러시아가 U-2기처럼 고고도 비행이 가능한 정찰기로 개발한 기종으로 16개의 세계기록을 보유하고 있습니다.
현재는 고도 21~22km상공에서 비행할 수 있는 능력과 커다란 탑재능력을 이용하여 지구환경 관측등 민간용으로 사용되고 있습니다.

High altitude two-engine subsonic single-seat aircraft M55 Geophysica was designed to order of Air Force of Russia. During its flying tests 16 world records have been set up including the climb up to the altitude 21360 m while carrying payload 2000 kg. The aircraft is capable to fly in any geographic altitude in visual and instrument meteorological conditions in accordance with ICAO instrument flight regulations. The aircraft unique performance enable its operation as a flying platform for the upper atmosphere exploration, the Earth remote sounding over large areas using sensors developed on the base of various physical principles (including the side-looking radar) as well as for instruments testing before their installation on space vehicles

The M-55 Geophysica is a dual turbofan aircraft produced by Myasishchev Design Bureau (MDB). The aircraft can carry heavy payloads of the order of 1500 kg. M-55 can operate at an altitude up to 21-22 km for about 5-6 hours. The cruise ground speed is about 750 km/h. M-55 has various bays where the instruments can be installed. The main bay is longer than 5 meters and very large instruments can be installed. The aircraft has a large reserve of electrical power for the instrumentation (60 KVA at 115 VAC and 3 KW at 27.5 VDC).

Crew one pilot
Takeoff weight 24000 kg
Payload weight 1500 kg
Cruising speed 640-720 km/h
Flight ceiling up to 21 km
Maximum endurance 6,5 h
Aerodrome category II class, concrete
Takeoff / landing distance 1500 m

The aircraft geometry:
Wingspan 37,5 m
Overall length 22,9 m
Overall height 4,83 m
Fuel capacity 7600 kg