Yakolev Yak-141 Freestyle
Yakolev Yak-141 Freestyle
Role: Single-seat carrier-based V/STOL multi-purpose
combat aircraft
DESIGN FEATURES:
Multi-engine lift/thrust configuration as Yak-38, but
twin fins widely separated on flat-sided tailbooms,
extending well beyond nozzle of propulsion engine;
inner surface of each tailboom protected by curved
titanium heatshield; rectangular wedge engine air
intake each side of fuselage; recirculation of jet
efflux restricted by large door that hinges down
forward of vectored main nozzle, and smaller doors
between this and liftjets; shallow 'fence' forward of
each fin root, as on Mig-29 but longer, probably
housing chaff/flare dispensers; bulged wingtips for
'puffer-jet' stability control system.
FLYING CONTROLS:
Triplex full-authority digital fly-by-wire control of
aerodynamic surfaces and 'puffer-jets,' with inputs
from inertial and area nav systems via nav computer and
from air computer system, with provision for satellite
navigation; all-moving horizontal tail surfaces;
leading-flaps on wing.
STRUCTURE:
Extensive use of aluminum/lithium; 26 percent by weight
CFRP, including flaps, slats, leading- and
trailing-edges, and tail surfaces; swept-back wings
fold upward at mid-span for stowage; wing leading-edge
extension (also CFRP) on side of each intake duct
forward of wing root.
LANDING GEAR:
Retractable tricycle type with single wheel on each
unit; nosewheel retracts rearward; mainwheels, on
trailing-link legs, retract forward into engine ducts.
Brake chute housing on centerline above jet nozzle.
POWER PLANT:
Primary power plant is Soyuz RD-79V-300 turbofan, 88.25
kN (19,840 lb st) dry, 152.0 kN (34,170 lb st) with
afterburning; door beneath nozzle allows it to be
vectored 65 degrees downward for short take-off, 95
degrees downward and forward for vertical landing.
RD-79 lift thrust is approx 80 percent of cruise
rating. Two RKBM Rybinsk RRD-41 liftjets, each 40.2 kN
(9,040 lb st), inclined at 10 degrees from vertical
immediately aft of cockpit in installation similar to
Yak-38 liftjets, able to vector rearward to 24 degrees
from vertical for STOL, and 2 degrees forward of
vertical for braking; 'puffer-jet' stability controls
at wingtips and nose; computerised engine control
system. Conformal centreline 2,000 litre (528 US
gallon, 440 Imp gallon) external fuel tank.
ACCOMMODATION:
Pilot only, on Zvezda K-36 zero/zero ejection seat
under blister canopy; flat bullet-proof windscreen;
automatic ejection system for pilot in emergency during
vertical and transition flight modes.
AVIONICS:
Manual or automatic flight-control from take-off to
landing, day and night, in all weathers; multi-mode
fire control radar similar to that of MiG-29 with
slightly smaller antenna, providing information to HUD
and multi-function displays via computer that also
receives input from IFF and stores management systems,
with optional laser/TV target designator and
helmet-mounted display.
ARMAMENT:
One 30 mm gun, 120 rds; four underwing hardpoints for
R-27 (NATO AA-10 'Alamo'), R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') or
R-77 air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles Kh-31 A/P
(AS-17 'Krypton') or Kh-25 (AS-12 'Kegler'),
air-to-surface missiles, 500 kg bombs, rockets or 23 mm
gun pods.
Aircraft Measures:
Length: 60 ft.
Height: 16 ft., 5 in.
Wingspan: 33ft., 1{3/4} in.
Loaded Weight: 42,990 lbs
Aircraft Performance:
Maximum Speed: mach 1.7
Service Ceiling: 49,200 ft.
Range:1305 miles
Thrust:N/A