Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera / M-55 Geophysics

Originally identified in 1982 by US reconnaissance satellites as the 'Ram-M' single-seat high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, and later codenamed 'Mystic' by NATO, the twin-boom straight-wing jet, was publicised as a high-altitude research aircraft able to carry around 1500kg of sensors, existing in two versions.

The first of two prototype aircraft, designated M-17 Stratosfera ('Mystic-A'), first flew in 1988 and are powered by a single 68.6kN thrust Rybinsk RD-36-51V turbojet developed from the Tu-144 SST powerplant.

The M-55 Geofizika ('Mystic-B'), has two 49kN thrust Perm/Soloviev PS-30-V12 turbojets mounted side-by-side behind a raised cockpit installed in a longer nose, together with a reduced span wing.
The M-55 'Mystic-B' differs from the first M-17 Stratosfera in having a longer jetpipe, shorter engine intakes, a reprofiled nose and an undernose FLIR turret.

The role of the 'Mystic-B' is described as environmental sampling missions or high-altitude research and endurance in this role is claimed as over 4 hours loiter capability at 20000m. A further variant of the M-55 is reported to be under development with wingroot mounted engines in stalled in a conventional fuselage carrying a sweptback tail unit.

Two 'Mystic-A' prototypes were followed by two 'Mystic-B' and two pre-production 'Mystic-Bs' were flying by 1992.

Engines: 2 x Soloviev PS-30-V12, 49kN
Wingspan: 37.47 m / 122 ft 11 in
Length: 22.87 m / 75 ft 0 in
Height: 4.83 m / 15 ft 10 in
Cruise speed: 750 km/h / 466 mph
Ceiling: 21000 m / 68900 ft
Crew: 1

Myasishchev M-17 / M-55 Geophysics