Myasishchev M-55 Mystic WR.1

[McColm]

 With the retirement of the BAe Canberra PR.9 from operational service the RAF did consider using the RB-57F as a reconnaissance platform but took into the remaining flying hours, a few years down the line these too would be retired.
 Behind the Iron Curtain Myasishchev had been working on their version of the Lockheed U-2, a single seater turbojet twin-boom balloon Interceptor. Which was adapted to the reconnaissance role emerging as the M-17 Stratosphera/ Mystic-A. Used for investigating the ozone layer over Antarctica.
 M-55 Geophysica / Mystic-B was a revised design that led to a two seater version M-55UTS. Carrying out high altitude Stratosphere work over both of the Poles.
SJMcColm Engineering Limited through diplomatic channels managed to secure three examples of the M-55 Mystic-B for the Meteorological Office. Two converted into three seater versions for reconnaissance duties. It was whilst the aircraft were undergoing the conversion works that SJMcColm Engineering Limited back engineered a further five in a two seater arrangement. They all were given Western avionics and new low-bypass turbofanned engines. An in-flight refueling probe was also fitted.
RAF Wyton will only say that the Mystic is flown for Weather Reconnaissance missions designated WR.1.

I will be using the Modelsvit 1/72 72055 m-55 for this build plus some spare parts. The Combat Decals sheet CC72-03 for the DERA Lockheed C-130K Hercules W.2 might be used.