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Yakovlev Yak-38M
Photo: parfaits · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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YakovlevYak-38M

Ground Attack / CAS Aircraft · Russia · 1985
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YakovlevYak-38M

Yakovlev Yak-38M
Yakovlev Yak-38M Photo: parfaits · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Ground-Attack Lethality
45
Payload
50
Loiter / Endurance
40
Survivability
55
Accuracy
50
Low-Altitude Capability
60
Avionics
45
Reliability
35
Versatility
50
Cost-Effectiveness
30
Origin Russia
ManufacturerSaratov Aviation Plant
CategoryGround Attack / CAS Aircraft
EraCold War
In service1985–1991
Operators1 countries
Quantity231
Data Quality83%
47
Ground Attack / CAS Aircraft MASS Rating
46/55
Cold War
159/251
All-Time
Ground Attack / CAS Aircraft · 10 axes scored
Ground-Attack Lethality
45
Payload
50
Loiter / Endurance
40
Survivability
55
Accuracy
50
Low-Altitude Capability
60
Avionics
45
Reliability
35
Versatility
50
Cost-Effectiveness
30
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the ground attack / cas aircraft category.
01 / Overview
Yakovlev Yak-38M
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1985–1991
Quantity
231
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
GROUND ATTACK / CAS AIRCRAFT · COLD WAR
46
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
35
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
47
ground attack / cas aircraft category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the ground attack / cas aircraft category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • First Flight1982
  • Service Entry Year1985
  • Crew1
  • Primary RoleVTOL fighter / attack aircraft
  • In ServiceNo
◈Powerplant6MOD.6
  • Engine Model1x RD-38M + 2x RD-36-35
  • Number of Engines3
  • Thrust (dry, each)66.7
  • Thrust (afterburner, each)95.2
  • AfterburnerYes
  • Thrust VectoringNo
▣Performance3MOD.3
  • Top Speed (Mach)1.05 Mach
  • Ferry Range1,300 km
  • Combat Radius240 km
◇Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
  • Length16.37 m
  • Wingspan7.02 m
  • Height4.25 m
  • Empty Weight7,385 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight11,300 kg
◆Armament5MOD.5
▤Production1MOD.1
  • Total Built231
⬢Service History2MOD.2
  • Retirement Year1991
  • Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1985Production started
  2. 1991Production ended
41
years in service
6
years in production
231
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
Yakovlev Yak-38M 1985
05 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Ground Attack / CAS Aircraft entry →