The Myasischev M-4 – and its improved version, the 3M, illustrated here – were no less ungainly than their US counterpart, the Boeing B-52, but definitely less successful in their intended role. Despite numerous improvements vis-à-vis the M-4, including an expanded fuel capacity and more fuel efficient engines, the 3M’s unrefuelled range of 11,850km was barely sufficient to reach the USA and return to the USSR. With the help of in-flight refuelling, the type proved capable of flying 15,400km, but in turn its VD-7 engines required very frequent maintenance inspections and ultimately had to be replaced: their replacements, VD-7Bs, had been developed by 1960, but proved less fuel efficient, reducing the range to 9,400 kilometres. Because the type also proved difficult to maintain and fly it served only relatively briefly as a strategic bomber and was soon after modified for many other tasks, including reconnaissance and as a tanker for in-flight refuelling. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)