MiG-31BM enhancements include fly-by-wire control system
MiG-31BM long-range interceptor. (Photo: Russian Aircraft Corporation/Sergey Kuznetsov)
Russia conducts flight tests of fly-by-wire control system as MiG-31BM upgrade continues.
Russia is carrying out state trials of a fly-by-wire control system for the upgraded MiG-31BM long-range interceptor aircraft, TASS reported on 26 November.
The state-run news agency quoted officials from the Sokol Aircraft Plant as saying ‘there is an option of upgrading this aircraft where we switch from the mechanical to the fly-by-wire control system, which yields a host of computers mounted on the plane’.
The officials added: ‘The option with the fly-by-wire control system is already being implemented: now this variant of the upgraded interceptor is undergoing trials.’
Shephard Defence Insight calculates that 110 MiG-31s have been upgraded to the MiG-31M (Foxhound B) and MiG-31BM (Foxhound C) standard.
The main strategic aim is to protect Russian airspace in polar regions.
The Russian MoD signed another contract with Sokol in August 2021 to repair and upgrade MiG-31K interceptor-fighters to the MiG-31BM level with advanced avionics.
A squadron of MiG-31K fighters armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles is on experimental combat duty in Russia’s Southern Military District, TASS noted, adding that ‘an air regiment [currently operating MiG-31BMs] stationed in Kansk in the Krasnoyarsk Region in Eastern Siberia was set to be rearmed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles by 2024’.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
