Scale Models - View Single Post - M-55 Geophysica construction photos

**GEEDUBBYA** · 05-04-2008

Howdy Fossil,

Looking good so far! I am not sure if most people here know just what this is. It was the soviet unions answer to the U2 spyplane.
Photos of the actual aircraft below:

A bit of the history of this aircraft:

"
The M-55 was first known as the M-17. Its life began in 1978 when Soviet engineers searched for ways to intercept American unmanned reconnaissance balloons. The first flight of the M-17 was 26 May 1982; this aircraft was soon detected by U.S. observers. With the introduction of another model of this class, this interceptor M-17 would later become known as the M-17 Mystic-A.
The Mystic-A set 25 world records for its class. However, this balloon-interceptor model was terminated in 1987 and replaced by the M-17RN, also known as the M-55 Geophysica, which was dubbed by NATO Mystic-B. The first one of these flew in 1988, but as the Soviet Union collapsed, military demand dropped. In 1994, the reconnaissance version was terminated after only five aircraft were built.
A number of M-55 Geophysica remain in service, performing in research roles. One M-55 took part in a study of the Arctic stratosphere in 1996-1997 ".

I really look forward to seeing this model as you build it, please take and post lots of photos

have a good day,

Greg

05-04-2008	#2 (permalink)
GEEDUBBYA Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas Real Name: Greg My Models: model planes tanks and helicopters as well as missiles and rockets Visit GEEDUBBYA's Gallery Posts: 1,002 Images: 329	*Howdy Fossil,* *Looking good so far! I am not sure if most people here know just what this is. It was the soviet unions answer to the U2 spyplane.* *Photos of the actual aircraft below:* *A bit of the history of this aircraft:* " The M-55 was first known as the M-17. Its life began in 1978 when Soviet engineers searched for ways to intercept American unmanned reconnaissance balloons. The first flight of the M-17 was 26 May 1982; this aircraft was soon detected by U.S. observers. With the introduction of another model of this class, this interceptor M-17 would later become known as the M-17 Mystic-A. The Mystic-A set 25 world records for its class. However, this balloon-interceptor model was terminated in 1987 and replaced by the M-17RN, also known as the M-55 Geophysica, which was dubbed by NATO Mystic-B. The first one of these flew in 1988, but as the Soviet Union collapsed, military demand dropped. In 1994, the reconnaissance version was terminated after only five aircraft were built. A number of M-55 Geophysica remain in service, performing in research roles. One M-55 took part in a study of the Arctic stratosphere in 1996-1997 ". *I really look forward to seeing this model as you build it, please take and post lots of photos* *have a good day,* *Greg*