Myasishchev VM-T
| Company type | Aircraft adaptation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | Myasishchev M-4 Molot (3M) |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Soviet Union |
| Products | Strategic airlift aircraft |
The Myasishchev VM-T Atlant (Russian: Мясищев ВМ-Т «Атлант», named after Atlas)—with "VM-T" representing Vladimir Mikhailovich Myasishchev–Transport—was a specialized adaptation of the Myasishchev M-4 Molot bomber (also known as the "3M"). This aircraft was converted into a strategic airlift platform designed to carry large rocket components and the Soviet space shuttle vehicles developed under the Buran program. It is alternatively referred to as the 3M-T.
Design and development
The concept originated in 1978 when Myasishchev was tasked with creating a solution for transporting rockets and other oversized space hardware to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Engineers selected an existing 3M airframe—a modified version of the M-4 bomber—and redesigned its empennage by incorporating dihedral horizontal stabilizers equipped with sizable rectangular end-plate vertical tailfins. This configuration enabled the aircraft to carry payloads with diameters up to twice that of its fuselage. To accommodate such outsized cargo, a large, aerodynamically refined container was mounted atop the fuselage. Additionally, an upgraded control system was integrated into the aircraft to manage the altered flight dynamics caused by the extra load.
The Atlant took to the skies for its maiden flight in 1981 and conducted its initial cargo mission in January 1982. Its primary role involved transporting Energia rocket boosters from their manufacturing facility to Baikonur. On multiple occasions, it also carried the partially completed Soviet space shuttle Buran piggyback-style to the launch site.
Only two units of the Atlant were produced. They were phased out in 1989 when replaced by Antonov's larger An-225 Mriya. One of these aircraft (RF-01502) is preserved at Zhukovsky International Airport in Russia, under the stewardship of TsAGI and the Gromov Flight Research Institute, while the other (RA-01402) is stationed at Dyagilevo (air base) near Ryazan.
Cargo configurations
The designation 0GT referred to the Buran spaceplane stripped of its tailplane and onboard systems. The 1GT configuration corresponded to the Energia rocket's hydrogen fuel tank, while 2GT denoted the engine mount and the forward aerodynamic fairing of Energia. Lastly, 3GT identified the oxygen tank of the Energia launch vehicle. Each variant featured aerodynamic coverings designed to minimize air resistance during flight.
Specifications (VM-T)
See also
References
