gabrielorosco
I really should change my personal text
- Joined
- 10 December 2016
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- 193
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Hi to all!
Today I am very glad to share with you my impressions, after taking a look at the newest book written by our friend Konstantin Udalov (Ucon) and illustrated by Marek Rýs: Aircraft of Myasishchev Design Bureau - Strategic System M-52.
As the title suggests, the book describes the full history of the M-52 bomber that was an evolution of the M-50, of which one prototype was built. Despite the almost identical appearance, the M-52 was meant to incorporate new technologies and capabilities not present in the previous design. More than this, a full range of different weapons and methods of operation was also developed, using special vehicles and devices, some of which looks like science fiction machines.
The book starts with the background history and a general overview of the M-52 project, including the requirements it should fulfill. This aircraft followed the traditional mission profile of the other Soviet/Russian heavy bombers, carrying large cruise and anti-ship missiles to attack valuable enemy targets with high precision. This “historical” part of the book is illustrated with official documents of the project, as well as photos of the original mockup, including its cockpit, a part of the aircraft likely never seen before.
The next part of the book describes in great detail all variants of the M-52 bomber. There are four different designs, all of them accompanied by original drawings from the technical descriptions. Almost every detail of the aircraft is shown in these images, including the internal layout, weapons, cross and cutaway sections. The images of Marek Rýs are a piece of art by itself. Each variant was rebuilt in 3D models, with detailed ortho views and incredible action pictures.
The following chapter is devoted entirely to the weapons the M-52 was meant to carry. Every weapon is described in detail, with drawings from original documents and modern 3D reconstructions, as well as new action pictures. It is possible to understand that, while the M-52 program was in progress, a full range of new weapons was being specially developed for its use. Huge supersonic missiles, guided bombs and special nuclear weapons are among the big list of the M-52 arsenal.
As I mentioned before, many take-off devices were developed for the M-52. The next chapter describes such subject in incredible detail, and, in my honest opinion, this is the best chapter of the book. In order to enable fast and short take off capabilities, the M-52 could take off with special devices from rails, water, and even smaller support aircraft. The art job about these devices is once more no less than incredible. Do you think it would be possible to see the M-52 on top of a giant truck in the red square? The answer seems to be obvious, but you will know by yourselves.
Using the advantage of the supersonic speed, the development of a passenger version seems to be natural. With this in mind, the next part of the book describes an airliner variant of the M-52, with its technical elements and comparisons with other similar designs of the time described in nice detail. A good surprise is the appearance of another huge Myasischev project, the M-70. This aircraft is a big jet-powered flying boat, and it would be the tanker aircraft for the M-52, greatly expanding the bomber’s range.
The last part of the book is no less interesting. It features a heavily modified version of the M-52, receiving another designation, the Project 54. This last variant differs from the others mainly in the wing shape and engines positions. The modifications include a slightly shorter fuselage along with a bigger delta wing. All the engines are now positioned in pods under the wings, rather than the previous pod-tip wing assemblies, giving it a similar appearance to the American Convair B-58 bomber.
With the Project 54, we arrive at the end of the book. My impressions are the best, it is amazing how much background history such a project has, something unimaginable when we look at the sole and imposing M-50 prototype at the Monino Museum. Once more, the common work of Konstantin Udalov and Marek Rýs allowed the production of an exceptional historical book, which I highly recommend for every aviation specialist and enthusiasts.
If you want to buy this book, send a direct message to Marek Rýs.
Regards,
Gabriel Orosco
Today I am very glad to share with you my impressions, after taking a look at the newest book written by our friend Konstantin Udalov (Ucon) and illustrated by Marek Rýs: Aircraft of Myasishchev Design Bureau - Strategic System M-52.
As the title suggests, the book describes the full history of the M-52 bomber that was an evolution of the M-50, of which one prototype was built. Despite the almost identical appearance, the M-52 was meant to incorporate new technologies and capabilities not present in the previous design. More than this, a full range of different weapons and methods of operation was also developed, using special vehicles and devices, some of which looks like science fiction machines.
The book starts with the background history and a general overview of the M-52 project, including the requirements it should fulfill. This aircraft followed the traditional mission profile of the other Soviet/Russian heavy bombers, carrying large cruise and anti-ship missiles to attack valuable enemy targets with high precision. This “historical” part of the book is illustrated with official documents of the project, as well as photos of the original mockup, including its cockpit, a part of the aircraft likely never seen before.
The next part of the book describes in great detail all variants of the M-52 bomber. There are four different designs, all of them accompanied by original drawings from the technical descriptions. Almost every detail of the aircraft is shown in these images, including the internal layout, weapons, cross and cutaway sections. The images of Marek Rýs are a piece of art by itself. Each variant was rebuilt in 3D models, with detailed ortho views and incredible action pictures.
The following chapter is devoted entirely to the weapons the M-52 was meant to carry. Every weapon is described in detail, with drawings from original documents and modern 3D reconstructions, as well as new action pictures. It is possible to understand that, while the M-52 program was in progress, a full range of new weapons was being specially developed for its use. Huge supersonic missiles, guided bombs and special nuclear weapons are among the big list of the M-52 arsenal.
As I mentioned before, many take-off devices were developed for the M-52. The next chapter describes such subject in incredible detail, and, in my honest opinion, this is the best chapter of the book. In order to enable fast and short take off capabilities, the M-52 could take off with special devices from rails, water, and even smaller support aircraft. The art job about these devices is once more no less than incredible. Do you think it would be possible to see the M-52 on top of a giant truck in the red square? The answer seems to be obvious, but you will know by yourselves.
Using the advantage of the supersonic speed, the development of a passenger version seems to be natural. With this in mind, the next part of the book describes an airliner variant of the M-52, with its technical elements and comparisons with other similar designs of the time described in nice detail. A good surprise is the appearance of another huge Myasischev project, the M-70. This aircraft is a big jet-powered flying boat, and it would be the tanker aircraft for the M-52, greatly expanding the bomber’s range.
The last part of the book is no less interesting. It features a heavily modified version of the M-52, receiving another designation, the Project 54. This last variant differs from the others mainly in the wing shape and engines positions. The modifications include a slightly shorter fuselage along with a bigger delta wing. All the engines are now positioned in pods under the wings, rather than the previous pod-tip wing assemblies, giving it a similar appearance to the American Convair B-58 bomber.
With the Project 54, we arrive at the end of the book. My impressions are the best, it is amazing how much background history such a project has, something unimaginable when we look at the sole and imposing M-50 prototype at the Monino Museum. Once more, the common work of Konstantin Udalov and Marek Rýs allowed the production of an exceptional historical book, which I highly recommend for every aviation specialist and enthusiasts.
If you want to buy this book, send a direct message to Marek Rýs.
Regards,
Gabriel Orosco
