Myasishchev M-55

The Myasishchev M-55, NATO reporting name Mystic-B, is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed by OKB Myasishchev in the Soviet Union, similar in mission to the Lockheed U-2 but with a twin-boom fuselage and tail surface design. It is a twin-engined development of the M-17 Stratosphera, which in turn adapted the Subject 34 Chaika, a high-altitude balloon interceptor that was never developed into operational hardware. Initially designated M-17RN, the M-55 Geophysica first flew on 16 August 1988 and has two Soloviev D-30-10V unreheated turbofans, shorter-span wings and a comprehensive sensor payload. It set 15 FAI world records, among them a class altitude record of 21,360 metres on 21 September 1993. Five were built, including one two-seat M-55UTS trainer, and they flew research missions such as an Arctic stratosphere study in 1996 and 1997. As of 2023 the UK Ministry of Defence believed Russia was working to return the one flyable aircraft to military service.