Russia’s MiG-41 6th Generation Fighter Jet Can Be Described in 4 Words

May Never Fly: Russia is developing the MiG-41, also known as PAK DP (Prospective Air Complex for Long-Range Intervention), which is envisioned as a sixth-generation stealth interceptor to replace the aging MiG-31.

-The plane aims to reach a speed of at least Mach 3, with some suggesting it could go as high as Mach 5. Designed for high-altitude operations, the aircraft could have advanced stealth capabilities, variable cycle engines, or even unmanned versions.

Problem: However, due to the secret nature of the project and Russia’s economic and technological difficulties, there are doubts about whether the MiG-41 will materialize as planned or whether it will significantly affect global air power dynamics. In fact, experts may think it will never fly.

As the saying goes, “You learn something new every day.” When I saw the topic of this essay assignment, I dutifully remembered the truth.

I knew that there was the legendary Russian MiG (originally abbreviated). Mikoyan and Gurevichbut now he is known only as Mikoyan and United Aircraft Company) numerical/sequential designations of fighter series had reached the 30s, e.g. MiG-31 (NATO reporting name “Foxhound“) And MiG-35 “Base F.” It looks like the MiG’s numerical designations have reached the 40s… at least on paper. To say “Special (Hello)” to MiG-41, AKA PAK DP (Perspektivny Aviatsionny Complex Dal’nego PerekhvataLiterally meaning “Possible air complex for long-range interception”; Quite a mouthful in both languages, eh).

MiG-41 Early History and Features

It shouldn’t completely leave other Russian jet fighter maker Sukhoi behind. Su-57 “Guilty” And Su-75 “CheckmateThe MiG-41/PAK DP represents Mikoyan’s developmental program for entry into the fifth-generation stealth fighter program. More specifically, the PAK DP is envisioned as a stealth interceptor/heavy fighter. Moreover. Unlike the Sukhoi stealth products mentioned above, it is envisioned as a sixth-generation warbird. US Air Force‘s Next Generation Air Domination (NGAD) program, US Navy‘s F/A-XX programand the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) Storm.

It is worth noting that neither the “MiG-41” nor the “PAK DP” label is official, as it is a Russian tradition not to give official titles to warbirds until they actually enter service. However, it originates from the project code “MiG-41”. İzdeliye 41 (“Item 41”).

The warbird’s design specifications were reportedly finalized in 2019. Due to the quiet nature of the project, more precise numerical specifications for the PAK DP are sketchy and vague at best:

• Maximum Air Speed: At least Mach 3 (3,700 km/h; 2,300 mph); according to my colleague Stavros Atlamazoglou (related to September 30, 2024, And 9 August 2024, articles for National Interest) and the warbird can **hypothetically** reach speeds of Mach 4 (4,939 km/h; 3,069 mph) and even Mach 5 (6,174 km/h; 3,836 mph).
• Service Ceiling: Somewhere below 45,000 meters (147,637 feet) and above 12,000 meters (39,370 feet).
• Power plant (possibly): The Saturn AL-51 is an after-combustion, low-bypass turbofan engine consisting of:
  • Two shafts and a three-stage fan driven by a low-pressure turbine
  • Five-stage high-pressure compressor driven by a single-stage high-pressure turbine
  • Fiberglass plastic inlet guide vanes and convergent-divergent nozzles using serrated blades to reduce radar signature

Additional Information

Mine TNI his colleague Harrison Kass adds in his article dated October 20, 2024:

“From the general parameters that determine the sixth-generation design, we can deduce Russia’s expectations from the PAK DP or MiG-41. Advanced stealth airframes and avionics must be included, as well as advanced variable cycle engines with high thrust and cruise control. The airframe should be equipped with increased range standoff and Beyond Visual Range weapons and allow for enhanced human-system integration. There must be a remote or autonomous control option… It will be equipped with an anti-missile laser and can fly at near-space altitudes. Tarasenko also said that the new jet will have an unmanned version.”

The Way Forward

Mikoyan set target dates of 2025 and 2028 for the MiG-41’s expected first flight and entry into operational service, respectively. An unmanned version is also reportedly in the works. However, MiG’s general manager Ilya TarasenkoHe’s probably being overly optimistic, and to quote Kass once again:

“In short, sixth generation platforms are expected to have many ambitious features that Russians will have difficulty obtaining. To date, no one has created a sixth-generation platform. Only three countries (Russia, China and the USA) have received a fifth-generation platform. So Russia’s plan to fly the PAK DP/MiG-41 for the first time in 2025 may be overly optimistic… To speculate, and looking at Russia’s many dreams for military hardware, never take it off the drawing board that there is a strong shift here..”

vremya pocaget (“Time will tell”).

About the Author:

Christian D. Orr is Senior Defense Editor. National Security Journal (NSJ). He is a former Air Force Security Forces officer, Federal law enforcement officer, and private military contractor (he served in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kosovo, Japan, Germany, and the Pentagon). Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC) and a master’s degree in Intelligence Studies (terrorism Studies concentration) from American Military University (AMU). It was also published Daily Torch, Intelligence and Cyber ​​Security MagazineAnd Simple Flight. Last but not least he is a Companion of the Order. Order of the United States Marine Corps (NOUS