Revolution in the Sky: Yak-141 - Why the First Soviet Supersonic Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft Was Created

The Soviet aircraft, designated Yak-141 and bearing tail number 75, went down in history as the first Soviet supersonic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

The Yak-141 (product 48/48M) is a multirole supersonic all-weather carrier-based fighter with vertical or short takeoff and landing, developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. It became the third vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in the world to break the sound barrier, after the EWR VJ 101 and Dassault Mirage IIIV. Its task was to protect aircraft carrier groups, gain air superiority, and strike ground and sea targets.

The aircraft was developed from the mid-1970s, and the first flight took place in 1987. It was planned that the Yak-141 would be part of the air groups of several aircraft-carrying cruisers, replacing the Yak-38. However, the tests were delayed, and the first landing on the deck was performed only in 1991.

Work on the appearance of the future aircraft began in 1973. It was assumed that it would be supersonic, equipped with an onboard radar and have an increased range. Unlike foreign counterparts, the Yak-141 was created as a serial combat aircraft. The development was also associated with the creation of a new R79V-300 engine.

Initially, it was planned to place two lift engines in the nose of the aircraft, but later the Yak-38 scheme was chosen with the placement of the lift engine compartment behind the cockpit. The designers had to use a non-standard scheme with two cantilever beams to accommodate the vertical tail and stabilizers.

In 1984, the first prototype was assembled for ground tests, which began in June. The tests were delayed due to problems with engine supplies, and the first flight of the flight prototype took place only on March 9, 1987. In 1989, 6 more flights were made.

In September 1991, both prototypes were sent for testing on the TAKR "Admiral Gorshkov", and already on October 5, 1991, the second aircraft crashed, which led to the suspension of the program and its closure in 1992.

Shortly after the collapse of the USSR, the project was closed due to the economic crisis, the accident of one of the prototypes, and the negative attitude of the military towards vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Two flight copies of the Yak-141 have been preserved as museum exhibits.

The Yak-141 is a Soviet supersonic vertical takeoff and landing fighter (VTOL). According to NATO codification - Freestyle.

Technical characteristics of the Yak-141 aircraft:

• Dimensions: wingspan in the unfolded position - 10.1 m, in the folded position - 5.9 m, length - 18.3 m, height - 5 m.
• Wing area: 31.7 m².
• Maximum takeoff weight: with a takeoff run of 120 m - 19,500 kg, with vertical takeoff - 15,800 kg.
• Maximum speed: near the ground - 1250 km/h, at an altitude of 11 km - 1800 km/h.
• Practical range: near the ground - 1010 km, at an altitude of 10-12 km - 1400 km, at an altitude of 10-12 km with PTB - 2100 km.
• Practical ceiling: 15,000 m.
• Crew: 1 person.

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