RED STAR No 36 YAK-36, YAK-38 AND YAK-41

The Yakovlev Yak-38 ‘Forger’ was the Soviet Navy’s first and only VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing)multi-role combat aircraft. Outwardly similar in design to the British-built Harrier, the first prototype of the aircraft was completed on 14th April 1970 and, following tests, made its maiden operational flight on 15th January 1971. A total of 231 aircraft were built, including 38 two-seat trainers, before production ceased, with the aircraft being based normally on the four ‘Kiev’ class carriers. The aircraft suffered from severe payload restrictions, particularly when operating in hot environments, such as the Indian Ocean. Following the break up of the Soviet Union, the Yak-38 saw service with the Russian Federation and Ukranian air forces, although all have now been withdrawn from service. Apart from their role as shop-borne aircraft, a number were also deployed to Afghanistan following the Soviet invasion in 1979. The Yak-41 ‘Freestyle’ was a development of the earlier programme, with work commencing in the late 1980s and with the first conventional flight occurring on 9 March 1987. However, the project was cancelled in 1991, as a result of restrictions on the Russian defence budget, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. More recently, however, Yakovlev were involved with Lockheed Martin in the development of the Joint Strike Fighter — the future F-35 — which will see service not only with US forces but with the British as well as other European air forces. The latest volume in the ‘Red Star’ series examines the development of Soviet VTOL aircraft designed by the Yak. Compiled by Yefim Gordon, undoubtedly the world’s foremost expert on Soviet and Russian aircraft, the book is comprehensively illustrated throughout with both mono and colour illustrations. The ‘Red Star’ series since its inception has built up an impressive reputation as providing the aviation historian and modeller with excellent reference material on many of the classic Soviet aircraft designs of the past half century. This new addition to a well-respected series is certain to be much sought after by all interested in the evolution of VTOL aircraft in general and of Soviet aircraft in particular.