The MiG-31 (NATO - Foxhound) is a two-seater long-range supersonic interceptor fighter. The MiG-31 was developed in the 1970s and completed Its maiden flight in September 1975. The MiG-31 set several world records by reaching an altitude of 37,650 meters (123,523 ft) in 1977 as well as setting a time-to-altitude record of 35,000 meters (114,829 ft) in 4 minutes 11.78 seconds. The MiG-25 “Foxbat” was the basis for the MiG-31 “Foxhound” but equipped with the latest digital avionics that allows it to operate in all weather conditions and the first Soviet aircraft to have look-down shoot-down capability.
Between 1976 and 1988 production began on the first series of the baseline MiG-31. There were 519 aircraft produced during this period at the Sokol factory and 40 of these aircraft would later be upgraded to MiG-31BS. The next series ran from 1989 to 1991 and consisted of 101 MiG-31DZs followed by the final batch of 69 MiG-31Bs between 1990 and 1994. The Kazakhstan Air Force retained 50 MiG-31Bs after the breakup of the Soviet Union. The MiG-31B received upgraded avionics and an in-flight refueling probe and new R-335S missiles.
