Myasishchev M-4 and 3m: The First Soviet Strategic Jet Bomber

The Myasishchev design bureau created the M-4, also known as the Bison, in 1951 to counter NATO's heavy bombers. It was a fast, four-turbojet bomber with innovative features and the most powerful jet engine of its day. It became the progenitor of a family of bombers and tankers and provided a valuable nuclear deterrent until retired in compliance with the START treaty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

When the Myasishchev design bureau was reborn in 1951, it was immediately tasked with creating a high-speed strategic bomber to balance the threat posed by NATO's heavy bombers, notably the B-52. Designated M-4 and code-named Bison by NATO, the new four-turbojet bomber was developed within an incredibly short time—just one year. It made use of many innovative features, including a bicycle landing gear, and was designed around the most powerful jet engine of the day. It became the progenitor of a small family of bombers and refueling tankers, including the much-improved 3M and its versions. Many of the intended versions never materialized, and the Bison had its share of problems, but it came at just the right time, providing a valuable nuclear deterrent, and remained in service for 40 years until retired in compliance with the START treaty.

The book charts the first Soviet strategic jet bombers' development and operational history. It includes the story of how the 3M was adapted to carry components of the Energiya/Buran space transport system as the VM-T Atlant outsized-cargo transporter.

Weight: 1958g
Dimension: 226 x 286 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764361821