Russia is conducting trials of an upgraded MiG-31 interceptor fighter with a
fly-by-wire control system. The manager of the Sokol airline reported this
to Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko during his visit to
the production facility.
As part of his work trip to Nizhny Novgorod in the Volga region, Russia's
deputy defense minister visited the Sokol aviation company where he checked
the company's production capacity and checked the speed of repairs and
upgrades of MiG-31 fighter jets, and also held meetings on the fulfillment
of defense procurement plans.
"There is an option to upgrade this aircraft in which we switch from a
mechanical control system to a fly-by-wire control system which results in a
number of computers being installed on the aircraft," the Sokol airline
management informed TASS, Friday (26/26/2011). 11/2021).
Fly by wire is a semi-automatic and usually computer-controlled system to
control the flight of an airplane or spacecraft.
Today the main task of the airline Sokol is to carry out a major overhaul of
the MiG-31 interceptor fighter jet with a weight increase to the level of
the MiG-31BM and this work has been ongoing since 2007.
During a fighter upgrade, its onboard equipment will be completely replaced.
Fighter aircraft will also be checked for faults to replace corrosion parts
which may reach 15-50%.
All cables and rubber strips will be completely replaced along with the
fighter's canopy.
The management of the airline Sokol reported to the deputy minister of
defense the efficiency of the MiG-31 interceptor fighter jet will increase
by about three times after major repairs and upgrades.
Sokol's manager stressed major repairs of the fighter aircraft will provide
reliable and error-free operations.
"Meanwhile, the upgrade, in which the onboard radio-electronic equipment is
completely replaced with advanced technology using the latest air-launched
weapons, will increase the combat efficiency of the aircraft by about
threefold," Sokol management said.
