The prospective long-range interceptor MiG-41 will solve the problem not only of destroying cruise missiles on the march, but also of eliminating satellites. Military expert Sergey Marzhetsky spoke about the capabilities of the advanced fighter.
According to him, the estimated tactical and technical characteristics of the MiG-41 are impressive. At a flight altitude of more than 25 km, its speed should reach Mach 4.3, and its combat radius will range from 700 to 1500 km.
And it should also be "stealth" and even fly into near space to destroy enemy satellites.
At the same time, Marzhetsky expressed doubt that the MiG-41 will appear on the scene in the foreseeable future, since there is no news about the project, and by all indications it resembles a "long-running construction project."
And the condition of "MiG" itself raises certain doubts that this "space fighter" will actually fly in the near future.
As an alternative to long-range interceptors in place of the aging MiG-31s, Marzhetsky proposed using Su-57 fighters. If the fifth-generation aircraft receive "izdeliye 30" engines, they will be able to accelerate to Mach 1.9–2.1, and in afterburner to Mach 2.15–2.25 (about 2,600 km/h), the analyst recalled.
The "Belka" radar with AFAR significantly surpasses the "Zaslon-M" radar in its characteristics. At the same time, the Su-57 will retain its supermaneuverability and will be able not only to shoot down cruise missiles and UAVs, but also to conduct air combat.
At the Mikoyan Design Bureau, it was noted that they will develop a new MiG to train cadets to fly sixth-generation aircraft. No other details about the project were provided.