MiG-301 (321) Supersonic reconnaissance-bomber aircraft

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In 1988 the Mikoyan office was continuing its studies of a supersonic aircraft called the Type 301. In the early 1990s the air force considered this program a matter of priority.

The aircraft was constructed from welded steel sheets (experience derived, in construction at least, from the MiG-25. The propulsion system consisted of two turbojet and ramjet engines. The speeds that would be developed thanks to this combination - the engines at one point working as twin-flow turbofans and then as ramjet - would exceed Mach 3,5. Cruising speed, always according to Western sources, could reach up to 4.250 km/h (Mach 4) at an altitude of 25-27 km.

In order for the craft to operate from existing airports (for short takeoff an landing), but also for flexibility in flight, must have a variable sweep wing. The maximum take-off weight is estimated at around 80 tons, of which almost half is fuel. Two versions are envisaged, one as an electronic reconnaissance aircraft (ELINT/COMINT) with lateral visibility radar and one as a bomber with air-to-surface missiles that would probably be carried inside the aircraft.

Technical specifications