Yakolev YAK-38 "Forger"


Forger model in 1/72 scale

The Yakolev Yak-38, NATO Codename "FORGER", was a VTOL aircraft designed to be operated from the first true Soviet aircraft carriers. 

Experience of Yakovlev in the 1960's was used in this plane, with the first YAK-36 FREEHAND...

The Forger was a first step, testing being done on board of the Kiev carrier. When discovered in the seventies, it was considered a serious threat for Nato.
Later, it became obvious that the Forger was a very small, and limited capability aircraft.
 


 
 

Hobbycraft of Canada has issued in the eighties a 1/72 kit no. HC1384 of the "Forger A" and it is not accurate. (Many years later AMODEL issued a much more accurate short-run kit).
bag 
Without major re-working, it will not really be accurate, so best to limit the amount of work.

The wing was slightly converted, with and the nose wheel and main undercarriage made much smaller. 

One of the bigger problems is the wrong shape of the radar nose and the fuselage. 

Also, the undercarriage as supplied is far too "high" and the wheels are too large. This was improved with saw work. 
  

yak forger
These issues were corrected as far as possible, using lots of putty and using parts from the spare box. The cockpit was opened and detailed, the protective cover on the fwd VTOL engine was fitted with mesh. 

hobbycraft yak-36 forger
Finished as Yellow "16" of the Soviet Naval Aviation AV-MF
hobbycraft yak-36

 NOTE: many years later better models such as from AModel appeared

 


 
 
Back to 1/72 models.......
 
References:
- Air international vol 31, page 84
- Yakovlev's V/STOL fighters, Aerofax, USA


 
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Created January  26, 2001, 
Update July 2015