Myasishchev M-50 / M-52 (Bounder)

History

The M-50 and M-52 bombers are two supersonic strategic intercontinental bomber prototypes proposed by the Soviet company Myasishchev as early as 1956. Although the project and its design are about 50 years old, very little information and performance specifications have been provided so far. Still, the system comes at a time when many defense networks are looking for supersonic aircraft capable of firing the latest guided munitions at high speeds and altitudes.

The series (NATO codenamed "Bounder") would never reach operational status as changing times and advanced technology eliminated the need for such expensive and manned aircraft in the early decades of the Cold War.

Bounder comes in only two archetypes. The first, named the M-50, was a technology demonstrator for which a lot of research was done. The second prototype in the series became the M-52, which had an upgraded engine and a revised tail design.

The M-50 would have a different engine orientation than later, but a setback in engine development forced engineers to use four low-thrust engines that were less efficient and underperforming in different layouts - two under the wings and two mounted in Tip on each wing.

The M-50 has a fairly traditional design, with a slender fuselage, high delta wings and a forward-facing cockpit. The tail is of a standard design with a single vertical tail surface. The system's armament is primarily used to deliver the M-61 cruise missile, although the aircraft is also capable of delivering conventional bombs and nuclear warheads due to its large payload bay.

While it is unclear from available sources, it is believed that the system was intended to be operated by two people, as the focus on automation was a priority in the M-50's design.

With ballistic missiles booming as the future of global warfare, the need for such a hypersonic presence no longer makes sense. As a result, the interest in the Bounder project ended. The cancellation of the project effectively meant the end of the Myasishchev Company, which would close its doors in 1960.

Only the first frontier prototype has survived and is on display at the Monino Aviation Museum in Moscow, Russia.

Specification

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