Difference between revisions of "Yak-38M"
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− | + | {{Specs-Card|code=yak-38m}} | |
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− | {{Specs-Card | ||
− | |code=yak-38m | ||
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− | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
− | + | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | |
− | + | {{Break}} | |
− | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. | |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
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<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! Upgraded | ! Upgraded | ||
− | | 1,205 || 1,197 || 36.9 || 38.1 || 124.5 || 102.4 | + | |1,205||1,197||36.9||38.1||124.5||102.4 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | X || | + | | X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> |
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|} | |} | ||
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || | + | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 650 || 500 || ~11 || ~5 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | < 650 || < 850 || < 920 || | + | | < 650 || < 850 || < 920 || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number | ! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number | ||
− | ! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic | + | ! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load (NOTE: the Yak-38M's gunpods and removable internal cannon are not counted)}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel) |
|- | |- | ||
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-28V-300 (main) || 1 | | colspan="2" | Tumansky R-28V-300 (main) || 1 | ||
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 7,240 kg || colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 502 kg/m<sup>2</sup> | | colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 7,240 kg || colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 502 kg/m<sup>2</sup> | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | colspan="2" | | + | | colspan="2" | RD-38 (lift jets) || 2 |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics | ! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics | ||
− | ! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight | + | ! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight |
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! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type | ! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type | ||
− | ! | + | ! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel |
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− | | 1,420 kg (main) || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust | + | | 1,420 kg (main) || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan |
− | | rowspan="2" | 8, | + | | rowspan="2" | 8,077 kg || rowspan="2" | 9,631 kg || rowspan="2" | 9,960 kg || rowspan="2" | 10,300 kg |
|- | |- | ||
− | | 210 kg (lift jet) || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet | + | | 210 kg (lift jet)|| colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet |
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! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum main engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} | ! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum main engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} | ||
− | ! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in | + | ! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in level flight @ 0 m (100%) |
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! Condition || 100% || WEP | ! Condition || 100% || WEP | ||
− | ! | + | ! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW |
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| ''Stationary'' || 7,120 kgf || N/A | | ''Stationary'' || 7,120 kgf || N/A | ||
− | | 0.88 || 0. | + | | 0.88 || 0.74 || 0.71 || 0.69 |
|- | |- | ||
− | | ''Optimal'' || 7,120 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || N/A | + | | ''Optimal'' || 7,120 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || N/A |
− | | 0.88 || 0. | + | | 0.88 || 0.74 || 0.71 || 0.69 |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum lift engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} | ! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum lift engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} | ||
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in VTOL (all 3 engines) @ 0 m (100%) | ! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in VTOL (all 3 engines) @ 0 m (100%) | ||
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− | | ''Stationary'' || {{Annotation|3,230 kgf|13,580 | + | | ''Stationary'' || {{Annotation|3,230 kgf|13,580 kg total thrust in VTOL (split over 3 engines)}}|| N/A |
− | | 1.68 || 1. | + | | 1.68 || 1.41 || 1.36 || 1.31 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | ||
The Yak-38 has no armour. It is a fairly large target with the entire fuselage being taken up with engines and fuel tanks. | The Yak-38 has no armour. It is a fairly large target with the entire fuselage being taken up with engines and fuel tanks. | ||
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== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
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=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
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<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}} | {{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}} | ||
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
− | * 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, | + | * A choice between two presets: |
+ | ** Without offensive armament | ||
+ | ** 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, wing-mounted (160 rpg) | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
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<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
+ | {{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|Kh-23M|R-60}} | ||
+ | {{main|S-5KP|S-8M|S-24B|GSh-23L (23 mm)}} | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
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* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total) | * 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total) | ||
− | * 2 x | + | * 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total) |
− | * 4 x | + | * 10 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,000 kg total) |
+ | * 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total) | ||
+ | * 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total) | ||
+ | * 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total) | ||
+ | * 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs + 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,500 kg total) | ||
* 64 x S-5KP rockets | * 64 x S-5KP rockets | ||
* 64 x S-5KP rockets | * 64 x S-5KP rockets | ||
− | * 40 x S- | + | * 96 x S-5KP rockets |
+ | * 40 x S-8M rockets | ||
+ | * 2 x S-24B rockets | ||
* 4 x S-24B rockets | * 4 x S-24B rockets | ||
+ | * 32 x S-5KP rockets + 2 x S-24B rockets | ||
+ | * 2 x R-60 missiles | ||
+ | * 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total) + 2 x R-60 missiles | ||
+ | * 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (200 kg total) | ||
+ | * 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total) | ||
+ | * 2 x R-60 missiles + 32 x S-5KP rockets | ||
+ | * 2 x R-60 missiles + 64 x S-5KP rockets | ||
+ | * 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x S-24B rockets | ||
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles | * 2 x Kh-23M missiles | ||
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== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> | ||
− | The Yak-38 is not very fast (you can reach Mach 1 in a slight dive when carrying minimum loadout) and not very nimble (bad energy retention in tight turns) so you'll lose many engagements with dedicated boom | + | The Yak-38 is not very fast (you can reach Mach 1 in a slight dive when carrying minimum loadout) and not very nimble (bad energy retention in tight turns) so you'll lose many engagements with dedicated boom-n-zoom and dogfight optimised aircraft. What really makes this plane shine is the customizable loadout as well as its amazing rate of climb (101,2 m/s when spaded) and acceleration. |
− | Due to your low speed it is wise to avoid high altitude combat as you'll be pitted against supersonic interceptors at this BR. Try to stay low and either ground pound or destroy enemy attackers. Doing this your main opponents are F-86 and Harrier variants. Both of which will out-turn you in a | + | Due to your low speed it is wise to avoid high altitude combat as you'll be pitted against supersonic interceptors at this BR. Try to stay low and either ground pound or destroy enemy attackers. Doing this your main opponents are F-86 and Harrier variants. Both of which will out-turn you in a dog fight. |
− | You have two options for dogfighting aircraft: | + | You have two options for dogfighting aircraft: |
− | Use your climb rate to get into an advantageous position. You can out-climb almost all aircraft of your | + | Use your climb rate to get into an advantageous position. You can out-climb almost all aircraft of your battlerating. And as long as you stay at lower altitudes you'll most likely be able to avoid those aircraft that can out-climb you. |
− | Switch to hover mode. The Yak's hover mode can only be engaged at speeds below 450 km/h so you have to plan ahead a bit or react really fast once you slow down enough. Your goal here should be to get into the center of the enemies turning circle. When executed correctly it is impossible for the enemy to get their aim on you, while you are still perfectly able to fire at them. And if they disengage they set themselves up for you to lock on with AAMs. But be | + | Switch to hover mode. The Yak's hover mode can only be engaged at speeds below 450 km/h so you have to plan ahead a bit or react really fast once you slow down enough. Your goal here should be to get into the center of the enemies turning circle. When executed correctly it is impossible for the enemy to get their aim on you, while you are still perfectly able to fire at them. And if they disengage they set themselves up for you to lock on with AAMs. But be awere that engaging hover mode will make you an easy target for other aircraft that are not part of the dogfight so it's best used in 1 on 1 situations. |
− | '''Air | + | '''Air to air''' |
− | The Yak- | + | The Yak-38m has several air to air options for its loadout. You can also set one additional 23mm gun-pod as offensive weapon in your modifications menu. Keep in mind that gun pods add a substantial amount of drag and heavily impact your climb and turn rate and are not dropped after expending their ammo. |
All combinations of gun-pods, R-60 and S-24B are viable but emphasize on different ways to approach enemy aircraft. | All combinations of gun-pods, R-60 and S-24B are viable but emphasize on different ways to approach enemy aircraft. | ||
− | + | - Central gun-pod + R-60 keeps your drag quite low and still leaves you with a main gun after firing both missiles. | |
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− | + | - Everything from two gun-pods (2x pods or central pod + 2x pods) up creates a high volume of fire and makes the Yak-38m deadly in head-on approaches. This can be combined with R-60 for taking out faster planes. | |
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+ | - 4 pods (5 with central pod) give an incredible burst mass of over 40 kg/s and will shred everything in a head-on approach. In many cases this will be overkill though. The pods can't be fired independently and trigger discipline is required to not run out of ammo too fast. Also no R-60 in this config. | ||
+ | |||
+ | - 2x R-60 + 2x S-24B (+ central pod) opens up the possibility to make snapshots on passing enemies with very deadly anti-bunker rockets. With a bit of practise and setting a detonation distance you are comfortable with the S-24B can be used to reliably take out every plane in its large burst radius. Can also be used in head-on approaches but in contrast to adding more gun-pods they won't create any drag after you have fired them. | ||
− | '''Air | + | '''Air to ground''' |
− | You have access to a ballistics computer | + | You have access to a ballistics computer! |
− | As with the Su-7 it gives you firing solutions for your guns on ground and missiles on ground. | + | As with the Su-7 it gives you firing solutions for your guns on ground and missiles on ground. Bombs still have to be aimed regularly. |
− | The loadout you | + | The loadout you are chosing depends heavily on whether you are plaing Air RB or Ground RB. For Air RB gun-pods and rocket-pods are most useful to take out groups of smaller ground targets like vehicles, light tanks, howitzers, etc. |
− | The available bomb loadout is not sufficient to be threatening to enemy bases in any way | + | The available bomb loadout is not sufficient to be threatening to enemy bases in any way. |
− | For Ground RB the Kh-23M gives you access to two beam riding ATGMs with an TNT equivalent of almost | + | For Ground RB the Kh-23M gives you access to two beam riding ATGMs with an TNT equivalent of almost 100kg. As with all beam riding missiles you will be an easy target while keeping your nose pointed at the enemy. As you will face AA tanks equipped with SAMs at this BR taking 2x 500 kg bombs might be more usefull depending on the situation and composition of the enemy team. |
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+ | === Modules === | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | ! Tier | ||
+ | ! Flight performance | ||
+ | ! Survivability | ||
+ | ! colspan="4" | Weaponry | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | I | ||
+ | | Compressor | ||
+ | | Fuselage repair | ||
+ | | Gun pod VSPU-36 | ||
+ | | FAB-250 | ||
+ | | UB-16 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | II | ||
+ | | New boosters | ||
+ | | Airframe | ||
+ | | Gun pod UPK-23-250 | ||
+ | | FAB-500 | ||
+ | | UB-32 | ||
+ | | R-60 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | III | ||
+ | | Wings repair | ||
+ | | G-suit | ||
+ | | Offensive 23 mm | ||
+ | | X-23M | ||
+ | | B-8M1 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | IV | ||
+ | | Engine | ||
+ | | Cover | ||
+ | | New 23 mm cannons | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | C-24 | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:''' |
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− | '''Pros:''' | ||
* VTOL capabilities | * VTOL capabilities | ||
* Very high rate of climb | * Very high rate of climb | ||
* Numerous payload options | * Numerous payload options | ||
− | * Offensive | + | * Offensive 23mm cannons have a very high fire rate |
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'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
* Subsonic | * Subsonic | ||
− | * | + | * Very bad at turn fighting |
− | * Offensive | + | * Offensive 23mm cannon has low ammo for its fire rate, trigger discipline is required |
− | * Offensive | + | * Offensive 23mm belts is a Tier III modification |
== History == | == History == | ||
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | ||
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=== [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|Devblog]] === | === [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|Devblog]] === | ||
Although Soviet engineers were experimenting with VTOL fixed wing aircraft design since the early 1960's, it wasn't until December 1967 before a formal order to develop a light VTOL strike aircraft as well as a corresponding trainer version was issued. As a result, engineers at the Yakovlev design bureau began work on the new aircraft in the late 1960's, basing their design on experience gained from developing the preceding Yak-36 - an early VTOL demonstration design. | Although Soviet engineers were experimenting with VTOL fixed wing aircraft design since the early 1960's, it wasn't until December 1967 before a formal order to develop a light VTOL strike aircraft as well as a corresponding trainer version was issued. As a result, engineers at the Yakovlev design bureau began work on the new aircraft in the late 1960's, basing their design on experience gained from developing the preceding Yak-36 - an early VTOL demonstration design. | ||
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After some further testing and crew training, the aircraft officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in August 1977, receiving the designation Yak-38. By 1982, over 140 Yak-38's were built, all of which served aboard the then new Kiev-class aircraft carriers. In the mid 1980's, the modernized Yak-38M version came into service, most prominently featuring more powerful engines as well as other improvements. About 50 Yak-38M's were built before the type was ultimately decommissioned in 1991. | After some further testing and crew training, the aircraft officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in August 1977, receiving the designation Yak-38. By 1982, over 140 Yak-38's were built, all of which served aboard the then new Kiev-class aircraft carriers. In the mid 1980's, the modernized Yak-38M version came into service, most prominently featuring more powerful engines as well as other improvements. About 50 Yak-38M's were built before the type was ultimately decommissioned in 1991. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Further development === | ||
+ | The Yak-38M was seen as a stepping stone to a better VTOL aircraft by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. A large part of the Yak-38M design would end up in the Yak-41M which instead of having 2 nozzles, would instead pivot a much larger single engine exhaust while still retaining the 2 lift engines at the front, and unlike the Yak-38M it was supersonic capable. In the Western world it was known as the Yak-141 while inside the Soviet military it was the Yak-41M. When the Cold War ended and funding for the project was cut Yakovlev looked for other companies that would like to enter a partnership. In 1991 Yakovlev would enter a partnership with Lockheed-Martin and due to this relationship officially change the designation of the 2 flying prototypes to Yak-141. Lockheed-Martin would end up using the experience they gained from this on their X-35 plane which would end up being the F-35 family of planes, the F-35B is the one that has the general engine layout of the Yak-141. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><gallery mode="packed" caption="Yak-38M Devblog Images" heights="200"> |
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− | <gallery mode="packed" caption="Yak-38M Devblog Images" heights="200"> | ||
File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 001.jpg| | File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 001.jpg| | ||
File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 002.jpg| | File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 002.jpg| | ||
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File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 004.jpg| | File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 004.jpg| | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
+ | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | ||
− | ; | + | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' |
− | + | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | |
− | * | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
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* [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|[Development] Yak-38 & Yak-38M: Hover Jet]] | * [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|[Development] Yak-38 & Yak-38M: Hover Jet]] | ||
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{{USSR jet aircraft}} | {{USSR jet aircraft}} |
Revision as of 12:20, 21 December 2020
Contents
Description
The Yak-38M is a rank VI Soviet jet fighter
with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "New Power".
General info
Flight performance
Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
Stock | 1,190 | 1,186 | 12500 | 39.6 | 40.7 | 87.3 | 78.7 | 520 |
Upgraded | 1,205 | 1,197 | 36.9 | 38.1 | 124.5 | 102.4 |
Details
Features | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear | Drogue chute |
X | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ |
Limits | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
1265 | 500 | N/A | 650 | 500 | ~11 | ~5 |
Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
< 650 | < 850 | < 920 | N/A |
Engine performance
Engine | Aircraft mass | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine name | Number | Basic Mass | Wing loading (full fuel) | |||
Tumansky R-28V-300 (main) | 1 | 7,240 kg | 502 kg/m2 | |||
RD-38 (lift jets) | 2 | |||||
Engine characteristics | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) | Max Takeoff Weight | ||||
Weight (each) | Type | 7m fuel | 20m fuel | 23m fuel | ||
1,420 kg (main) | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan | 8,077 kg | 9,631 kg | 9,960 kg | 10,300 kg | |
210 kg (lift jet) | Axial-flow turbojet | |||||
Maximum main engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) | Thrust to weight ratio in level flight @ 0 m (100%) | |||||
Condition | 100% | WEP | 7m fuel | 20m fuel | 23m fuel | MTOW |
Stationary | 7,120 kgf | N/A | 0.88 | 0.74 | 0.71 | 0.69 |
Optimal | 7,120 kgf (0 km/h) |
N/A | 0.88 | 0.74 | 0.71 | 0.69 |
Maximum lift engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) | Thrust to weight ratio in VTOL (all 3 engines) @ 0 m (100%) | |||||
Stationary | 3,230 kgf | N/A | 1.68 | 1.41 | 1.36 | 1.31 |
Survivability and armour
The Yak-38 has no armour. It is a fairly large target with the entire fuselage being taken up with engines and fuel tanks.
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Yak-38M is armed with:
- A choice between two presets:
- Without offensive armament
- 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, wing-mounted (160 rpg)
Suspended armament
The Yak-38M can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
- 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
- 10 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,000 kg total)
- 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total)
- 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
- 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
- 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs + 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,500 kg total)
- 64 x S-5KP rockets
- 64 x S-5KP rockets
- 96 x S-5KP rockets
- 40 x S-8M rockets
- 2 x S-24B rockets
- 4 x S-24B rockets
- 32 x S-5KP rockets + 2 x S-24B rockets
- 2 x R-60 missiles
- 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total) + 2 x R-60 missiles
- 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (200 kg total)
- 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total)
- 2 x R-60 missiles + 32 x S-5KP rockets
- 2 x R-60 missiles + 64 x S-5KP rockets
- 2 x R-60 missiles + 2 x S-24B rockets
- 2 x Kh-23M missiles
Usage in battles
The Yak-38 is not very fast (you can reach Mach 1 in a slight dive when carrying minimum loadout) and not very nimble (bad energy retention in tight turns) so you'll lose many engagements with dedicated boom-n-zoom and dogfight optimised aircraft. What really makes this plane shine is the customizable loadout as well as its amazing rate of climb (101,2 m/s when spaded) and acceleration.
Due to your low speed it is wise to avoid high altitude combat as you'll be pitted against supersonic interceptors at this BR. Try to stay low and either ground pound or destroy enemy attackers. Doing this your main opponents are F-86 and Harrier variants. Both of which will out-turn you in a dog fight.
You have two options for dogfighting aircraft:
Use your climb rate to get into an advantageous position. You can out-climb almost all aircraft of your battlerating. And as long as you stay at lower altitudes you'll most likely be able to avoid those aircraft that can out-climb you.
Switch to hover mode. The Yak's hover mode can only be engaged at speeds below 450 km/h so you have to plan ahead a bit or react really fast once you slow down enough. Your goal here should be to get into the center of the enemies turning circle. When executed correctly it is impossible for the enemy to get their aim on you, while you are still perfectly able to fire at them. And if they disengage they set themselves up for you to lock on with AAMs. But be awere that engaging hover mode will make you an easy target for other aircraft that are not part of the dogfight so it's best used in 1 on 1 situations.
Air to air
The Yak-38m has several air to air options for its loadout. You can also set one additional 23mm gun-pod as offensive weapon in your modifications menu. Keep in mind that gun pods add a substantial amount of drag and heavily impact your climb and turn rate and are not dropped after expending their ammo.
All combinations of gun-pods, R-60 and S-24B are viable but emphasize on different ways to approach enemy aircraft.
- Central gun-pod + R-60 keeps your drag quite low and still leaves you with a main gun after firing both missiles.
- Everything from two gun-pods (2x pods or central pod + 2x pods) up creates a high volume of fire and makes the Yak-38m deadly in head-on approaches. This can be combined with R-60 for taking out faster planes.
- 4 pods (5 with central pod) give an incredible burst mass of over 40 kg/s and will shred everything in a head-on approach. In many cases this will be overkill though. The pods can't be fired independently and trigger discipline is required to not run out of ammo too fast. Also no R-60 in this config.
- 2x R-60 + 2x S-24B (+ central pod) opens up the possibility to make snapshots on passing enemies with very deadly anti-bunker rockets. With a bit of practise and setting a detonation distance you are comfortable with the S-24B can be used to reliably take out every plane in its large burst radius. Can also be used in head-on approaches but in contrast to adding more gun-pods they won't create any drag after you have fired them.
Air to ground
You have access to a ballistics computer!
As with the Su-7 it gives you firing solutions for your guns on ground and missiles on ground. Bombs still have to be aimed regularly.
The loadout you are chosing depends heavily on whether you are plaing Air RB or Ground RB. For Air RB gun-pods and rocket-pods are most useful to take out groups of smaller ground targets like vehicles, light tanks, howitzers, etc.
The available bomb loadout is not sufficient to be threatening to enemy bases in any way.
For Ground RB the Kh-23M gives you access to two beam riding ATGMs with an TNT equivalent of almost 100kg. As with all beam riding missiles you will be an easy target while keeping your nose pointed at the enemy. As you will face AA tanks equipped with SAMs at this BR taking 2x 500 kg bombs might be more usefull depending on the situation and composition of the enemy team.
Modules
Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Compressor | Fuselage repair | Gun pod VSPU-36 | FAB-250 | UB-16 | |
II | New boosters | Airframe | Gun pod UPK-23-250 | FAB-500 | UB-32 | R-60 |
III | Wings repair | G-suit | Offensive 23 mm | X-23M | B-8M1 | |
IV | Engine | Cover | New 23 mm cannons | C-24 |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- VTOL capabilities
- Very high rate of climb
- Numerous payload options
- Offensive 23mm cannons have a very high fire rate
Cons:
- Subsonic
- Very bad at turn fighting
- Offensive 23mm cannon has low ammo for its fire rate, trigger discipline is required
- Offensive 23mm belts is a Tier III modification
History
Devblog
Although Soviet engineers were experimenting with VTOL fixed wing aircraft design since the early 1960's, it wasn't until December 1967 before a formal order to develop a light VTOL strike aircraft as well as a corresponding trainer version was issued. As a result, engineers at the Yakovlev design bureau began work on the new aircraft in the late 1960's, basing their design on experience gained from developing the preceding Yak-36 - an early VTOL demonstration design.
The new aircraft, designated Yak-36M, was being developed for immediate frontline service, operating both from land bases as well as aircraft-carrying ships. The aircraft's primary role was that of a strike aircraft, engaging ground and surface targets while also being suited to intercept enemy aircraft and helicopters if necessary.
Not too long after work on the project began, the first prototype saw completion and conducted its maiden flight in December 1970. Subsequent prototypes and trials continued testing the aircraft's performance, particularly its novel VTOL capabilities. By 1973, the aircraft was considered ready and serial production commenced.
After some further testing and crew training, the aircraft officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in August 1977, receiving the designation Yak-38. By 1982, over 140 Yak-38's were built, all of which served aboard the then new Kiev-class aircraft carriers. In the mid 1980's, the modernized Yak-38M version came into service, most prominently featuring more powerful engines as well as other improvements. About 50 Yak-38M's were built before the type was ultimately decommissioned in 1991.
Further development
The Yak-38M was seen as a stepping stone to a better VTOL aircraft by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. A large part of the Yak-38M design would end up in the Yak-41M which instead of having 2 nozzles, would instead pivot a much larger single engine exhaust while still retaining the 2 lift engines at the front, and unlike the Yak-38M it was supersonic capable. In the Western world it was known as the Yak-141 while inside the Soviet military it was the Yak-41M. When the Cold War ended and funding for the project was cut Yakovlev looked for other companies that would like to enter a partnership. In 1991 Yakovlev would enter a partnership with Lockheed-Martin and due to this relationship officially change the designation of the 2 flying prototypes to Yak-141. Lockheed-Martin would end up using the experience they gained from this on their X-35 plane which would end up being the F-35 family of planes, the F-35B is the one that has the general engine layout of the Yak-141.
Media
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the aircraft;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
USSR jet aircraft | |
---|---|
Bereznyak-Isayev | BI |
Yakovlev | Yak-15 · Yak-15P · Yak-17 · Yak-23 · Yak-28B · Yak-30D · Yak-38 · Yak-38M · Yak-141 |
Mikoyan-Gurevich | MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l) · MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISH · MiG-17 · MiG-17AS · MiG-19PT |
MiG-21F-13 · MiG-21PFM · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-21SMT · MiG-21bis | |
MiG-23M · MiG-23ML · MiG-23MLD · MiG-27M · MiG-27K | |
MiG-29 · MiG-29SMT | |
Lavochkin | La-174 · La-15 · La-200 |
Sukhoi | Su-9 · Su-11 |
Su-7B · Su-7BKL · Su-7BMK · Su-17M2 · Su-17M4 · Su-22M3 | |
Su-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39 | |
Su-27 | |
Ilyushin | IL-28 · IL-28Sh |
Tupolev | Tu-14T |