Of all the aircraft shown by Russia at this year's Farnborough air show, the most technically advanced was Yakovlev's venture into supersonic V/STOL, the Yak-141 'Freestyle'. The Bureau made no secret of the fact that this surviving prototype was displayed to engender some interest in the project and that unless support was forthcoming from a prospective user, development will he halted and the design cancelled. The aircraft is shown hovering with flaps and slats extended.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

Underwing pylons were fitted to the display aircraft and pictures have shown them carrying missiles although weapons trials have not proceeded very far.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

Main engine nozzle with an avionics pod (left) and a brake parachute housing.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

The heavily-forged main gear legs which were designed with carrier landings in mind. The tyre shows the usual wear seen on many Russian aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

The aircraft is shown landing with flaps and slats extended.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

Only one public display was performed by the Yak-141 at this year's Farnborough and during its hover and transition stages it remained much higher that the altitude more usually associated with the only other pure V/STOL aircraft, the Harrier.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

A view of the aerodynamic and recirculation strakes just forward of the main undercarriage leg. Also visible is the semi-buried 30mm cannon offset to port.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

The main undercarriage doors form part of the lower strake which has additional transverse surfaces extending when the main engine nozzle deflects to act as extra recirculation dams.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

Yak-141 instrument panel. On the top left of the coaming is a combined angle of attack/g meter, the centre dial below the top black panel indicates the main nozzle position and below that is an abbreviated weapons control panel.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989

General arrangement drawing of the Yak-141.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Яковлев Як-41 / Як-141 - РоссияRussia - 1989