Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (2024)

Russia is pushing the boundaries of aviation engineering, reportedly developing arevolutionary 6th-generation fighter. Known as the MiG-41, this aircraft aims to make waves not just in our atmosphere, but also leaps towards low space orbits. This cutting-edge development draws inspiration from the time-honored MiG-31M and promises to introduce features unlike anything the aviation world has yet to see.

Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (1)
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Even ardent aviation enthusiasts may be unaware of the existence of amodernized iteration of the MiG-31: the MiG-31M. Alleged by Russia to have been developed in the 90s, this overlooked aircraft might soon become legendary. Its lack of fame and the reasons behind the halted mass production are still subjects of bemused speculation amongst Russian analysts.

Despite this, the MiG-31M deserves recognition. This is because the work put into it is suspected to lay the foundation for the eagerly awaited, next-gen supersonic interceptor, the MiG-41. The MiG-31M, emerging from arigorous modernization process, sports enhancements on both exteriors and internals. Notable upgrades, apart from its visual appeal, include an expanded 300-litre fuel tank. An advanced Zaslon-M radar, and the capacity to carry 6 air-to-air missiles included too. Regrettably, the MiG-31M never made it to large-scale production, acasualty of the economic chaos that defined the 1990s.

Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (2)

What do they say in Russia?

Estimations from Russian experts, frequently cited in recent media reports, suggest that the VKS’s [Russian Aerospace Forces] sixth-generation MiG-41 combat aircraft will take to the skies by 2025. The principal challenge to realizing this vision appears to be the ongoing development of the pulse-detonation engine that will power the aircraft.

The Russian tech magazine, Sfera [Sphere], notes, “While progress is being made, we’re venturing into uncharted territory here. Questions may arise over the resources required for managing the engine’s wear and tear, given the exceptionally dynamic load they will handle.”

Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (3)

According to local speculation, the aircraft might be designed to operate using an alternative engine. Potential options include asecond-stage engine borrowed from the Su-57 or the P-579-300 engine from the Soyuz AMNTK. Interestingly, the P-579-300 already possesses adeveloped gas generator. The P-79-300, previously utilized in the Yak-141, serves as the foundational model for this development.

Coming soon?

There’s alot of speculation circulating about the evolution of the elusive MiG-41, with scant official confirmations to authenticate any details. The latest conjecture, however, anticipates the fighter to be deployed for duty by 2028, veering away from the previously speculated timeline of 2024-2025.

It’s worth noting that the MiG-41 is ahighly classified defense project. While there exists aremote chance it may have been developed off the grid, its existence remains largely uncertain.

A mention of the MiG-41’s speed capabilities at Mach 4.3 harks back to an under-publicized report from 2022. This involved AMNTC Soyuz divulging some enlightening information on its website about the already-developed R-579 300 engine, apotential match for the Su-57, among others.

P-579-300

Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (4)

When we first started reporting on this news, our lens of scrutiny captured quotes from Soyuz’s designers. We were among the few discussing this news. Interestingly, AMNTK Soyuz began to exhibit similar traits—a striking example being the potential achievement of Mach 4.3 speed. Is it just ahappy coincidence? Let’s delve deeper.

Currently, MiG is working on aunique project—developing a“new vertical take-off deck-based fighter”. There are whispers that the R-579-300 is constructed to perform vertical take-offs without arotating nozzle. This remarkable feature is made possible by channeling air from the engine’s second circuit through specialized pipes downward to generate lift. In addition, it possesses apower take-off shaft that can be attached to afan. Intriguing, isn’t it?

EMP gun and missiles

Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (5)

According to Military Watch, Russia is developing an electromagnetic pulse [EMP] gun, apotential game-changer in the realm of aerial warfare. This innovative ‘energy gun’ could expand the range of achievable targets.

This development poses aserious threat, potentially edging out the already potent Su-57 and the impending MiG-41. Sources inside Russia suggest the possible use of aless powerful version of the EMP gun as an effective deterrent against UAVs and unmanned aerial vehicles. It’s also speculated that the yet-to-be-launched MiG-41 might be equipped with R-37 missiles.

The Russian publication, Izvestia, reports that the MiG-41 might feature amulti-purpose interceptor missile system, able to handle hypersonic munitions with multiple warheads. If the MiG-41 successfully completes its maiden flight by 2025, it’s expected to be fully operational by 2030. This sense of urgency seems to arise from the fact that production has stopped for the engines for the existing MiG-31, and the remaining resources are quickly depleting.

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Russia anticipates MiG-41 with electromagnetic cannon by 2025 (2024)

FAQs

How fast will the MiG-41 go? ›

Developed by Mikoyan, the MiG-41, or Mikoyan PAK DP, is claimed to reach speeds of Mach 4.3 to Mach 5 and to be equipped with anti-satellite missiles, allowing it to operate in near-space environments.

How fast is the MiG-41 Mach? ›

Its primary role is to protect Russian airspace against advanced threats. Speed and Performance: One of the defining features of the MiG-41 is its projected speed capabilities. It is expected to be capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 4 (four times the speed of sound), making it a hypersonic aircraft.

Can the MiG-41 go to space? ›

Russia is planning to “push the boundaries of aviation engineering” with the development of its newest fighter, the MiG-41, which is a proposed replacement for the MiG-31 “Foxhound.” According to Russian sources, the MiG-41 will fly at altitudes that no other warplane can fly—not only to the highest points in the ...

Is the MiG-41 real? ›

Summary. MiG-41 is Russia's new 6th-gen fighter, aiming to replace MiG-31 with hypersonic speeds of Mach 4-4.5. MiG-41 development is still at a conceptual stage, with conflicting opinions on its capabilities and potential deployment timeline.

What is the fastest jet in the world? ›

The Pinnacle of Speed

The NASA X-43 holds the title for the fastest aircraft ever built, reaching a mind-blowing Mach 9.6 (7,366 mph).

Is there a plane that can go Mach 4? ›

The current name of the project is MiG-41 with speeds projected to be of over Mach 4.0. According to the famous Russian experimental pilot Anatoliy Kvochur, the MiG-41 is to be capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 4.3 (about 5270km/h or 3270mph).

What is Russia's fastest jet? ›

The fastest combat jet is the Russian Mikoyan MiG-25 fighter (NATO code name `Foxbat'). The reconnaissance `Foxbat-B' has been tracked by radar at about Mach 3.2 (3,395 km/h 2,110 mph).

What is the fastest MiG ever? ›

1. MiG-25 Foxbat - Mach 3.2 (2,190 mph)

What does MiG stand for? ›

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas. Only inert gases or gas mixtures are used for the shielding gas when MIG welding.

Why does NASA fly T 38? ›

Nevertheless, the T-38 association with NASA has a long history. NASA has frequently used T-38s as test platforms, chase aircraft, and vehicles to allow NASA pilots to maintain their minimum flight requirements.

Why can the MiG-29 fly so high? ›

So basically what the MiG-29 does is to accelerate and climb up with maximum speed from 12km and hence it was able to overshoot the service ceiling by several kilometres. Unfortunately these days we have to be more gentle to the jet engine after the Russians had to change it recently.

Why did the MiG 1.44 fail? ›

The MiG-1.44 was the first rival to the F-22. Of course, it failed. Its failure was not necessarily due to poor technology, though – it mostly had to do with poor timing due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War. But the MiG-1.44's legacy still lives on today.

What plane was the MiG killer? ›

McDonnell Douglas F-15C Historic Double MiG Killer.

Can the MiG-31 hit Mach 3? ›

The MiG-31 carries two D30-F6 jet engines, which are rated for 152 kilonewtons of thrust. The D30-F6 is capable of propelling the MiG-31 to Mach 3.2 – but speeds above Mach 3 pose substantial risks to the engine and airframe and are not recommended. The MiG-31 is, therefore, redlined at Mach 2.83.

Why was the MiG-15 feared? ›

"The MiG-15 was good, but hardly the superfighter that should strike terror in the heart of the West ... There was no question that the F-86 was the better fighter." Soviet leader Josef Stalin feared that if a Soviet MiG-15 pilot was captured, it would prove the USSR's direct involvement in the war.

What is the highest speed of MiG? ›

The MiG-31 is one of the fastest known operational combat aircraft in the world as of 2021, with a top speed of around 3,000 kilometres per hour (1,900 mph). It continues to be operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Could the MiG-21 go Mach 2? ›

The MiG-21 is a lightweight fighter achieving Mach 2 with a relatively low-powered afterburning turbojet, and is thus comparable to the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and Northrup F-5 Freedom Fighter. The MiG-21 is a delta wing. The sweep angle on the leading edge is 57 degrees with a TsAGI S-12 airfoil.

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