Yak-38 Fighter

The Yakovlev Yak-38 was a Soviet vertical-takeoff-and-landing attack aircraft operated from Kiev-class aviation ships. Its separate lift engines and vectored-thrust propulsion provided a way to fly from ships without conventional catapults, but imposed serious limits on payload, range, and operating conditions. The aircraft’s role was more restricted than the fighter label sometimes suggests. Its service belongs to the Soviet exploration of naval V/STOL aviation, distinct from both conventional carrier fighters and the later experimental Yak-141.

The aircraft’s lift engines contributed no forward thrust during normal flight but still consumed space and weight. Those compromises help explain its short endurance and the Soviet Navy’s continued pursuit of more capable shipborne fixed-wing aviation.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 1946, Global War 1985, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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