MOSCOW, March 3 - RIA Novosti, Andrey Kots. In the air battles of World War II, an iron rule was born: whoever is higher has an advantage. To suddenly dive on an enemy plane from the direction of the sun, with a candle to go up from the fire of anti-aircraft guns, photograph the fortified area and get out of the air defense zone unnoticed - only a high-flying bird is capable of this. Today, in the era of powerful radars and long-range anti-aircraft missiles, the old axioms are no longer so relevant. However, height in military affairs still plays a crucial role. RIA Novosti publishes a selection of the highest-altitude aircraft in Russia and the United States - both in service and sent to a well-deserved "retirement".

MiG-25

The MiG-25 supersonic high-altitude fighter-interceptors of the third generation began to enter the Soviet Air Force in 1970. At that time, there was no aircraft in the world that could get away from this car. She developed a speed of up to 2800 kilometers per hour and could climb to a height of more than 20 thousand meters in just nine minutes. Over the decades of operation, the MiG-25 has played the role of an interceptor, reconnaissance aircraft, stratospheric bomber, air defense breakthrough fighter, training vehicle. Powerful engines and a durable airframe allowed it to withstand huge overloads, and the latest avionics for that time helped to navigate perfectly in the air and see all types of targets.

MiG-25 holds 29 world records. The most significant and still not beaten by any manned jet aircraft was installed by test pilot Alexander Fedotov on August 21, 1977. He raised his experienced MiG-25M to an incredible 37,650 meters! Of course, it was a lightweight "flying laboratory" and not a serial copy. But even the "standard" for combat vehicles 23 kilometers - a height unattainable for the vast majority of aircraft of that time. So, in the early 70s, Soviet pilots on reconnaissance modifications of the MiG-25 flew freely over the entire territory of Israel, Turkey and Iran.

SR-71 Blackbird

The American strategic reconnaissance aircraft SR-71 is one of the main symbols of the Cold War. Even now, this aircraft, which first took to the air in 1964, looks like a guest from the future: futuristic design, tailless layout, rare at the time, stealth technology and outstanding flight performance. specifications. In 1976, Drozd set an absolute speed record among manned aircraft with turbojet engines - 3529.56 kilometers per hour. The maximum height conquered by the SR-71 is 25,929 meters.

During the Cold War, these aircraft became the working tool of the CIA. They carried out reconnaissance flights over the territory of the USSR and Cuba, photographed military installations in Egypt, Jordan and Syria in 1973, and flew over Indochina. The SR-71 is the only type of American aircraft that the North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners could not shoot down. He avoided the missiles with the help of a sharp climb and an increase in speed - the reconnaissance did not even need to maneuver to break away from the pursuit. However, by the end of the 70s, MiG-31 fighters appeared in the USSR: they were quite capable of intercepting the SR-71. Ultimately, this led to the closure of the strategic reconnaissance reconnaissance program.

MiG-31

Of all the aircraft currently in service, the fastest and one of the highest altitude is the Russian MiG-31 interceptor fighter, a direct descendant of the MiG-25. Thanks to its powerful D-30F6 engines, it is capable of accelerating up to 3,400 kilometers per hour and climbing to a height of up to 25,000 meters. These figures, coupled with a flight range of 2,240 kilometers without external fuel tanks, make the MiG-31 an ideal interceptor in an integrated air defense system. A group of four such aircraft is capable of controlling airspace with a frontal length of up to 1,100 kilometers. To date, the entire MiG-31 fleet is being upgraded to the BM version, which differs new system weapons control and airborne radar, which detects targets at a distance of up to 320 kilometers.

The military leadership of the USSR tried to use the ability of the MiG-31 to quickly gain speed and altitude to solve many problems, including strategic ones. In the 1980s, Soviet designers were developing a special anti-satellite missile to arm modified interceptors. In the event of a big war, these MiG-31s ​​were supposed to go to the maximum height and attack enemy satellites hanging in low orbits with new weapons.

U-2

The American U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft first took to the air on August 1, 1955. At that time, this machine was invulnerable to Soviet air defense systems. Subsonic U-2s were more than comfortable at altitudes over 20 kilometers and could stay in the air for up to seven hours. Naturally, US intelligence actively used the new aircraft, regularly sending them into the airspace of the USSR. However, this did not last long. On May 1, 1960, the scandal with the CIA pilot Francis Powers thundered all over the world, who on a U-2C plane went deep into the airspace of the USSR for two thousand kilometers and was shot down by an anti-aircraft missile of the S-75 complex.

When it comes to speed, it's breathtaking. If we are talking about aircraft flying at supersonic speeds, then this is something fantastic. All these aircraft are a masterpiece of engineering, equipped with the most advanced technologies of his time.

Top 10

He has a truly fantastic speed in 11,230 km/h. Listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Developed using a technology alternative to turbojet engines in our time.

Although its maximum speed is listed as 12 144 km/h He's not in first place. This is explained by the fact that at the time of testing, the X-43 record was not broken. Both the first and second aircraft were developed by NASA using the latest technology.

It is rightfully considered one of the fastest aircraft with a pilot on board. The maximum speed it can reach is 8200 km/h. This is almost seven times the speed of sound. The aircraft was designed for research into hypersonic flight. X-15 is equipped with a rocket engine. However, it can take to the air only on board a strategic bomber, from where it starts. The maximum altitude reached by the aircraft is 107 kilometers.

1. "Blackbird" or SR-71

The aircraft is reconnaissance in the US Air Force. The machine was produced in limited quantities - 32 aircraft. The first air vehicle equipped with stealth technology. Max speed approx. 4102 km/h. The plane was actively used for espionage.

1. YF-12

Outwardly, it does not differ from the Blackbird, except that it carries air-to-air weapons. It was the predecessor and prototype of the SR-71. Max Speed: 3,661 km/h.

1. Legendary MiG-25

It was designed to intercept the American Blackbird and had a speed of 3916 km/h. Characteristics of this combat aircraft impressive - at a speed of more than 3 times the speed of sound, it was capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 25 kilometers. It proved itself very well in a number of military conflicts.

What makes it unique is that in 1954 it reached an unimaginable speed for that time. But after an unsuccessful flight, the release program was closed. Max Speed: 3,370 km/h.

1. "Valkyrie" XB-70

A truly super-powerful Cold War aircraft. Designed to deliver nuclear weapons in a short time. High speed ( 3672 km/h) allowed to escape from the consequences of a nuclear explosion, as well as from enemy interceptors.

1. MiG-31

With a speed of 3464 km/h. This aircraft, thanks to its most powerful engines, was able to develop such a speed at any altitude. The technical radar filling made it possible to control several aircraft over a fairly large area.

It's incredible, but this aircraft has been in service for 40 years and will serve the US Air Force for at least another 8 years. His speed is 3065 km/h, as well as technical characteristics and scope make it indispensable for the Air Force.

Top 4 passenger aircraft

1. Tu-144

The legendary Soviet supersonic liner, had a speed of 2430 km/h. A truly fantastic result for that time among passenger aircraft. By the will of fate, it gave way to Concorde, which for a long time (until 2003) carried out passenger transatlantic flights.

If we talk about the projected passenger aircraft, this model deserves a place in the top. Even from the name it becomes clear that the future aircraft will overcome the speed of sound ( 2335 km/h). The aircraft will be designed for any category of passengers.

Reaches speed in 1153 km/h. The fastest civilian vessel with the status of a business aircraft. Used mainly as a private for wealthy businessmen and business people.

And, finally, the fastest scheduled passenger aircraft is an engineering masterpiece by Airbus. The latest aircraft, which, in addition to its speed, is also the world's largest double-deck airliner. Max Speed: 1,020 km/h.

Military aircraft

The fastest military aircraft in the world can be called the Russian MiG-25 and the American SR-71. An interesting fact is that soviet fighter was created in fact to neutralize the American intelligence officer. The MiG set a lot of speed records of its time. The pilots who piloted this machine claimed that the aircraft was able to overcome the mark of Mach 3.5 (speed of sound). This value is greater than that of the American Blackbird. However, this is not documented anywhere. In turn, the SR-71 did not have sufficient reliability. In the entire history of its flights, a third of the vehicles produced have been lost.

Combat aircraft

Much has already been said about the champions of military aircraft in various years. The fastest combat aircraft currently in use is the MiG-31. The fighter is designed to destroy targets in the air at any altitude and in any weather conditions. It is not a problem for the machine to use thermal and radio interference by the enemy.

Designed to intercept cruise missiles. Nowadays, they are used in military conflicts to solve a wide range of tasks. For some time they were used as "special forces" in the Russian air defense forces.

The video shows the takeoff of this high-speed car

turboprop aircraft

A truly unique aircraft that has been in service since the distant 1952 (!) Years. The speed for that time was amazing - 924 km/h. Engines, with a capacity of 15,000 forces, set a Guinness record for screw engines. The aircraft is still in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces and performs a wide range of combat missions.

An interesting fact is that the speed of the Tu-95 is slightly less than the speed of the jet American B-52. The armament and technical characteristics of the aircraft make it possible to safely hit targets beyond the range of enemy radar equipment.

The relevance of the machine is also confirmed by its use in the military conflict in Syria, where the bomber regiment successfully completed a number of tasks assigned to it.

In conclusion, it should be noted that aircraft production technologies do not stand still. However, those aircraft that were discussed above will firmly take their place in the history of aircraft construction as advanced aircraft at that time. Who knows what records await humanity in the future, and what goals new hypersonic aircraft will fulfill. All this will show time.

Since ancient times, man has been striving for the sky, but the development of technical thought did not allow the cherished dream to be realized. But attempts to conquer the airspace were made repeatedly. The first plane of the Wright brothers took off the ground and climbed 3 m, which was a breakthrough and the beginning of an era of aviation. In aviation, there is the concept of a dynamic ceiling, that is, the maximum flight altitude of an aircraft. Today we will consider at what height military vehicles, as well as passenger liners, fly.

For such types of aircraft, flight altitude is the main characteristic, since this combat vehicle is designed to destroy air targets and gain air supremacy.

Under this name, the American Design Bureau "Lockheed Martin" created a whole family of multifunctional combat vehicles. Today, the service consists of a carrier-based fighter, a ground-based fighter, and an aircraft with a short takeoff and vertical landing.

The practical altitude ceiling of these fighters is 18,200 m. F-35 multifunctional fighters of the fifth generation have already entered service with the US, British, Israeli and Australian armed forces. It is planned to supply aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads to the armies of Japan and Italy.

"Bird of Prey", this is how the name of this US Air Force multi-role fighter is translated, was put into service in 2005. The F-22 was the first fifth generation aircraft in the United States Army.

To date, 197 vehicles have been produced, and the total cost of the project amounted to almost 67 billion US dollars. The fighter, whose practical ceiling is 20,000 meters, was first used in combat operations against Islamists in Syria. Many experts criticize the model for its high cost, low maneuverability, and other technical shortcomings.

The fifth-generation multi-role fighter, created by Chinese designers, first took to the air in October 2012, and now the tests are coming to an end.

In one of the test flights, the combat vehicle reached a height of 18,000 meters, but the creators say that this is not the limit, and after some refinement, the J-31 will be able to overcome the mark of 20 thousand meters. The new Chinese fighter was called the Krechet, but they are still used at exhibitions side number the first test sample "31001".

A promising Russian project is still under development, but the test flights of the SU-57 are already in their final stages, and soon the fifth-generation combat fighter will be on combat duty of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The fighter with the factory index T-50 made its first flight in 2010, and after 3 years the serial assembly of prototypes began. The dynamic ceiling is achieved through high-tech high-altitude equipment of the aircraft and a special aerodynamic design, due to which the Su-27 can rise to a height of 20,000 m.

Today, the interceptor aircraft, created at the Mikoyan Design Bureau, is the fastest and highest-altitude aircraft among machines of this type.

The practical ceiling of a combat vehicle in service with the Aerospace Forces Russian Federation, is 20,600 m. Note that the MiG-31 is the only aircraft in the world capable of intercepting low-flying cruise missiles. Work is currently underway to upgrade the interceptor into a high-grade fifth-generation multirole fighter.

reconnaissance aircraft

To avoid being detected by ground-based tracking devices, these types of aircraft were designed in such a way as to conduct reconnaissance at the highest possible altitudes.

The B-57 tactical bomber also performed reconnaissance functions, and entered service with the US Air Force in 1954. Today, the project is closed, but NASA uses two aircraft for experimental purposes.

At one time, it was widely used in areas where the US Army was conducting hostilities, and was also in service with the armies of Taiwan and Pakistan. The practical ceiling is 13,745 m, although the modified RB-57F could perform reconnaissance at an altitude of 22,860 m.

The high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft was adopted by the US Air Force in 1957 and is still in use today. Today, 35 combat vehicles are in service, which are actively used for their intended purpose.

Naturally, for such a long period of operation, the U-2 went through more than one upgrade. dynamic ceiling modern models is 26,800 m. Although in the performance characteristics of the latest U-2S model, the height ceiling is classified.

M-55 "Geophysics"

In 1988, the M-55 high-altitude subsonic reconnaissance aircraft entered the armed forces of the Soviet Union, which received the nickname “Mystic-B” according to NATO classification.

The creation of such types of aircraft in the USSR was thought about after the American reconnaissance U-2 was shot down over its territory in 1960. In the late 60s, the design bureau of V. Myasishchev began work on the creation of a Soviet intelligence officer. The M-55 is a two-beam cantilever wing aircraft with a ceiling height of 21,550 m. Today, only one M-55 aircraft remains in the Russian Aerospace Forces.

The flight altitude for civilian aircraft is not so important, but still there are cases when climbing is simply necessary, for example, to get around a lightning storm.

Soviet airliner, modernized already in the period new Russia, has been operated on air routes since 1972. The model has performed well in long-haul aviation as well as in flights over short distances.

The maximum altitude at which the Russian Tu-154 airliner can fly is 11,100 meters. Interestingly, some aircraft of this type have their own names. And after the plane is written off, the name goes to the new board.

One of the best airliners in the world, today it has become the most massive in the history of the passenger aircraft industry.

Passengers note not only comfort, but also flight safety. As part of our review, we note that the maximum height that one of the modifications, namely the Boeing 737-500, can climb is 11,300 m. This fact introduces this airliner into the Top 10 highest-altitude passenger aircraft in the world.

But there is a very interesting one on the site about the most dangerous aircraft in the world.

A380

Jet wide-body airliner of the company «Airbus S.A.S.» the largest aircraft of this type. He joined the airlines in 2007, and has established itself as a safe and comfortable form of air transport.

The A380 can reach high speeds at various altitudes, and the service ceiling is 13,115 m, which is a record among passenger airliners. The reliability of the aircraft led to the fact that they began to make models for special orders.

The Russian wide-body aircraft entered service in 1993, and today it is one of the most popular long-haul aircraft with a range of 13,000 km.

In addition to the distance record, the Russian Il-96 can fly at an altitude of 12,000 m, which makes it the absolute record holder among Russian passenger liners of this type.

Historical altitude record holders

At one time, these aircraft surprised the world with their tactical, technical and flight characteristics, and went down in history as the highest in the world.

SR-71

This aircraft, operated from the mid-60s until 1998, is called by many experts and aviation enthusiasts the most beautiful aircraft of all time. For the entire period of operation, the US Air Force did not lose a single car, although the SR-71 crashed 12 times due to pilot error or technical problems.

But not only beauty singled it out among other aircraft. This strategic scout also excels at high speed. Lockheed SR-71 was able at one time to take to the skies to a height of 26,000 meters. The expensive project was closed, although many noted its prospects.

The operational reconnaissance aircraft MiG-25RB was a modified model of the Soviet fighter-interceptor. Like the prototype, the reconnaissance aircraft could reach high speeds, as well as climb to high altitudes.

The dynamic ceiling of the 25 RB model was 23,000 m. Today it has been decommissioned by the Russian army, so it has been replaced by more efficient combat vehicles. But some instances of the legendary MiG-25 continue sorties in the Algerian and Syrian air forces.

The rocket plane did not go into mass production, and only a few prototypes were designed. The X-15 became a historic aircraft that was able to climb to a height of 107,960 m. This record flight took place in 1963, and the pilot Joseph Walker, who raised his car to such a height, developed a speed of 6 thousand km / h. It was the highest flight in the history of aviation, and most importantly, it surprised the public, specialists and the entire editorial staff of the site. In 1970, for a number of reasons, the project was closed, but several prototypes are used by NASA for experiments and astronaut training.

Altitude records set by different types of aircraft

At the end of our review, for the overall picture, we present Interesting Facts high-altitude records set by various aircraft in different periods of the history of world aviation.

Wright brothers plane

In 1903, the brothers' aircraft rose to a height of 3 meters, which at that time was an absolute record among all previous attempts by a person to rise into the sky.

Two records

In 1959, pilot B. Jordan set two records for machines with a turbojet engine on a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. It was a record for speed and also a record for height. He raised the plane to a height of 31,534 m.

Felt weightless

Soviet combat pilot Georgy Masolov in 1961 on a light version of the MiG-21F-13 aircraft set an absolute record for fighters, raising the combat vehicle to a height of 35,000 m. During the flight, the pilot was in a state of weightlessness for several minutes.

sortie

In 1977, pilot Alexander Fedotov flew a MiG-25 to a height of 37,650 m. The self-control systems noted that the pilot had experienced great overloads.

propeller plane

The propeller plane Grob Strato 2C in 1995 broke the record for this type of aircraft, and climbed to a height of 18561 m.

During experimental flights conducted by NASA, the NASA Helios drone climbed to a height of 29,524 m, which became an absolute record among aircraft not equipped with jet engines. This device moves only due to solar energy.

Manned spacecraft SpaceShipOne

In October 2004, pilot William Binney took a private rocket-powered manned spacecraft to an altitude of 112,000 meters.

And not the Su-27, but the MiG-31 high-speed interceptor. This aircraft, which received the NATO designation Foxhound, has become one of the most unusual examples of modern aviation weapons. He did not have to take part in active hostilities, however, the very fact of the existence of such a machine was already able to cool the ardor of any aggressor. Suffice it to say that the use of the MiG-31 can almost completely neutralize the massive cruise missile strikes that the United States and its NATO allies are so fond of delivering. In addition, this interceptor is a huge danger to any modern military aircraft that is in range, and it is very extensive.

The history of the creation of the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor

In the early 60s, American B-52 strategic bombers were equipped with AGM-28 Hound Dog strategic cruise missiles. Despite the fact that this weapon was very inaccurate (the circular probable deviation was more than three kilometers), it posed a significant threat to the USSR. The greatest concern among the Soviet military was caused by reports about the imminent creation of a special modification of the AGM-28, capable of flying to a target at ultra-low altitude with enveloping the terrain.

Not only to shoot down, but even just to detect such a missile at that time was almost impossible, especially in the northeastern part of the USSR, where there was still neither a continuous radar field nor a network of air defense airfields. There was a need to create a new interceptor capable of independently, without help from the ground, to identify low-altitude objects against the background of the underlying surface, and destroy them as quickly as possible.

In those years, the Mikoyan Design Bureau was engaged in “finishing” the high-speed MiG-25 fighter, which had many advantages, but was still not suitable for combating cruise missiles. Nevertheless, it could be used as a base for a new interceptor. Work in this direction began in 1968, after the Soviet government issued a decree on the creation of the E-155 aircraft. The designers had to prepare preliminary designs for three different modifications of this machine: the E-155MP interceptor, the E-155MR reconnaissance aircraft and the E-155MRB front-line bomber.

Over the next few years, various layout options for the future aircraft were considered. The most promising was the project "518-22", later converted into "518-55". On its basis, in 1972, not a preliminary, but a full-scale design of the E-155MP interceptor began, which, after the transition to mass production, was to be called the MiG-25MP.

It should be noted that in reality the new aircraft was largely different from the MiG 25. It was created for other engines, the crew included a navigator, but the most important thing was the new on-board equipment - the Zaslon radar, which had unprecedented capabilities for the 70s .

On September 16, 1975, the first flight of the E-155M prototype took place. Two years later in Gorky ( Nizhny Novgorod) 11 interceptors were manufactured, which have already received the designation MiG-31. Flight design tests began, which continued until the end of 1978. During one of the flights, the new aircraft successfully attacked a low-altitude target. In addition, a radar station was tested, which was able to detect and steadily accompany ten aircraft at once.

In 1981, the MiG-31 was adopted by the air defense fighter aviation, and from that moment its operation began. At the same time, test flights continued, as work was already underway on new modifications of the interceptor. Subsequently, multi-purpose versions of the MiG-31 appeared, and in 2018 it became known that the aircraft became the carrier of the Kinzhal anti-ship aeroballistic missile.

Interceptor design features

Outwardly, the MiG 31 fighter is very similar to its "predecessor", the famous MiG-25, however, it would be a mistake to assume that these machines differ only in electronic equipment. The layout scheme is indeed almost identical, but its elements have been significantly changed.

Wing and plumage

The high-lying trapezoidal wing of the aircraft is somewhat reinforced, the frame includes not two, but three spars. Another difference is the root influx, the sweep of which is 70 degrees. This detail allows the interceptor to maintain stability when flying at high angles of attack. The main part of the wing has a sweep of 41 degrees. 4 fuel tanks are placed in the inner caisson.

The trailing edge is equipped with ailerons and flaps along its entire length. The mechanization is supplemented by deflectable wing tips (can be rotated up to 13 degrees). There are aerodynamic ridges located on the upper surface of the consoles.

The vertical tail consists of two keels. Each of them is equipped with a rudder. The camber angle of the keels is 8 degrees. The horizontal tail is all-moving, its surfaces can be used as elevators, as well as to give the aircraft a roll, thereby complementing the ailerons. Inside the keels there are two fuel tanks.

Power point

The MiG 31 aircraft is equipped with two D-30F6 bypass turbojet engines; D-30F6M were installed on later modifications. The development of this motor was carried out from 1972 to 1979. The design was carried out not from scratch, but on the basis of the D-30 engine (thrust - 6,800 kgf), which was used by the Tu-134 airliners. Thanks to a number of improvements and after the installation of the afterburner, the thrust was increased to 15,500 kgf (subsequently up to 16,500 kgf).

The air intakes had to be enlarged, as the new engine is characterized by increased air consumption during operation.

Fuselage

The main power element of the airframe is the middle part of the fuselage of the aircraft, inside which there are seven fuel tanks. The body in this part of the machine is welded. The design as a whole coincides with the MiG-25.

Part of the fuselage is a fairing, starting immediately behind the cockpit. Control rods are located inside the grotto, and on later modifications - a fuel tank

The creators of the interceptor took into account that the maximum speed of the MiG 31 was slightly reduced and the requirements for the heat resistance of the material were reduced, which made it possible to significantly reduce the proportion of stainless steel in the fuselage - from 80 to 50%. Increased titanium content from 8 to 16%. The share of aluminum alloys is 33%. The remaining one percent is composite materials.

In some flight modes, approximately one quarter of the total lift is generated by the fuselage, which is one of the load-bearing parts of the aircraft structure. In its tail section there are two aerodynamic ridges. The collapse between them is 12 degrees.

Chassis

In order to improve cross-country ability on unpaved airfields, the main landing gear of the MiG-31 interceptor is made in a special configuration. The rear wheel on each of the bogies is slightly shifted “outward”, and the front wheel is “inward”. This reduces the risk of bogging down in a deepening rut.

The main landing gear retracts forward into niches located under the air intake channels. The shutters covering them can be used as brake flaps. The front support retracts back.

Fighter cockpit

The pilot and navigator-operator are housed in two pressurized cabins located in the forward fuselage. Lanterns open up and back. Cabins are separated by a plexiglass partition, the thickness of which is one centimeter. The seats of both crew members are ejection, model - K-36DM. Behind the cabs is an equipment compartment, in front is a radar station.

aircraft control system

Unlike other fourth-generation fighters, the MiG-31 does not have fly-by-wire, but an older mechanical control. Its work is provided by special rods and cables. They are stretched from the cockpit to the control surfaces and wing mechanisms through the fuselage and are covered from above with a fairing.

The fighter-interceptor is equipped with the KN-25 navigation system, which includes short-range and long-range radio systems, global navigation equipment and two inertial systems. The interceptor, in addition, can be controlled by the SAU-155MP autopilot.

Weapons control system

The MiG-31 supersonic fighter is equipped with the RP-31 P007 Zaslon pulse-doppler radar. It is she who is the main part of the aircraft weapons control system. The main feature of this radar is the presence of a passive phased antenna array. It is noteworthy that before the MiG-31, such radar stations were not installed on serial fighters even in the US Air Force.

The Zaslon radar is capable of detecting such a target as the American F-16 fighter at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. Bombers or transport aircraft are detected at a distance of up to 200 kilometers. At the same time there is a definition of nationality. Automatic tracking is provided at a distance of 120 kilometers.

The radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 different targets, 8 of which can be guided by missiles. Electronics itself determines the four highest priority objects in terms of danger or importance, which should be struck first.

"Barrier" can receive data from other interceptors or from A-50 AWACS aircraft - communication is made automatic. This provides protection against active interference - all the "pieces" of information are put together, which makes it possible to detect hidden targets and direct missiles at them. In addition, target designation data can be transferred to another fighter or ground-based air defense system, after which the enemy will receive a strike from a completely unexpected direction for him.

In general, the onboard equipment allows the MiG-31 to be used as a leader aircraft, controlling an entire aviation group covering a vast airspace.

A later modification of the radar, "Barrier-M", detects targets at a distance of up to 320 kilometers. Provides simultaneous tracking of twenty-four of them. Eight targets can be hit simultaneously. The equipment is supplemented with a heat direction finder operating in a passive mode and capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 56 kilometers without turning on the radar.

The "main caliber" of the first modifications of the MiG-31 was the R-33 missile, which hits enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. On modern versions of the interceptor, R-37s are installed, the range of which is 300 km. In addition, the interceptor's armament kit includes R-77 and RVV-BD missiles, which ensure the destruction of targets at medium and close range.

In close combat, the MiG-31 can use the GSH-23-6 rapid-fire six-barreled cannon (it was dismantled on some modifications).

Specifications

There are many modifications of the MiG-31 fighter, between which there are sometimes significant differences. However, the main performance characteristics are quite close, since it was mainly the on-board equipment that changed.

The parameters of the original interceptor look like this:

For multi-purpose modifications, the combat load can be up to nine tons with a slight increase in the take-off weight of the vehicle.

Flight characteristics

The MiG-31 performs both short sorties to intercept specific targets, and long-term loitering in the air on duty.

During the takeoff of the MiG-31, the takeoff run is from 950 to 1200 meters, the landing run is 800 meters.

Advantages and disadvantages of the MiG-31

The main advantage of the interceptor, of course, is the excellent characteristics of its weapon control system.

This aircraft has other advantages:

1. High afterburner speed allows interception of the fastest targets, including American SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft;
2. Excellent climb rate. The aircraft is capable of "jumping" to a height of 30 kilometers;
3. Interaction with anti-aircraft missile systems, other aircraft and ground command posts, which expands the capabilities of the MiG-31. A small unit of such aircraft is capable of completely controlling the airspace over a medium-sized country;
4. Airborne armament allows you to hit both large, slow-moving aircraft and highly maneuverable targets. When firing at cruise missiles, the hit accuracy approaches 100%;
5. The latest modifications of the MiG-31 are capable of striking ground targets - the aircraft has become multi-purpose. In addition, it has become a good launch platform for the Kinzhal hypersonic anti-ship missile.

Of the shortcomings, first of all, low maneuverability should be highlighted. In close combat, this aircraft is significantly inferior to any other modern fighters. True, for the MiG 31, maneuverability characteristics were not initially considered as a priority. In addition, the cable control system has long been outdated, it complicates piloting and does not allow to fully realize the possibilities of automation.

MiG-31 modifications

At first, the fighter was a "pure" interceptor. The first attempts to modernize the MiG-31 assumed development in the same direction. Then there were also multi-purpose variants of the aircraft. They were intended mainly for arming the Russian army, although there were also export models.

MiG-31M

This modification of the machine made its first flight in 1985. Changes have been made to the airframe, in particular, on the wing there are larger and rounded root influxes, an additional fuel tank is placed inside the fairing. A monolithic visor is installed on the front cockpit, and the navigator-operator's lantern has decreased. This was done in order to improve the readability of indicators of the tactical situation. The number of fuselage nests for long-range missiles has been increased to six. At the same time, the gun was dismantled.

In addition, the spacing of the engines relative to the longitudinal axis of the fighter has been increased. Larger rudders are installed on the keels. Power power plant increased by about 2000 kgf.

The main differences from the base model are the installation of an updated Zaslon-M radar station and improved on-board equipment, which for the first time included multifunctional indicators. The direction finder was replaced with an optoelectronic system. The interceptor got the opportunity to use the R-37 missile, during the tests of which the target was destroyed from a distance of 300 km.

This version was not serially built, since it was completed only in the 90s, when complete collapse reigned in Russian industry.

MiG-31B

This variant of the aircraft was equipped with a retractable pod for in-flight refueling, which made it possible to significantly increase the combat radius. The upgraded fighter received the Zaslon-A radar and a slightly improved weapon control system as a whole. Such a replacement, among other things, made it possible to compensate for the damage caused by the leakage of secret information about the MiG-31 aircraft outside the USSR, revealed in 1985. In addition, the R-40TD medium-range missiles were included in the armament kit for the first time.

MiG-31BM

The development of this modification began in 1997 and was carried out in two directions at once. Firstly, the performance characteristics of the airborne radar and weapons control complex were brought up to the parameters previously achieved on the MiG-31M aircraft, and secondly, the interceptor was turned into a multi-role fighter.

The mass of the combat load has increased and is 9 tons for this modification. The aircraft is capable of using KAB-500 (up to eight) and KAB-1500 (up to six) adjustable air bombs. The armament complex also included Kh-31 missiles in anti-ship and anti-radar versions, Kh-59M and Kh-29T air-to-surface missiles, as well as Kh-25MP (or MPU) anti-radar missiles.

All surviving Russian MiG-31s, with the exception of carriers of the Kinzhal complex, will be converted into MiG-31BMs. In addition, this option was also offered for export.

MiG-31D

Non-serial experimental modification armed with the Kontakt missile (79M6). With the help of this weapon it was supposed to destroy uninhabited orbital vehicles.

MiG-31I

This variant of the interceptor is an aerial platform for a satellite launch system, which can weigh between 120 and 160 kilograms. This is facilitated by both high speed and a considerable practical ceiling of the aircraft. Launching into orbit with a height of up to 600 kilometers is provided.

MiG-31LL

The plane is a flying laboratory. The MiG-31LL was based at the airfield in Zhukovsky.

MiG-31F

This modification, shown at the 1995 Le Bourget air show, is the result of the first attempt to turn a two-seat interceptor into a multi-purpose aircraft. As with the MiG-31BM variant, the payload weight has been increased to 9 tons. A set of means of destruction of ground targets is also basically the same. At the same time, the original modification of the Zaslon radar was installed on the MiG-31F, the capabilities of which are not as great as those of the on-board equipment of the MiG-31BM.

Combat use of a fighter

The MiG-31 interceptor has never yet used its missiles against real, not training targets. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that he did not have combat use. For example, it was this aircraft that put an end to the apparently excessive activity of American SR-71 intelligence officers near the eastern and northwestern borders of the USSR.

In the early 80s, the Blackbirds regularly provoked the Soviet air defense system, forcing it to use secret combat modes of operation. MiG-31 interceptors literally "pushed" the Americans away from the border. Soviet aircraft flew in groups of 8-10 aircraft, alternately passing SR-71 escorts to each other. This made it clear to the American pilot that even with the shortest and most random border crossing, he would be immediately destroyed. As a result, reconnaissance flights ceased, and the Blackbird itself was eventually written off.

In 2016, several MiG-31BM fighters were sent to Syria. The main purpose of these interceptors is to control airspace and coordinating the efforts of the rest of aviation. In this regard, the MiGs were able to partially replace the A-50 aircraft, the operation of which is more expensive.

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Looking at the sky, one could only estimate at what altitude the planes were flying, but it is not possible to determine this accurately without special equipment. The situation changes if you are inside an airliner; from here it is much easier for you to determine the height of the aircraft, since a special display can be located in the cabin, which will display information about the state of the flight. In the article, we will find out what is the maximum height of modern aircraft and who set this record.

In general, there are several factors that influence the choice of the optimal aircraft altitude:

• The aircraft model
• His movement speed
• Fuel consumption
• The amount of oxygen in the air

The higher we rise above the ground, the rarer the air around us will become. At high altitudes, climbers and climbers use special oxygen masks, and aircraft cabins are airtight and contain enough air for comfortable breathing. These factors suggest that a person will not be able to be so high in the atmosphere without the use of special equipment.

However, for airplanes and, in general, any fast-flying vehicles, such rarefied air plays into the hands, since it reduces the resistance of air flows. This affects the overall fuel consumption, since less energy is spent on overcoming the force of friction against the air, respectively, less fuel is needed for greater speed. Therefore, there is a dependence of the speed on the possible height.

An airliner will also not be able to fly very high, since the air currents, although rarefied, are necessary for it to support the wings, working by analogy with water for a ship. Therefore, above 12000 meters passenger aircraft they will not fly, as they will lose the air support they need so much. It turns out that the higher the flight altitude, the lower the fuel consumption and the lower the ticket price; these two factors guide the aviation companies.

Air traffic controller service

Nowadays, there are a lot of planes flying in the sky. Air traffic control services monitor and calculate the ideal height. Using their equipment, they process and respond to pilots' requests, monitor the weather, turbulence zones, and ensure that the planes fly on their own route to avoid collisions.

When creating a route, the weather forecast, atmospheric pressure, possible natural disasters, political situations on the territory of states are taken into account. There is a certain range of heights within which the liner usually flies, and the permission of the controller is required to change the height above or below - this range is called the flight level. In addition, there is also lateral separation; this is when the distance between the two sides is more than 10,000 meters, and is held to avoid air turbulence.

Features of the flight of non-passenger aircraft

For quite different reasons, passenger aircraft have very different flight altitudes. If a civilian aircraft is equipped with a jet engine, then it will fly at a distance of about 12,000 meters from the ground. Among such aircraft, the achievement of such a height belongs to the Boeing 737-400. The characteristics of the Airbus A310 aircraft allow you to gain a height of 11 thousand meters.

Aircraft carrying goods, they are also cargo liners, are not much different from ordinary passenger aircraft, and have the same principle of economy. Planes with a speed of about 300 km/h fly at an altitude of 2000 meters. This parameter also depends on the aircraft model and its technical parameters.

As for non-civilian aircraft, they have a specially designed design that helps them take supersonic speeds and not be discovered. Combat aircraft mainly fly at altitudes exceeding 15 thousand meters. Some of them, due to their specific design, are completely capable of taking a height of 25 kilometers.

At one time, the MiG-21 was the most common combat aircraft in the world; it was produced in the USSR in various modifications from 1959 to 1985. Aircraft showed himself well during the military operations in Vietnam; thanks to his amazing maneuverability, he was able to dodge missiles flying at him and more than safely fight the American F-4 Phantom. At one time, he set several records for flight altitude.

MiG-25 - the king of the sky

However, the altitude record on an airplane now belongs to the legendary MiG-25, which gained a height of 37,650 meters in test tests. Despite its unattractive name, awe-inspiring appearance and good technical performance, it does have one of the highest altitudes possible in its class. This device was developed by the USSR specifically to deal with American supersonic bombers, which were never created.

The aircraft has a very high flight speed, and it is capable of carrying a significant bomb load on board. Based on its technical parameters, the fighter could perfectly cope with the defense of airspace from the penetration of the Americans. However, the hopes that relied on him were not justified.

Despite its excellent technical data, it still had flaws in its own design, moreover, the main aspect for which it was created disappeared. All these factors meant that its competitiveness was significantly weakened compared to the best fighters of the time, and the maintenance of the MiG-21 was cheaper. Therefore, the aircraft soon ceased to be present in the world's military arsenals, with the exception of some possible individual units.

The MiG-25 has truly amazing abilities. Its speed in normal mode is Mach 2.5, but this is not the limit - the aircraft is capable of developing Mach 3, but no one does this, since there is a possibility of engine destruction. The aircraft was designed to carry aerial reconnaissance, was equipped with powerful R-40 air-to-air missiles with a range of 80 kilometers, had advanced photographic and electronic special equipment.

One of the main drawbacks of the MiG-25 was its heavy weight, much more than that of its Western competitors. Its maneuverability and handling suffered greatly at high speeds and low altitudes; in the circumstances of normal air combat, its radar had rather limited capabilities compared to other enemy fighters, and the difficulties of piloting at low altitudes meant that it simply could not be effective in such operations. Such imperfections of the aircraft could be forgiven if it was used at least once in a high-altitude interception operation, but much more often it was used for other purposes.

Almost all of these aircraft were taken out of service by countries after the collapse of the USSR. It served as the basis for the creation of one of the best fighters - the MiG-31. Nevertheless, the record for the maximum flight altitude of an aircraft still belongs to him.