144-032 MYASISHCHEV 3MS

Miasisczew 3M (in NATO code: Bison-B) was a Soviet strategic bomber from the Cold War period. The prototype flight took place in 1955 or 1956. Relatively small by Soviet standards, production started shortly after. The propulsion was provided by four turbojet engines Zubiec RD-3M-500A or Dobrynin WD-7B. The length of the aircraft - in the 3MS version - was 51.3 meters with a wingspan of 53.14 meters. The maximum speed was up to 910 km / h. Miasisczew 3M was created as a far-reaching modification of the Myasisczew 4M aircraft. Compared to its predecessor, it differed primarily in the use of engines with higher thrust, as well as the reduction of the on-board defensive armament from 5 to 3 turrets with 23 mm cannons. The supply of fuel was also increased and minor changes were made to the structure of the wings. It was assumed that the new machine would be able to perform nuclear strategic raids in the United States. However, it was quickly realized that such missions would actually be suicidal for bomber crews. For this reason, the Myasischev 3M aircraft were adapted to the role of long-distance reconnaissance aircraft.