Yakovlev Yak-38

The VTOL fighter built for Soviet naval aviation.

Overview

Yakovlev Russia ICAO: YK38 1971–1981 $18.5 million (1996)

The Yakovlev Yak-38 was developed in the 1970s as a vertical takeoff and landing fighter for Soviet aircraft carriers. Designed to operate from smaller decks, it marked the Soviet Union’s first operational VTOL combat aircraft. The aircraft served primarily in naval aviation units.

Live Fleet Activity (YK38)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Rybinsk RD-38 turbojet and 1 Tumansky R-28 V-300 turbofan (15,000 lbf)
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 7,200 lbf · 32 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
53 ft 8 in  ·  16.37 m
Tail height
13 ft 11 in  ·  4.25 m
Fuselage diameter
2 ft 11 in  ·  0.90 m
Wing span
24 ft 0 in  ·  7.32 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
24,900 lb  ·  11,300 kg
Max landing weight
24,900 lb  ·  11,300 kg
Max payload
3,000 lb  ·  1,350 kg
Fuel capacity
1,010 gal · 3,800 L · 3,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
690 kt  ·  794 mph  ·  1,278 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
700 nm  ·  810 mi  ·  1,300 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
39,350 ft  ·  12,000 m
Rate of climb
14,800 ft/min  ·  75 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Russian Navy Yakovlev Yak-38

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Operational Context

Yakovlev Yak-38 — VTOL naval fighter

The Yak-38 first flew in 1971 and entered service in 1976. It employed a single main engine for forward thrust and two lift jets for vertical operations. The design emphasized short-deck compatibility over high-speed performance.

A Tumansky turbojet engine providing forward thrust of approximately 15,000 pounds (67 kN), supplemented by two vertical lift engines, powered the aircraft. Maximum speed approached Mach 0.95. Typical takeoff weight exceeded 25,000 pounds (11,340 kg).

The Yak-38 operated from Kiev-class carriers but faced limitations in range and payload. It was eventually withdrawn in the early 1990s. The aircraft represents an early Soviet attempt at carrier-based VTOL capability.

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