In 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bombers were withdrawn from service by the late 1980s.
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