MOSCOW, January 22 (AVN) - European research organisations rejected the modernisation scheme for the M-55 plane submitted by Russia's Myasishchev experimental machine-building plant, the plant's constructor general Leonid Sokolov told the Military News Agency on Monday.
Researchers need a modernised M-55 version for international research projects, originally planned for 2001 but likely to be postponed for 2002 due to the scheme's rejection, Sokolov said.
Two research expeditions aimed to study upper layers of the atmosphere are planned for 2002, Sokolov said. The first will take place in Sweden in February 2002 and the second in Germany or Italy in July the same year.
The plant needs USD200,000 of invests to mount new research equipment on the plane. Particularly the plant is planning to install modern communication and navigation devices and a new radar, Sokolov said. In spite of existing troubles the plant will continue tests of new new high-altitude research equipment, he stressed.
M-55 has unique flight specifications. It is capable to fly at the height of up to 21km carrying the payload of 2t.