Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera "Mystic"
Myasishchev · Soviet Union · first flew 1982 · fighter
The Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera was a Soviet single-seat high-altitude research and balloon-intercept aircraft developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, capable of operating above 21,000 metres. It was intended to intercept high-altitude reconnaissance balloons drifting over Soviet territory.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slender fuselage with dorsal engine intake |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine high-altitude Soviet aircraft
- Very long straight wing for extreme altitude
- Slender fuselage with dorsal engine intake
A highly distinctive aircraft with an extraordinarily long straight wing spanning 40 metres on a slender fuselage, superficially resembling a U-2 in overall configuration but with a single engine intake above the fuselage.
Specifications
- The Myasishchev M-17 Stratosfera has a length of 22.27 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 40.32 m (132 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 743 km/h (462 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by the Myasishchev Design Bureau and first flown in 1982, the M-17 was a response to high-altitude balloon incursions. It later evolved into the M-55 Geophysika, a twin-engine variant used for atmospheric research. The M-17 set several world altitude records for its class.
Variants
The M-17 was developed into the twin-engine M-55 Geophysika, which became the principal atmospheric research variant and entered limited service.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Soviet Air Force for high-altitude research and balloon interception; the M-55 variant has been used by international atmospheric science programmes.
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