Yak-38: The Soviet Dream

In the middle of the 20th century, the invention and adoption of the jet engine sparked a major breakthrough in aviation engineering. Scientists from around the world began tinkering with new ideas, including the concept of a fixed-wing aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. This had long been a dream of many engineers, and the military, in particular, was interested in such aircraft that could operate from short runways and minimal ground facilities. The British were the first to prove that it was indeed possible, producing the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, a ground attack aircraft with VTOL capabilities, in 1967. This unique combat vehicle allowed the Royal Air Force to quickly deploy abroad, and for a decade, the Harrier remained the only jump jet in the world.

However, the Soviets were not far behind. As early as the second half of the 1950s, Soviet engineers began working on an aircraft with VTOL capabilities. Their first experimental attack aircraft, the Yak-36, was completed in 1964 but fell short of expectations due to its two turbojets not being powerful enough to allow for sustained takeoff with a full combat load. Determined to conquer the skies, the team decided to start from scratch, utilizing all the lessons learned from the development of the Yak-36.

The Yak-36M: A Leap Forward

Chief designer Alexander Yakovlev had initially planned to use the same power plant configuration as the Harrier, with a single lift/cruise engine with vectoring nozzles. However, no engine in the Soviet Union fit the bill. Enter Stanislav Mordovin with a brilliant suggestion - outfitting the aircraft with three engines. Two smaller engines would be used purely for takeoff and landing, while the main lift-and-flight engine would be utilized during regular flight. This approach allowed for a higher maximum takeoff mass, and thus the new plane, the Yak-36M, was born.

The Yak-36M made its maiden flight in September 1970, impressively hovering under the control of test pilot Valentin Mukhin. However, it quickly became apparent that balancing the aircraft was still a challenge with the chosen power plant design. The Soviet engineers persevered, and after two more years of development, they successfully achieved all three milestones in a single flight - vertical launch, transition to horizontal flight, and a vertical landing.

While progress was slow, with the Yak-36M's unusual controls and difficulty of piloting a VTOL aircraft posing a challenge, the team managed to prevent any prototype jet losses during testing. They were, however, fully aware of the risks involved in operating such a fickle aircraft, which is why they fitted it with a special automatic ejection system. This decision proved to be a wise one.

In 1977, the Yak-36M naval attack aircraft was accepted into service as the Yak-38, also known as the 'Forger' in the West. This jet was powered by three engines, with two auxiliary jets reserved for takeoff and landing, and the main lift-and-flight engine with vectored-thrust nozzles positioned in the rear. Armed with a 23-mm GSh-23 gun and capable of carrying bombs, air-to-air missiles, and rockets, the Yak-38 packed a punch. While its flying performance resembled that of a typical subsonic aircraft, its lack of radar posed a significant drawback.

Challenges and Successes

As the Yak-38s entered service, it became evident that there were numerous kinks to iron out. The plane's propulsion system was ill-suited for high temperatures, requiring parts like air inlets to be redesigned from scratch. Additionally, pilots struggled with the complexities of operating a jump jet, leading to a number of crashes during initial flights. Thankfully, due to the effective automatic ejection system, only a few incidents resulted in loss of life.

In 1980, the Yak-38s faced their biggest test during the Soviet-Afghan war. Four jets were transported to Afghanistan as part of "Operation Romb," with Soviet pilots making over 100 flights to test the aircraft's combat capabilities. However, due to issues and accidents, the Yak-38s were eventually withdrawn.

In 1985, an improved variant, the Yak-38M, equipped with a radar and better engines, was introduced to the Navy. Various smaller changes were made to enhance reliability, leading to both versions of this attack aircraft remaining in service until 2004.

Legacy and Future Possibilities

The Yak-38 left a significant mark in the history of Soviet naval aviation. Although its combat capabilities may not have matched those of the Harrier, the effort and dedication of countless engineers made it an important tool in the Navy's arsenal. Soviet designers had ambitious plans to develop even more advanced VTOL aircraft that could revolutionize strike teams operating from heavy aircraft cruisers. However, the demise of the Soviet Union marked the end of these plans and the shut-down of the program.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the Yak-38 lives on, even in virtual form. In the popular game War Thunder, two variants of this aircraft, a premium standard model, and the researchable Yak-38M, are available for players. Its inclusion in the game serves as a testament to the aircraft's historical significance and enduring appeal.

So, what are your thoughts on this unusual strike aircraft? Are you a Yak-38 enthusiast, or do you lean more towards the Harrier? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion!

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