Heres a Soviet VTOL project you probably never saw before…

KOR-70.

By two ex Bartini designers, Berlin and Korchagin, KOR-70 was for ASW and other tasks. Its configuration shows VVA-14 influence. It had VTOL capability but could also be launched as a seaplane. The idea was that 80% of the time it could be winched down to sea level and takeoff conventionally as a seaplane, saving lots of fuel, while when the sea was too rough it could take off vertically from the deck, with a range penalty.

The power plant of KOR-70 consisted of two AI-25 lift/cruise engines with rotating nozzles and thrust of 1500 kg.

The lift engines (RD-36-35F) with thrust of 2900 kg were arranged in pairs in front and tail ends of the fuselage. Air ducts were located above the fuselage.

Max takeoff weight was to be 11900kg, with 1200kg combat payload.

Alternatively with a cabin fitted it could carry 1000kg cargo or 10-12 marines.

It never left the drawing board, however.

Also:

Tupolev designed a rival to the Yak-36 project (“136”) with Pegasus style 4 poster engine but I have no pics to share.

It was a low cost rebuild of the Navy’s stock of old semi-active AIM-9C missiles, delivered to the US Marine Corps.

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-122.html

I believe Soyuz are working on an engine for PAK-FA based on the Yak-141’s R-79M called R145M-300, developing 16,000kg thrust. They’d also need either a liftjet or a fan system at the front to balance it.

Mikoyan offered a medium size project powered by two RD-33 derivatives, but that wasn’t acceptable.

The size issue is dominated by the existence of only 2 possible engines; RD-33 upgrades and AL-31F upgrades (I know that Soyuz are pushing R-79M derivatives, but they aren’t based on production items). Given that the Russians demanded two engines, you can only choose either a MiG-29 sized or an Su-27 sized aircraft. I think that Mikoyan’s proposal made more sense, but politically and economically stronger, Sukhoi’s proposal was bound to win.

Oh, and for about the 1 millionth time, thats not the “MiG LFI” its the ‘Mukhamedov’ OKB “Integral” project which led to the Russian/Iranian “Shafagh”. Russia has apparently pulled out, leaving Iran developing it alone.

Nice Su-30MKI pic

The AL-31F was designed with single-crystal turbines in 1973, but it wasn’t achievable at that time and directionally solidified ones substituted. I expect at some time later single crystal blades were substituted.

AL-31F was designed to use single crystal turbines, but problems with manufacturing meant it was changed over to directionally solidified technology with improved cooling.