Myasishchev M-4 Molot "Bison"

Myasishchev Design Bureau · Soviet Union · first flew 1953 · bomber

The Myasishchev M-4 Molot (NATO: Bison) was the Soviet Union's first operational intercontinental jet bomber, designed to carry nuclear weapons against US targets. It flew alongside the Tu-95 Bear but was produced in far fewer numbers.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Four-engine swept-wing strategic jet bomber with bicycle undercarriage
• Engines paired in root-mounted nacelles close to the fuselage
• Very narrow fuselage with distinctive wingtip outrigger wheels

The bicycle main undercarriage (tandem nose and tail main gears) with small outrigger wheels under the wingtips is the M-4's most distinctive ground feature; the paired engine nacelles at the wing roots are equally characteristic.

Specifications

• The Myasishchev M-4 Molot has a length of 49.38 m (162 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 51.82 m (170 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 900 km/h (559 mph).
• Typical crew: 8.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown on 20 January 1953, the M-4 entered Soviet service in 1956. Range limitations meant it could not reach the US without aerial refuelling, but it served as a credible deterrent. Most were converted to tanker and reconnaissance roles by the 1960s. The type was retired by the early 1990s.

Variants

The M-4A was the initial bomber; the 3M (M-4-2) introduced uprated engines and greater fuel capacity; the 3MN and 3MS were dedicated aerial refuelling tanker versions.

Where you'll see it

Operated solely by Soviet Long Range Aviation; never exported. Last examples retired around 1994.

Related aircraft

• Myasishchev M-50
• Martin B-57 Canberra
• Avro Vulcan
• Avro Vulcan B.1
• Boeing B-52 Stratofortress

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