Myasishchev M-18

In 1967, the Soviet Ministry of Defense began a heavy strategic bomber thinking. The occasion was the U.S. decision on the development and construction of the project AMSA (Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft), the future Rockwell B-1B. In 1969 the contract for the development and construction of a major strategic pivot wing reconnaissance and bomber was granted. Three design offices participated in this invitation to tender; A.N. Tupolev Tu-160 with the, W. M. Mjassischtschew with the M-20 and later with the M -18 and PO Sukhoi with the Sukhoi T- 4MS.

After the project's M-20 setting W. M. had Mjassischtschew free to concentrate on the development of the M- 18th The end of 1969 began with the development on the basis of the M-20 variant IV. The new aircraft was to fly at altitudes of 20,000 meters with Sonic, but also operate at altitudes of 300 to 500 m. After the work on the project Sukhoi T- 4MS were stopped due to capacity constraints, the M- 18, the secret favorite of the Air Force, but was defeated in 1975 final of the Tupolev Tu- 160.

Specifications

  • Type: dreisitziger serious strategic supersonic bomber M-18
  • Engine: four jet turbines
  • Weight: max. Off mass 150 t
  • Dimensions: Wingspan approx 42 m; Length of about 44 m
  • Armament: max. Weapon load 15,000 kg two air - to-ground missiles Ch- 45 with 1500 km range
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