Rare Soviet Supersonic Myasishchev M-50 Bounder

The Myasishchev M-50 ‘Bounder’ was a rare Soviet Air Force four-jet engine supersonic strategic bomber prototype conceived to strike against the Americans in case the Cold War escalated.

The M50 was equipped with four engines and enough fuel to handle strategic strike capabilities with a range of up to 10,000 kilometers. It was also capable of achieving speeds of almost 2,000 kilometers per hour, and was armed with an arsenal of lethal M61 cruise missiles.

However, the M50 revealed a lack of understanding of supersonic flight, and the rise of intercontinental ballistic missiles and the initial victories of the Soviets during the Space Race soon became a priority for the Russian industry.

Stalin himself approved the development of the Bounder, but it came at a considerable cost.

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