Myasishchev M-18
The Mjasishchev M-18 ( Russian Мясищев М-18 ) was a project of the Soviet OKB Mjasishchev for a strategic swing-wing bomber from the 1960s.
In 1967 the Soviet Ministry of Defense began to consider a new strategic bomber aircraft . The reason was the US decision to develop and construct the AMSA (Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft) project, which resulted in the development and construction of the Rockwell B-1 . In 1969 the order for the development was placed. Three design offices took part in this tender; A. N. Tupolew with the Tu-160 , W. M. Myasishchev with the M-20 and later with the M-18 and P. O. Suchoj with the T-4MS .
After the discontinuation of the M-20 project, W. M. Myasishchev had his back on the development of the M-18. At the end of 1969, development began on the basis of the M-20 variant IV. The new aircraft should fly supersonic at altitudes of 20,000 m , but also operate at altitudes of 300 to 500 m. After work on the Suchoj T-4MS project was stopped due to capacity bottlenecks, the M-18 was the secret favorite of the air forces, but was finally defeated by the Tu-160 in 1975.
Technical specifications
- Type: supersonic strategic bomber
- Engines: four jet turbines
- Max. Takeoff weight: approx. 150 t
- Span: approx. 42 m
- Length: approx. 44 m
- Crew: three
- Armament: max. Weapon load approx. 15,000 kg or two supersonic air-to-surface missiles Ch-45 with a range of 1500 km.
Individual evidence
Web links
- Myasishchev M-18. In: suchoj.com. Retrieved November 18, 2017 .