Yak-38

Yak-38

Yakovlev’s Yak-38, whose production began in 1975 was probably the first(?) operational V/STOL a/c in the world and the longest operational Russian V/STOL a/c which also was unique in the world. And I think, the net has got not much good info on these machines and their performance with the Russian Navy. But unlike the more media published and known a/c – Harriers, these Russian jets lifted itself with the aid of a main turbojet engine and two smaller lift engines mounted behind the cockpit. And probably, the Yak-141 was an extention and expansion to the experience from these machines, and with that family relations Yak-38 was probably the Grand-daddy of the F-35 which was ‘inspired’ by the Yak-141 which all happened during the Vadoka Unkils grand auctioning of Russia. In other words it was ‘festive offer’ from Russia, for many.

Yak-38 had one turbojet engine (R-27V-300) and two lift engines (Rybinsk RD-36-35FVR) which lifted these machines. The Yak-38s engine was more powerful than the Harriers.

Yak-38 spec

Dimensions
Length – 16.37 m
Height – 4.25
Ppan – 7.02 m
Folded – 4.45 m
Wing area – 18.41 m2

Weight
Empty equipped – 7020 kg
Normal takeoff – 10300 kg
Internal fuel – 2750 kg

Engine
Main engine – 1 x R -27V-300 Turbojet
Thrust – 1 X 6100 kg
Lift Engines – 2 x RD -36-35FVR turbojet
Thrust – 2 X 3050 kg

Performance
speed at height – 1100 km/h
speed at sea level – 1210 km/h
Max rate of climb – 4500 m/min
service ceiling – 11000 m max
Operational overloading – 6g

Service range,
Normal – 680 km
with vertical takeoff – 500 km
Combat radius – 250 -370 km

Combat load – 1500 kg

Yak-38 layout diagram
Yak-38, armament layout diagram
Main engine & lift engine layout diagram

Here some very beautiful livery on the Yak-38s, It never ever earlier crossed my mind that these a/c were also a beauty, as is the case with almost all Russian a/c.

Second experimental model Yak-36M

Yak-38

Yak-38, 1975

Yak-38, 1976

Yak-38 that participating in the operation “rhomb”, Afghanistan,1980

Yak-38

Yak-38, 1983

more can be read here in Russian

And one good pic of the Yak-38 lifting (?)vertically. Hope u guys can see the two ‘pillars’ created by the exhaust from the main engine and the lift fans mounted behind the cockpit.

Also, need more info on this Russian V/STOL aircraft and I’ve some questions –
– How was its performance with the Russian Navy?
– How many were build and how many still active/reserve?
– Why did the Russians withdraw all the Yak-38s from Ukraine from her Black Sea Fleet even though they let go off some carriers to Ukraine for FREE??