A model of the modified RSK MiG-31 Foxhound for the Russian-Kazakh Ishim satellite-launching programme was displayed at Asian Aerospace last month.
The MiG-31 carries a three- or four-stage 10t solid-propellant rocket, which carries micro-satellite payloads. The rocket and its payload would be flown to an altitude of 49,000-65,500ft (15,000-20,000m), at which point the rocket would be dropped and its engines ignited. Moscow-based RSK MiG and Russia’s Institute of Heat Engineering are developing the system for the Kazakh government. Ishim is expected to be ready for tests in 2007. Enquiries have already come from Israel Aircraft Industries, Finmeccanica, Rafael and Surrey Satellite Technology.
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Source: Flight International