Ironically, the first missile-armed interceptor in the USSR was this heavily modified Tupolev Tu-4 bomber – a copy of the US-made B-29 Superfortress – a reconstruction of which is shown here. It was equipped to carry and launch G-300 air-to-air missiles, which were scaled down versions of V-300s from the S-25 SAM system with radar beam-riding guidance. The G-300 was quickly replaced by the improved G-301, which had semi-active radar homing guidance and a range of about 35km. Despite a series of test-firings in 1952 and 1953, the project was eventually terminated a year later, when the Soviets concluded that although the system was functional, it was also impractical, and a much lighter missile would be necessary. As far as is known, the Tu-4 in question wore no other markings than the usual national insignia in six positions, and, possibly, its serial number – 226404 – on the fin. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)