Gordon, Yefim/Kommissarov, Dmitriy Myasishchev M-4 and 3M. The First Soviet Strategic Jet Bomber

When the Myasishchev design bureau was reborn in 1951, it was immediately tasked with creating a high-speed strategic bomber to balance the threat posed by NATO's heavy bombers, notably the B-52. Designated M-4 and code-named "Bison" by NATO, the new four-turbojet bomber was developed within an incredibly short time - just one year. It made use of many innovative features, including a bicycle landing gear, and was designed around the most powerful jet engine of the day. It became the progenitor of a small family of bombers and refueling tankers, including the much-improved 3M and its versions. Many of the intended versions never materialized, and the Bison had its share of problems, but it came at just the right time, providing a valuable nuclear deterrent, and remained in service for 40 years until retired in compliance with the START treaty. The book charts the first Soviet strategic jet bomber's development and operational history. It includes the story of how the 3M was adapted to carry components of the Energiya/Buran space transport system as the VM-T Atlant outsized-cargo transporter.

The aircraft utilised many innovative features, including a two-wheel landing gear, and the most powerful engines of the time were used. It became the founder of a small family of bombers and air tankers, including the much-improved 3M version and its variants. Many of the intended versions never materialised, and even the 'Bison' had some problems, but it arrived at just the right time, providing a valuable nuclear deterrent and remaining in service for 40 years until the aircraft was retired under the Launch Disarmament Treaty. The book tells the development and operational history of the first Soviet strategic jet bomber. It also includes the story of how the 3M was adapted to a new task as the oversized cargo transporter VM-T "Atlant" for the transport of components of the Energiya/Buran space transport system.