The Myasishchev M-55 (NATO reporting name: Mystic) is a high altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed by the Soviet Union's Myasishchev design bureau. It is similar in both its mission and design to the American Lockheed U-2 spy plane. It is a development of the M-17. Differences include two turbofan engines instead of one and greater maximum take-off weight.
Development
The M-55 was first known as the M-17. Its life began in 1978 when Soviet engineers searched for ways to intercept American unmanned reconnaissance balloons. The first flight of the M-17 was 26 May 1982; this aircraft was soon detected by U.S. observers. With the introduction of another model of this class, this interceptor M-17 would later become known as the M-17 Mystic-A. The Mystic-A set 25 world records for its class. However, this balloon-interceptor model was terminated in 1987 and replaced by the M-17RN, also known as the M-55 Geophysica, which was dubbed by NATO Mystic-B. The first one of these flew in 1988, but as the Soviet Union collapsed, military demand dropped. In 1994, the reconnaissance version was terminated after only five aircraft were built. A number of M-55 Geophysica remain in service, performing in research roles. One M-55 took part in a study of the Arctic stratosphere in 1996-1997.
Operators
Specifications (M-55)
General characteristics
- Crew: one, pilot
- Length: 22.8 m (75 ft)
- Wingspan: 37.4 m (122 ft 11 in)
- Height: 4.7 m (15 ft 5 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 24,500 kg (54,013 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Aviadvigatel PS-30-V12 turbojets, 98 kN (22,000 lbf) each
Performance
Similar aircraft
External links
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Related development
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