At creation of the plane the newest constructive and technological achievements were applied. The basic armament should become long-range AA missiles R-33.
The first prototype flew for the first time on September 16, 1975. Series production of the two-seat heavy interceptor, named MiG-31, began in 1977. The first planes began to enter Soviet PVO (Air Defense) service in 1982. MiG-31 has unique capabilities on search and interception of the air targets. The range of detection makes 300 km. 10 targets simultaneously can be traced and to be destroyed 4 of them, including "Stealth" planes, helicopters and winged missiles.
In 1991 began manufacture of an upgrated MiG-31B with improved RLS and modified missiles R-33S. On the end of 1998 in regiments of Russia AA defense was in service about 400 MiG-31. Except for Russia, the plane consists also on arms of Kazakhstan.
On NATO classification interceptor MiG-31 has the tt designation "Foxhound".
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