Yakovlev Yak-38

The Yakovlev Yak-38 (Russian: Яковлев Як-38; NATO reporting name: "Forger") was the Soviet Naval Aviation's only operational VTOL strike fighter aircraft, in addition to being its first operational carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft. It was developed specifically for, and served almost exclusively on, the Kiev-class aircraft carriers. They would be succeeded in the 2010s by the Yakovlev Yak-41M2 Freestyle VSTOL fighter.

Variants

 * Yak-36M: The initial pre-production version, differing slightly from the Yak-38. It weighed only 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: The Yak-38 was the first production model, it first flew on January 15th 1971, and entered service with the Soviet Naval Aviation on August 11th 1976. A total of 143 Yak-38s were produced.
 * Yak-38M: 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) (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, a total of 50 Yak-38M being produced.
 * Yak-38U: 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 November 15th 1978, a total of 38 Yak-38U being produced, with the 38th aircraft being delivered in 1981.
 * Yak-39: Unbuilt multi-role VTOL fighter/attack aircraft project dating from 1983, employing one R-28V-300 and two RD-48 engines, PRNK-39 avionics suite; S-41D multi-mode radar, larger wing, increased fuel capacity and expanded weapons options based around Shkval or Kaira PGM designation systems.

Users

 * Soviet Union
 * Soviet Navy
 * Soviet Naval Aviation x 231
 * Ukraine
 * Ukrainian Navy

Related Development

 * Yakovlev Yak-41
 * Yakovlev Yak-43

Comparable Aircraft

 * Hawker Siddeley Harrier
 * British Aerospace Sea Harrier
 * British Aerospace Harrier II
 * McDonnell-Douglas AV-8B Harrier II