AMO 72015 VM-T "Atlant"

In November 1952 on Moscow plant No. 23 (OKB - 23) under the management of chief engineer Mr. V.M. Miasishchev the first test version of strategic intercontinental bomber M-4 was built. As a power plant four turbo-jet engines AM-03 designed by A.A. Mikulin with the take-off thrust 8700 kgf were installed. First in the history of aviation bicycle chassis were used, big arrow-shaped wing and hermetic cabins. Also the aircraft had catapult chairs of new design. All crew members in case of necessity could catapult down. The aircraft piloted by the test pilot F.F. Opadchty conducted its first flight on January 20th, 1953. In the course of test flights the record speed for the aircraft of such type was achieved - 947 km/h; and service ceiling -12500 m. On May 1st 1954 the aircraft M4 was presented to the public for the first time during air parade on Red Square in Moscow. Alter some changes the aircraft was put into service.

In summer 1954 the engineers started to modernize M4 in such a way that ВД - 7 engines could be installed with the take-off thrust over 11000 kgf. With new engines, increased fuel supply, and improved aerodynamics, it was possible to achieve endurance which was sufficient to reach the most remoted point of USA. The aircraft received new wing with broader wingspan, radar РБП - 5 was installed in the nose part of the aircraft. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft was over 200 1 The aircraft received designation 3MH and was produced on the plant No. 23. Some aircraft were produced with engines РД-ЗМ-500 (designation 3MC). In total 74 bombers with designation 3MH and 3MC were built. Starting from 1962 the aviation plant started to modify aircraft into tanker aeroplane (designation 3MC - II and 3MH - II). In 1960 the aviation units for long distance flights were equipped with ЗМД - the latest serial modification of the bomber. This machine had wing of larger surface and sharpened nose part.