Soviet V/STOL Aircraft: The Struggle for a Shipborne Combat Capability

This important case study reports on the V/STOL development activities in the Soviet Union. As in the West, the Soviets also began using flying test rigs in the late 1950s. By combining the lift engines with modifications to existing engines, the Soviets were able to deploy the Yak-38 Forger only two years after the Harrier. The Forger was in service for 15 years before the political situation forced its retirement from service. Packed with illustrations, references, glossaries, and bibliographies, this case study is a necessary resource for the studies of V/STOL aircraft and systems designers.

This important case study reports on the V/STOL development activities in the Soviet Union. As in the West, the Soviets also began using flying test rigs in the late 1950s. By combining the lift engines with modifications to existing engines, the Soviets were able to deploy the Yak-38 Forger only two years after the Harrier. The Forger was in service for 15 years before the political situation forced its retirement from service. Packed with illustrations, references, glossaries, and bibliographies, this case study is a necessary resource for the studies of V/STOL aircraft and systems designers.

Michael J. Hirschberg is an aerospace engineer at ANSER, Inc. He currently supports the Propulsion Management Team for the Joint Strike Fighter Program. Previous positions have included supporting the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition on the F-22 advanced tactical fighter and F119 engine programs, and working as a project engineer on various solid rocket motor development programs. He has authored several papers on engine development and V/STOL aircraft.