Yakovlev Yak-38M "Forger"
Saratov Aviation Plant · Soviet Union · first flew 1983 · fighter
The Yak-38M was an upgraded variant of the Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger, the Soviet Navy's first operational VTOL carrier-based strike aircraft, featuring more powerful engines and improved avionics.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Soviet carrier-based VTOL strike aircraft with twin lift jets in the fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet carrier-based VTOL strike aircraft with twin lift jets in the fuselage
- Short stubby swept wings folding for carrier stowage
- Combination of one vectoring thrust engine and two dedicated lift turbojets
Distinctive Soviet carrier jet with swept folding wings, a prominent air intake on each side, and no visible gun pod; the three-engine VTOL system (one vectoring, two lift) is not externally obvious at a glance.
Specifications
- The Yakovlev Yak-38M has a length of 16.37 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.32 m (24 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1009 km/h (627 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Yak-38M emerged in the early 1980s as an attempt to address the performance shortcomings of the baseline Yak-38, which suffered from limited payload and range. The variant introduced uprated Tumansky R-28 main engine and improved lift engines. Despite improvements, the type remained inferior to contemporary Western carrier aircraft and was withdrawn from service in the early 1990s.
Variants
The Yak-38M was an upgraded Yak-38; a two-seat Yak-38U trainer also existed. The successor Yak-141 supersonic VTOL was developed but not produced.
Where you'll see it
Operated by Soviet Naval Aviation from Kiev-class carriers in the Northern and Pacific Fleets until the early 1990s.
Related aircraft
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