RuAviation

The Myasishchev M-55 high-altitude research aircraft made its first flight on 16 August 1988 from the Smolensk aircraft plant, marking the start of a programme that subsequently shifted from military reconnaissance to atmospheric research.

Developed by the Myasishchev Design Bureau as a derivative of the M-17 Stratosphera, the M-55 was originally intended for high-altitude reconnaissance, strike-aircraft targeting and interception of free-floating reconnaissance balloons launched over the Soviet Union. Changes in the international security environment removed the military requirement for the aircraft.

The redesign included a modified fuselage and a reduced wing aspect ratio, while retaining the high-lift supercritical aerofoil developed for the M-17. The aircraft was powered by modified D-30F6 turbofan engines. Test pilot Eduard Cheltsov conducted the first flight.

The aircraft subsequently became known as Geophysica and was adapted as a high-altitude research platform for Russian and international atmospheric programmes. It has supported expeditions in several regions, including the Arctic, and has accumulated 16 world records for rate of climb and altitude.

The M-55 can cruise at altitudes of up to 21 km with a 2,000 kg payload and has a maximum endurance of about six hours. Its recorded maximum altitude is 21,540 m. The aircraft can operate from conventional airfields, providing a less specialised ground-support requirement than the US Lockheed U-2R/TR-1, which requires dedicated procedures and equipment for landing.