What is yak 141?

The Yak-141, also known as the Yak-41M, Freestyle, or NATO reporting name "Freestyle", was a Soviet supersonic vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft. It was developed by Yakovlev in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

• Purpose and Design: It was designed to operate from aircraft carriers, specifically the Admiral Kuznetsov-class, and to defend Soviet fleets. The Yak-141 used a combination of a single main turbofan engine with thrust vectoring nozzles and two lift engines mounted behind the cockpit for vertical take-off and landing.
• Development and Testing: The first flight of a Yak-141 prototype occurred in 1987, with the first VTOL flight in 1990. The aircraft demonstrated impressive performance during testing, including supersonic speeds and maneuverability.
• Cancellation: The program was cancelled in 1991 due to the collapse of the Soviet Union and subsequent budget cuts. Despite its cancellation, the Yak-141's technology influenced later VTOL aircraft designs, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Lockheed Martin had collaborated with Yakovlev on VTOL technology.
• Key Features:
  • VTOL Capability: <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Vertical%20Take-Off%20and%20Landing">Vertical Take-Off and Landing</a> capability allowed operation from small decks and unprepared surfaces.
  • Supersonic Speed: Achieved supersonic speeds exceeding Mach 1.4.
  • Thrust Vectoring: <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Thrust%20Vectoring">Thrust Vectoring</a> main engine enhanced maneuverability.
  • Radar System: Equipped with a radar system for air-to-air and air-to-surface target engagement.
• Legacy: The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Yak-141">Yak-141</a> holds a significant place in aviation history as one of the few successful supersonic VTOL fighters ever developed.