Yakovlev Yak-38

The Yakovlev Yak-38 (NATO reporting name: Forger) was Soviet Union's first and only operational VTOL multi-role combat aircraft.

The prototype Yak-38 flew for the first time in 1971. It based on the technology demonstrator Yakovlev Yak-36. Sea trials aboard the VTOL carrier Kiev were observed in 1975. About 75 Yak-38 aircraft were produced, including a small number of two-seat trainers (Yak-38U). These were based on 4 Kiev-class aircraft carriers. In the mid-1990's these carriers were withdrawn from service, together with their Yak-38s.

The plane's operational effectiveness was limited and it was considerably inferior to its Western contemporary, the Harrier. The Forger was deficient in speed, weapons, and range compared to the Harrier. It relied on fixed vertical lift fans for vertical flight that were dead weight in horizontal flight. The Soviets were developing a greatly superior successor in the Yakovlev Yak-141, but that program was drastically curtailed with the fall of the Soviet Union.

One interesting feature of the Yak-38 was hands-free landing. The aircraft could negotiate a telemetry/telecommand link with a computer system in the aircraft carrier which would allow it to be guided onto the deck with no interaction from the pilot. It was supposedly impossible to achieve a vertical landing under manual control.

Specifications (Yakovlev Yak-38M)

General Characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 15.50 m (50 ft 1 in)
Wingspan: 7.32 m (24 ft 0 in)
Height: 4.37 m (14 ft 5 in)
Wing area: 18.5 m² (199 ft²)
Empty: 7,385 kg (16,281 lb)
Loaded: kg ( lb)
Maximum takeoff:13,000 kg (28,660 lb)
Powerplant:
- 1x Tumanski R-27V-300, 66 kN (14,991 lb) thrust
- 2x Koliesov ZM 37 kN (7,870 lb) thrust each

Performance

Maximum speed: 1,110 km/h (627 mph)
Range: 370 km (231 miles)
Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,370 ft)
Rate of climb: 4,500 m/min (39,370 ft/min)
Wing loading: kg/m² ( lb/ft²)
Thrust/Weight: 0.51:1

Armament

four underwing pylons for 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) of stores

External link

Yak-38 photo gallery (http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/yak-38.htm)