MiG-31M

MiG-31M

MiG-31M was probably the last – extreme – modification to the MiG-31, which was to include an impressive increase in capablity over the earlier MiG-31.

The MiG-31M in camparison to its earlier variants offered improved/new features, some of which are mentioned below –

– single-piece windscreen (front cockpit)
– LERX, to improve its AoA
– In-Flight refueling probe installed to the right side
– larger/chubbier spine for accomodating larger fuel and improved avionics
– wingtip hardpoins pods (ECM)
– Zaslon-M (improved radar)
– new IRST
– 6 x R-37 under fuselage in 2 rows of 3 each (from front -back)
– 4 x R-77 underwing pylons
– 23 mm gun was deleted
– sat nav reciever
– rear cockpit with 3 large MFDs
– front cockpit MFD
– 9,000 kg weapons load (?), optimised for strike (same as BM?)

Now thats whats been said abt the MiG-31M which never came to production line. But its successor, with some of its feature came in as upgrade in the form of MiG-31BM. But, i’ve not yet seen any pic of the MiG-31 with a single-piece windscreen, wingtip hardpoint, refuelling probe on right side, 6 x R-33/R-37, LERX, fatter spine.

MiG-31B/BS (as per Art’s correction)

As the successor to the M or say taking some features of the M, the BM appeared in 1999, but then the above mentioned things cud not be seen on them (or maybe i cud not make out?) or the BM did not carry these features onto them (?) … The below attached pic is that of the MiG-31B/BS displayed in 1991 and the display show only 4 x R-33, the refuelling probe on the left, the windshied looks like the same old one …. Also, i’d like to see any drawing or pic which shows the 6 x R-33/37 being carried under the fuselage, some drawing/pic of the R-37 wud also be welcome.

so anyone got pictures of the MiG-31M ??