| Yak-38 | Yak-38M |
The Yak-38M is a Soviet strike aircraft available to PACT forces. It was introduced in Wargame: AirLand Battle.
History
The Yakovlev Yak-38M (NATO reporting name "FORGER-A") is a single-engine, single-seat, Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) fighter developed for the Soviet Navy. The Yak-38M was developed as an update to the basic Yak-38. It was provided a new engine, increased maximum VTOL takeoff weight by 2200 pounds, slightly widened intakes, and reinforced weapon pylons to accept heavier stores. The type was introduced in 1985, and 50 were produced by Yakovlev. These were used by 279th independent Shipborne Assault Aviation Regiment and 311th independent Shipborne Assault Aviation Regiment.
Overview
The basic 65-point Yak-38 carries NPLM bombs, while 70-point Yak-38M carries HE bombs.
AirLand Battle
The Yak-38M is an inexpensive light strike platform available to Soviet and PACT decks. The type carries four high explosive FAB-500 bombs, making it a cost-effective platform for attacking lightly armored columns and infantry. The FAB-500 is not quite as devastating as a 1000kg bomb, but its high HE rating (HE 17) makes it dangerous to all but well armored vehicles. The Yak-38M's drawbacks are the same as the baseline Yak-38's: lack of ECM, lack of a gun or any aerial missiles, and relatively slow speed. All of these factors leave the Yak-38M vulnerable to SAMs and fighters in general. Given its 70 point cost and good strike loadout, these drawbacks are not prohibitive, though a fighter escort should be considered when sending the Yak-38M over enemy territory.
Red Dragon
In Red Dragon, the Yak-38M is a relatively inexpensive light strike platform available to Soviet and REDFOR decks. This type in the 1990s has been provided with ECM, but it is particularly weak (10%), and it has the same overall characteristics as in AirLand Battle. Its strengths and weaknesses are largely the same.
Weapons
AirLand Battle
| Weapons | 
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Bomb | No Weapon | No Weapon |
| Name | FAB500 | ||
| Caliber | 500kg [AoE] | ||
| Ammo | x 4 | ||
| Range | Ground = 3500 m Helicopters = N/A m  Airplanes = N/A m
|
||
| Accuracy | 4 | ||
| AP Power | N/A | ||
| HE Power | 17 | ||
| Suppression | 600 | ||
| Rate of fire | 42 r/min |
Red Dragon
| Weapons | 
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | HE Bomb | No Weapon | No Weapon |
| Name | FAB 500 | ||
| Caliber | 500kg [AoE] | ||
| Ammo | x 4 | ||
| Range | Ground = 3500 m Helicopters = N/A m Airplanes = N/A m
|
||
| Accuracy | 20% | ||
| AP Power | 0 | ||
| HE Power | 15 | ||
| Suppression | 600 | ||
| Rate of fire | 42 r/min |
