The MiG-41 is being planned for development by Mikoyan OKB as a potential successor to the Cold War-era MiG-31 "Foxhound" supersonic interceptor. The aircraft is intended as a high-altitude, high-performance solution to marauding enemy aircraft, particularly spy platforms emerging from the United States or neighboring China and interfering across the vastness of Russian airspace. Previous attempts to succeed the MiG-31 line have ended in failure or project abandonment, many done-in by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989-1991.
The company is optimistically targeting 2025 for a first-flight date. An unmanned form has also been mentioned, this variant built directly from the manned aircraft. The design is also known by the designation of "PAK DP" ("Prospective Aircraft, Long-range Interceptor").
Details of the MiG-41 are currently (2020) scarce with reports stating that the aircraft will be capable of Mach 3 to Mach 4 speeds and reach near-space altitudes. Beyond this, the MiG-41 would be completed with 5th and 6th Generation fighter traits and stealth features as well as feature anti-missile direct-countermeasures like lasers for protection. Its own primary armament will most likely be long-range missiles.
Some values presented for this entry are estimates made by the author or Mikoyan company spokepersons themselves.
While modernized, the in-service MiG-31 (itself developed from the MiG-25 "Foxbat") first-flew in September of 1975 and was introduced in May of 1981 when there was still a Cold War between East and West being fought. 519 of the type were built and operated by the Soviet Air Force until its dissolution (afterwards these became the property of Russia and Kazakhstan). The near-Mach 3 capable Foxhound seats two crew, carries powerful radar and long-range missiles, and continues to patrol Russian skies today.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Interception
Ability to intercept inbound aerial threats by way of high-performance, typically speed and rate-of-climb.
✓X-Plane (Developmental, Prototype, Technology Demonstrator)
Aircraft developed for the role of prototyping, technology demonstration, or research / data collection.
Length
82.0 ft (25.00 m)
Width/Span
72.2 ft (22.00 m)
Height
21.3 ft (6.50 m)
Empty Wgt
110,231 lb (50,000 kg)
MTOW
220,462 lb (100,000 kg)
Wgt Diff
+110,231 lb (+50,000 kg)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Mikoyan MiG-41 production variant)
Installed:
2 x Afterburning turbofan engines of unknown make, model, or thrust output power; possible reliance on ramjet or turboramjet technology to achieve desired performance.
ASSUMED:
4 x Long-range, high-speed Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs).
Supported Types
(Not all ordnance types may be represented in the showcase above)
Hardpoint Mountings: 4
MiG-41 - Base Project Designation.
PAK DP ("Prospective Air Complex for Long-Range Interception") - Alternative project name.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective aerial campaigns / operations / aviation periods.
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Russia (possible)
