Myasishchev M6 Bison-B / M6-3MD Bison-C Soviet first strategic jet bomber (plus bonus Tsybin LL3, Yak28-64, Yak27K)

n 1946, the USAF launched a program of the B-52 Stratofortress long-range bomber capable of carrying out the strategic mission. The USSR prompted to maintain the strategic balance. A requirement for the development of an intercontinental bomber with a strike capability at US-territory was issued to Myasishchev bureau. Myasishchev introduced the M-4 design and initially impressed Soviet officials. The M-4 made its first flight in 1952, it was proved that the bomber was never able to meet expectations because of the inadequacies of the engines available at the time. The M-4 prototype was first displayed to the public in 1954. It received NATO codename, Bison. To remedy an insufficient range problem, the modified bomber M-6 / 3M Bison-B was created in 1955, and soon the 3MD Bison-C was developed in 1960. Despite numerous improvements in engines and avionics continuing throughout the 1960s, the Bison failed to emerge as a superior bomber and was eventually relegated to second-hand combat duties. Production ceased in 1963 after a total of 93 had been built. The last of the bombers were withdrawn from service by the late 1980s