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MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. The MiG-31 fighters interceptors will get a strap down inertial navigation system for operations in the Arctic, Vladimir Mikheyev, an adviser to deputy head of the Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET) concern Vladimir Mikheyev told TASS on Tuesday.
"This aircraft will be equipped with new navigation means - a strap down inertial navigation system," said Mikheyev, explaining that the new equipment would enable fighters to navigate in the Arctic without correction from GPS and GLONASS satellites.
In addition, a new version of the on-board electronic warfare complex Vitebsk has been developed for the MiG-31 fighter, the official said. According to him, the interceptor’s Zaslon type on-board radar is planned to be seriously modernised.
"Tests of several versions of upgraded aircraft are currently underway, the customer will select the most suitable version," said the KRET representative.
The strap down inertial navigation system is adapted for operation at low temperatures, increased background radiation, the absence of satellite signals and communication with ground-based services. The system’s operating air temperature range is from minus 60 to plus 55 degrees, and the limit - from minus 70 to plus 85 degrees Celsius. The strap down inertial navigation system will ensure in the Arctic conditions fully autonomous high-precision navigation in a situation where the use of other navigation systems is impossible. This will allow pilots to always determine their aircraft location and ensure navigation capability even in case of partial failure of the electronic equipment.
Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies is a subsidiary of the state corporation Rostec. Presently, KRET unites more than 95 enterprises and organisations engaged in the development and production of military and civilian radio-electronic products. The Concern’s enterprises are located across Russia, from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, and the total number of employees exceeds 50,000 people. KRET is the developer of avionics for the leading Russian aircraft, including Sukhoi Su-35S fighters, Kamov Ka-52 Alligator, Mil Mi-171A2 helicopters, Yak-130, Il-476, and Tu-204SM planes, the most modern Russian line aircraft, as well as the Soyuz-TMA spacecraft. Thus, KRET is a supplier for the major Russian aircraft producers, such as United Aircraft Corporation and Russian Helicopters.