The Yakovlev Yak-38M, NATO reporting name "Forger," stands as a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter in the history of Cold War aviation. Developed by the Soviet Union as its first operational vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet, the Yak-38M was designed to project air power from the decks of the USSR’s Kiev-class aircraft carriers, which lacked conventional catapults or long runways.

Entering service in the early 1980s as an upgraded variant of the original Yak-38, this aircraft embodied the Soviet Navy’s ambition to rival Western naval aviation capabilities, particularly those of the British Harrier Jump Jet.

Equipped with a unique propulsion system—a combination of a vectored-thrust main engine and two lift jets for vertical takeoff—the Yak-38M prioritized versatility over performance. While its V/STOL capabilities allowed it to operate from confined carrier decks, it faced significant limitations in payload, range, and combat effectiveness compared to contemporary fixed-wing fighters. Despite these constraints, the Yak-38M played a symbolic role in demonstrating Soviet technological ingenuity during the Cold War, while also exposing the challenges inherent in early V/STOL designs. This introduction explores the aircraft’s development, operational history, and legacy as a stepping stone toward more advanced Soviet VTOL projects, such as the ill-fated Yak-141, and its impact on naval aviation doctrine.

How to take it off by VTOL?

step 1

You need to put the Trim to the MAX level at the same time as rising throttle at the 40-43% (if it would be more - you are dead)

Step 2

After you re finally in the air, you need to keep the height about 1000 meters (the minimum is 300-400m above the land). After that use VTOL and put it at the middle as it shown. Notable mention is if you do this, you need to take the Trim a bit down and regulate it while planning on the plane. You can adjust more or less as you feel, but dont drop it to the zero or you re dead.

Step 3

After you reached a high speed (about 400 km/h) and the height (minimum is 400-600 meters above the land), you can finally use full VTOL and push it to the far down and drop your Trim. BUT be careful, the plane can be too touchy and it may go down fast. It wont just fall down, but keep in mind that this plane can do such a thing.

After you finally flying straight - disable stabilizer by disabling AG-8.

If you want to land by the VTOL - do the same but inverted order. BUT if you would like to do it - keep in mind that the plane becomes falling at the speed of 400 km/h. It is also a parachute by activating AG-1 so use it as you wish.

It has

FAB-1000 x 2

1 pair of guns