The forgotten Soviet VTOL jets

We explore the fascinating and often overlooked story of the Soviet Union’s ambitious venture into VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) jet technology. From the experimental Yak-36 to the operational Yak-38 “Forger” and the advanced supersonic Yak-41 “Freestyle,” the Yakovlev Design Bureau pushed the boundaries of engineering under the constraints of Cold War politics, limited naval infrastructure, and shifting military doctrine. While these aircraft never matched the combat capabilities of their Western counterparts like the Harrier, they offered the Soviet Navy a rare taste of fixed-wing carrier aviation. Join us as we examine the trials, innovations, and unrealized potential of this unique chapter in aerospace history. CONTENTS 00:00 Intro 00:58 Background 02:57 Development 05:26 Yak-38M 09:30 Yak-39 11:17 Yak-41 13:58 Conclusion Find a more detailed essay on our Substack at https://militaryaviationvideos.substack.com/p/the-forgotten-soviet-vtol-jets Support the Channel Join our Members & Merch shop for ad-free early access, exclusive military-themed discounts, and more perks: https://peacemaker.fashion Check out our popular playlist of air campaigns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PzbGXDV4Wo&list=PLeN4gdAZJa3QRqLqhraC2PJkAoZ1Ged_h _____________ Disclaimer _____________ Some original footage and recreated scenes (using simulators like DCS and War Thunder) may not be 100% accurate to the events depicted. They have been used for illustrative and dramatic purposes where archival footage was unavailable or restricted by copyright. We aim to remain as historically accurate as possible given the available resources. Copyright Notice: This video may contain copyrighted material used under the "fair dealing" provisions (ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A, ss 42/103B) of the Australian Copyright Act for purposes of research, study, criticism, review, and news reporting. All copyrights remain with their respective owners. Our videos are created for educational and historical documentation purposes. About Us: We create documentaries, interviews, and video essays focused on Australian and international military aviation history. Our channel explores the stories of military aircraft, fighter pilots, air battles, and the evolution of air power from WWI to today. Subscribe for new aviation history videos every week.