Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera
The Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera was a Soviet high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed in response to balloon and spy-plane threats. Its extraordinarily long wings let it operate in the thin air above 60,000 feet, where normal fighters struggle. The M-17 later evolved into the M-55 Geophysica, which became better known for atmospheric science missions. Its glider-like wing and tall T-tail make it look very different from ordinary jet reconnaissance aircraft.
Did you know?
The M-17 Stratosfera's long, glider-like wings and tall T-tail let it cruise in the thin high-altitude air where ordinary jets struggle, a role it later passed to the M-55.
Specifications
| Length | 22.3 m (73 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 40.3 m (132 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 1 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 18.4 t |
| Range | 2,200 NM (4,074 km) |
| Maximum speed | 390 kt (722 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 70,000 ft (21,336 m) |
| Landing distance | 1,750 m (5,741 ft) |
| Engines | 1x Kolesov RD-36-51V |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Myasishchev, the M-17 Stratosfera family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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