Myasishchev M-55 Geophysica
The Myasishchev M-55 Geophysica is a high-altitude research aircraft descended from the M-17 reconnaissance design. Its huge wings let it carry scientific instruments into the lower stratosphere, where it has sampled ozone, water vapour, and atmospheric chemistry. Although built for military purposes, it became famous through international climate-research campaigns. The unusual twin-boom tail and sailplane-like wing make it one of the most visually distinctive jet research aircraft still flying.
Did you know?
Descended from the military M-17, the M-55 Geophysica's huge sailplane-like wings and twin-boom tail now carry scientific instruments into the stratosphere for climate research.
Specifications
| Length | 22.9 m (75 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 37.5 m (123 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 1 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 20 t |
| Range | 2,500 NM (4,630 km) |
| Maximum speed | 400 kt (741 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 70,000 ft (21,336 m) |
| Take-off distance | 860 m (2,822 ft) |
| Landing distance | 910 m (2,986 ft) |
| Engines | 2x Soloviev D-30-V12 |
| Units built | 5 |
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-55 Geophysica 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.
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