Is the MiG-41 too good to be true?

Russia asserts to be creating a 6th generation fighter, MiG-41. It is even promised that the first flight of this prototype will happen in 2025. But are these plans feasible? And in general, is the MiG-41 too good to be true?

This is not MiG-41 but MiG-35, the prototype version. This is the latest working aircraft model in the MiG series that entered service in 2016. Nobody knows what the MiG-41 will look like, only some hypothetical renderings can be found on the internet. Is the MiG-41 too good to be true? Image credit: Alexandr Ermakov via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is MiG-41?

MiG-41, also known as PAK DP, is the Russian next-generation interceptor and heavy fighter aircraft. It is primarily intended to replace the aging MiG-31 interceptor aircraft. The project is still in the conceptual stage, and only very few details have been released to the public by Russian authorities.

According to existing reports, the MiG-41 is expected to have a range of advanced capabilities, including supersonic speed, stealth technology, and the ability to operate in space. The aircraft is also expected to be equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, including long-range air-to-air missiles and hypersonic weapons.

Previously, Russian officials have suggested that the MiG-41 will enter service in the mid-2020s, with the first flight previewed for 2025. It is expected to enter the service with the Russian Air Force in 2028. There is, however, a lot of skepticism surrounding this project, mostly regarding very ambitious technological statements and the current state of the aviation industry in the Russian Federation.

Problems with component supply

Western sanctions that were introduced after the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine make it difficult for its military industry to get the necessary supply of aviation components and microprocessors. Any advanced engineering project such as the creation of a sixth-generation airplane would require many state-of-the-art technological developments as well as custom-built components.

The current Russian industry is not capable to create everything on its own, and that is why it sources many components for its existing models from foreign countries.

The ongoing war in Ukraine also requires lots of money and resources, which is a hefty burden even for a large country such as Russia. This country has already suspended many other military projects due to the lack of funds, and is choosing to retrofit existing older vehicles with the aim to reduce manufacturing costs. Therefore, the plans to build MiG-41 seem to be too idealistic.

Technical specifications: Is the MiG-41 too good to be true?

The expected MiG-41 specs are particularly ambitious. For example, here is a list with some of the most astounding statements related to its creation:

• Advanced stealth technology with exceptional thermal and mechanical resistance.
• MACH 4 to MACH 5 speed is promised, too. But that requires advanced design. The heat from air friction would burn up the stealth coating at these speeds, no matter how tough it is – unless Russian engineers devise something radically better than existing technologies.
• The airplane should be able to launch hypersonic weapons. This is quite possible, because Russia already has planes capable of launching hypersonic missiles.
• MiG-41 would have an operating altitude ceiling high enough to fire anti-satellite missiles.
• A ramjet or turboramjet engine would allow it to achieve speeds necessary for intercepting hypersonic weapons. It would be theoretically possible to shoot down enemy hypersonic missiles.

Reaching MACH 4 and higher speeds would also require a substantial amount of fuel. It would make the airplane heavier and less maneuverable. Moreover, trying to perform aerial refueling would affect the airplane’s stealth attributes.

Another problem is that the heat from the high-speed flight would create damage to the airplane. That would require significant amounts of maintenance. Each flight hour would cost much more compared to existing and slower models of jet aircraft.

What are the real prospects for MiG-41?

Is the MiG-41 too good to be true? Quite possibly.

Previously discussed limitations make it unlikely that the project has advanced beyond the conceptual stages. While Russia tries to keep up with China and the United States and does not give up the idea of developing a 6th generation jet, it already struggles with its 5th generation fighters.

The latest Russian fighter jet Su-57 had few, if any, flights over Ukraine. But its specifications are not even close to what is proposed to exist in MiG-41. And Su-75 program lacks foreign partners to start and is stuck in the concept stage. In this context, the MiG-41 looks like an unattainable goal.

Written by Giedrius Pakalka and Alius Noreika