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Soviet "The Yakovlev Yak-141" (VTOL) Figher Aircraft

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The Yakovlev Yak-141 (NATO Name Freestyle), also known as the Yak-41, was a supersonic vertical takeoff/landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft designed by Yakovlev. It did not enter production.

In Late 70's Soviet Navy desired a vertical takeoff/landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft more comprehensive with greater capabilities than the Yak-38 which offered earlier. The result was a design contract offered to Yakovlev in 1975 without any competition. The requirement was for an aircraft with only one mission: air defense of the fleet. Unlike the Yak-38, this aircraft was to have sustained supersonic speed. Maneuverability, radar and weapons loads were expected to be similar to those of current front-line fighters. For the Soviet Navy this aircraft was to be their next generation VTOL fighter.
Yakovlev Yak-141 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
The Yakovlev Yak-141 (NATO Name Freestyle), also known as the Yak-41, was a supersonic vertical takeoff/landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft designed by Yakovlev. It did not enter production.

In Late 70's Soviet Navy desired a vertical takeoff/landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft more comprehensive with greater capabilities than the Yak-38 which offered earlier. The result was a design contract offered to Yakovlev in 1975 without any competition. The requirement was for an aircraft with only one mission: air defense of the fleet. Unlike the Yak-38, this aircraft was to have sustained supersonic speed. Maneuverability, radar and weapons loads were expected to be similar to those of current front-line fighters. For the Soviet Navy this aircraft was to be their next generation VTOL fighter.
Yakovlev Yak-141 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Although MiG and Sukhoi are not looking for Combing into one as a Corp. Why didn't Putin who advice some years ago for a Single Corp. which can be formed with combining the other Corp. excluding MiG and Sukhoi for producing new transport aircraft Like Airlifters and other special aircrafts as well. Combing Mil and Kamov too.
 
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Type: Yak-141

Function: fighter
Year: 1989
Crew: 1
Engines: 1 * 15500kg Soyuz R-79V-300, 2 * 4100kg Rybinsk RD-41
Wing Span: 10.10 m
Length: 18.30 m
Height: 5.00 m
Max.Weight: 19500 kg
Speed: 1800 km/h
Ceiling: +15000 m
Range: 2100 km
Armament: 1*g30mm, 2600 kg payload
missiles R-27, R-73 (air to air), Kh-58 (anti-ship) and Kh-25MP and Kh-31P (antiradar)
 
The grand daddy of F-35 is here. :D

Had the Soviets figured out how to solve the flaming engine and mid-air instability issues, it could have been a direct competitor in terms of exports to the BAE Sea Harrier.

For all we know, Russians could simply revive the project with 5th gen modifications.

That's their only option to go for a single engine 5th gen jet if at all they plan to replace the ancient MiGs and early variants of Su-27. Foxhounds though still are unique; their demonic speeds may find a fit even in the modern combat theaters.
 
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It was very sad to see this project not succeeding. The Yak-141 could have been an excellent addition in the form of aerial weapons for a Soviet/Russian Marine Corps division.

Limited payload issues.. heat damage from its engines would have left it wanted like the Yak-38.
The fact remains.. even in the F-35B.. there is the dead weight of a lift fan.. that sits around like a burden for most of the flight.
The Harriers was truly the only actual elegant solution..
 
so what is the current status of the program, they don't need a VTOL aircraft now or what?
 

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