Myasishchev Bids To Revive M-55 High-Flier
Myasishchev has proposed converting a second M-55 high-altitude aircraft for research purposes. The first one–seen here during a flypast at the Russian Air Force 100th anniversary airshow in 2012–is nearly out of hours. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
Myasishchev has proposed converting a second M-55 high-altitude aircraft for research purposes. The first one–seen here during a flypast at the Russian Air Force 100th anniversary airshow in 2012–is nearly out of hours. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

The former Myasishchev design bureau that is now part of Russia’s United Aircraft wants to convert a second M-55 into a civilian flying laboratory for high-altitude atmospheric research. It would complement a Yakovlev Yak-42D trijet that was delivered to the ministry of natural resources and its weather forecasting arm, RosHydroMet, on December 6 for such research at low and medium altitudes. Speakers at the Yak-42D handover ceremony recalled that the government previously planned two flying labs for RosHydroMet, but because of the worldwide economic crisis in 2008-09, funds were provided for only one airplane.

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