Revealing the MiG-41, Russia's "dream" 6th generation stealth fighter

Russia's MiG Corporation may be building a stealthy, manned/unmanned jet that can reach speeds of up to Mach 5, carry hypersonic weapons and intercept targets in space.

Revealing the MiG-41, Russia's

Sketch of the MiG-41 (top) and Russia's 5th generation fighter, the Su-57 (bottom).

The MiG-41 fighter, known as PAK DP (Prospective Aviation Complex for Long-Range Interceptor), is expected to be introduced by the end of this decade as the fifth-generation product of the MiG Corporation.

According to 19fortyfive, Russia's MiG corporation may be building a stealth jet, manned and unmanned, capable of carrying hypersonic weapons. The aircraft can reach speeds of Mach 5 and carry anti-satellite missiles near the boundary of the Earth's atmosphere.

Currently, there are 5 generations of fighter aircraft, each with its own technical characteristics. The latest generation so far is the American F-35, the Russian Su-57 (expected to start combat operations in 2021).

There is little information about the Russian 5++ or possibly 6th generation stealth interceptor fighter being developed to replace the existing MiG-31. Russian media reports suggest that the MiG-41 may resemble the 5th generation Su-57 in configuration.

There has been no public unveiling or display of the aircraft, but some images or “renders” show a stealthy round-wing fuselage design, combined with vertical tail fins not unlike those on the US F-22, F-35 or Russian Su-57.

A 2019 report from Russia's TASS news agency showed a photo of a rounded fuselage that appeared to be designed to be stealthy, covering the pilot's cockpit, but few details were provided in the body of the report.

The article quotes the director of the MiG corporation as saying that the MiG-41 will “use new types of aviation weapons” and “be created using new stealth technologies.”

What are the new stealth technologies?

This question certainly invites speculation about the US Air Force’s mysterious sixth-generation aircraft. It may feature new radar-absorbent materials, design configurations, and sensors. It may be AI-enabled and capable of operating drones. Russian and MiG leaders have made it clear that the MiG-41 will eventually replace the MiG-31 in the fighter-interceptor role.

The MiG CEO's statement that it will carry “new types of aviation weapons” also leaves a question mark over the MiG-41's new capabilities.

An article from militaryaerospace.com speculates that the MiG-41 could operate in “near space” environments and perform interception and strike missions.

“The MiG-41 is also capable of carrying anti-satellite missiles and can operate in near-space environments. Some reports even claim that the aircraft can shoot down an incoming hypersonic missile,” the article said.

“Since its announcement in 2018, several more details have emerged about the MiG-41 jet fighter, including that it will be powered by ramjet or turboramjet engines, feature stealth technology, and be capable of speeds of Mach 4 to 4.3, while some reports suggest it could even reach Mach 5,” according to an article on militaryaerospace.com.

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