The supersonic high-altitude MiG-31 interceptor fighter is equipped with powerful engines and the innovative N007 Zaslon radar. This system turned out to be even better than that of the American F-14 Tomcat aircraft. This opinion was expressed by military analyst Ruben Johnson in an article for the publication 19FortyFive.
The N007 Zaslon radar (passive phased array type) was the first of its kind. The equipment can track targets at a distance of 75 miles. The radar turned out to be a technological miracle of its time, with major Soviet developers of electronic systems participating in its production.
Engineers put so much effort and skill into the N007 Zaslon so that its carrier aircraft could intercept both a bomber and a cruise missile with a nuclear warhead before they reach their target on the territory of the USSR.
Many compare the MiG-31 radar and its missile with the AWG-9 of the F-14 fighter and the Hughes AIM-54 Phoenix missile.
MiG-31 characteristics: length — 22.69 m, wingspan — 13.46 m, empty weight — 21,820 kg, maximum take-off weight — 46,750 kg, payload at 8 suspension points — 5,000 kg, engines — D30F6, maximum overload — 5G.