Yakovlev Yak-38 "forger"

Naval VTOL fighter - Circa 231, 4 variants (1971)

The Yak 38 in brief

The Yakovlev Yak-38 was the Soviet Union's first operational vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and the only VTOL strike fighter to enter service with the Soviet Navy. Introduced in the early 1970s, it was developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau as part of the Soviet Navy's initiative to equip its small aircraft carriers, such as the Kiev-class, with fighter aircraft.

Thus VTOL strike fighter had its first Flight in 1971 and it entered service in 1976 but was retired in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It was never used in combat and never exported. The Yak-38 had a unique VTOL configuration, relying on three engines: A single Tumansky R-27V-300 turbojet for forward propulsion. Two smaller RD-36-35FVR lift engines mounted behind the cockpit to provide vertical thrust. Maximum speed of approximately 1,050 km/h (650 mph).

Range: Limited operational range of about 1,300 km (800 miles), reduced further in VTOL operations due to high fuel consumption.
Typically carried unguided rockets, bombs, or air-to-air missiles like the R-60 (NATO: AA-8 Aphid) and Optionally equipped with a 23mm cannon pod. It was deployed primarily aboard the Kiev-class aircraft carriers, the Yak-38 was intended to support naval operations in contested areas. It was often criticized for its limited payload, range, and performance compared to Western VTOL jets like the British Harrier. While it was technologically significant as a Soviet VTOL jet, the Yak-38's limitations made it less effective in combat roles. It served as a stepping stone for Soviet VTOL technology and led to the development of more advanced concepts, like the Yak-141 (a prototype supersonic VTOL fighter).

Variants

Yak-36M "Forger"

Initial pre-production version, differing slightly from the Yak-38. It weighed 6,650 kg (14,660 lb) compared to the Yak-38's 7,370 kg (16,250 lb) and the engines were slightly less powerful.

Yak-38 "Forger-A"

The Yak-38 was the first production model, it first flew on 15 January 1971, and entered service with the Soviet Naval Aviation on 11 August 1976. A total of 143 Yak-38s were produced.

Yak-38M "Forger-A"

The Yak-38M was an upgraded version of the Yak-38, the main difference being the new Tumansky R-28V-300 and Rybinsk RD-38 engines. The maximum takeoff weight in VTOL was increased from 10,300 kg (22,700 lb) to 11,300 kg (24,900 lb) and was 12,000 kg (26,000 lb) in short takeoff mode. The air intakes were slightly widened and the underwing pylons reinforced to carry a 2,000 lb (910 kg) weapons load. The Yak-38M entered service with the Soviet Naval Aviation after June 1985; 50 Yak-38M were produced.

Yak-38U "Forger-B"

Two-seat training version of the Soviet Naval Aviation. This version differed from the basic aircraft in having an enlarged fuselage to accommodate a two-seat cockpit. The Yak-38U entered service on 15 November 1978. Thirty-eight Yak-38U were produced, the final aircraft was delivered in 1981.

⚙ Yak-38 specifications
Empty Weight	7,385 kg (16,281 lb)
Max Takeoff weight	11,300 kg (24,912 lb)
Lenght	16.37 m (53 ft 8 in)
Wingspan	7.32 m (24 ft)
Height	4.25 m (13 ft 11 in)
Wing Area	18.5 m2 (199 sq ft)
Engines	1× Tumansky R-28 V-300 66.7 kN, 2 × Rybinsk RD-38 turbojets 31.9 kN
Top Speed, sea level	1,050 km/h (650 mph, 570 kn)
Range	1,300 km (810 mi, 700 nmi)
Ceiling	11,000 m (36,000 ft)
Armament	GSh-23L 23 mm gun pod, hard pts for 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)
Crew	1 pilot