A date for the start of testing of the upgraded high-altitude M-55 aircraft was set

Myasishchev design bureau is going to complete the upgrade of M-55 «Geophizika» high-altitude aircraft this year, Interfax reports with reference to a source close to the aircraft industry.

“At present the aircraft is being upgraded; the upgrade should be completed this year. It is expected that the flight tests will be started in December,” the source said.

 According to him, upgrade of M-55 Geophizika is being carried out under a contract between Myasishchev design bureau and Alfred Wegener Institute (Germany). This vehicle will be operated in the network of the European StratoClim research project.

According to him, a lot of components will be upgraded; in particular, navigation system, communication system along with all the sub-systems connected with it (digital altimeters and rangefinders, VOR and ILS landing systems, cable network, etc.).

Thanks to unique aircraft performance and payload of up to 2 tons, M-55 has taken part in international European scientific expeditions focused on studying the upper atmosphere many times. M-55 Geophizika is powered by two PS-30V-12 engines having a takeoff thrust of 4500 kg each. The vehicle’s takeoff weight is 24500 kg. Cruise speed - 740 km/h. Maximum range at the altitude of 17000 meters is 5000 km. Ceiling is 21550 m. The aircraft is able to stay in the air for 6,5 hours while flying at an altitude of 17000 m and 1 hour – at 21000 m.