Yak-38

Description: Yakovlev Yak-38, dubbed Forger by Western sources, was a multi-role V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft developed by the Soviet Union to equip its aircraft carriers. Yak-38 Forger was the Soviet counterpart to British Harrier aircraft. It was plagued by mechanical deficiencies which led to several crashes and finally to its withdrawal from active service in the Soviet Navy. Yakovlev Yak-141, dubbed Freestyle, was a supersonic V/STOL aircraft developed as a potential replacement to Yak-38.