Yakovlev Yak-141 - The last attempt at vertical takeoff

Video from the channel Mundo de Aviación about Yakovlev, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 8:20. Language: Spanish. Video type: Documentary.

The video reviews the history of the Yakovlev Yak-141, also known as the Yak-41M. It was a series of supersonic vertical takeoff and landing fighter prototypes designed for the air defense of the Soviet fleet. The narration is in Spanish.

In the 1970s, the Soviet Navy wanted a vertical takeoff aircraft more capable than the Yak-38, one that would also outperform the British Harrier. It had to maintain supersonic speed and have maneuverability, radar, and weaponry comparable to frontline fighters. It was meant to operate from the new Admiral Kuznetsov-class aircraft carriers. More than 50 designs were studied before reaching the final solution. The first conventional takeoff flight took place on 9 March 1987, and the first vertical takeoff hover flight on 29 December 1989. From April 1991 it also operated from ski-jump ramps. In August 1991 the program was halted due to cuts in the Soviet military budget. According to the video, Yakovlev then sought foreign partners, and Lockheed, which was developing the X-35, acquired rights to the aircraft's documentation, which reportedly served as a basis for the JSF competition.

Four prototypes were funded: one for static and fatigue testing, another as an engine test bed, and two for flight testing. An interconnected digital system controlled its three engines. The main engine had an afterburner and a nozzle that could vector up to 90 degrees downward. The other two were lift engines mounted behind the cockpit. Due to heat buildup, hover flight was limited to about two and a half minutes. Parts exposed to heat were made of titanium, and at least 26% of the structure had to be graphite or composite materials.