Yakovlev Yak-28P : Firebar Interceptor

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Yakovlev Yak-28P

Aircraft:

Yakovlev Yak-28P [NATO code: Firebar]

Classification:

Jet Interceptor

Description:

The Yak-28P was a variant of the Yak-25 interceptor and never saw official service. However, for about 20 years from 1963, IA-PVO was practically operated in parallel with the test.

The early Yak-28P was capable of mounting the R-8M1R (R-30R) SARH AAM and the R-8M1T (R-30T) IRH AAM on two underwing hardpoints. It was hoped that firing two missiles in quick succession, one radar-guided and the other infrared-guided, would increase the probability of a kill.

Compared to the Su-9, which had been deployed since 1958, it was equipped with a more sophisticated weapons system, and not only had a wider radar detection range, but also a better missile range.

Prototypes were equipped with the Tumansky R-11AF-300 engine, which was replaced with the more powerful R-11AF2-300 engine in production. The space that was used as a bomb bay on other models was used as a fuel tank.

The Yak-28P was the most produced of the series, with a total of 435 built between 1962 and 1967.

Later Yak-28Ps received several improvements. First, the engine air intake was extended forward. The nose was then lengthened to improve acceleration in supersonic flight. Additional underwing pylons were added to accommodate two R-3S IRH AAMs.

According to Yefim Gordon’s book “Yakovlev Yak 25 26 27 28 Aerofax S. (p77)”, in 1970 the Yak-28P was armed with R-40 and R-60 AAMs and was tested, but there is no evidence.

The Yak-28P was largely replaced by the Tu-128 in 1968, but some units preferred the Yak-28P and continued to use it until it was replaced by the Su-27P in 1988.

In War Thunder:

This variant has no cannons, no bombs, no rockets. An aircraft armed only with air-to-air missiles. Like the Yak-28B, it has low maneuverability, but it will be able to accelerate with its powerful thrust and climb easily. And, much like the French S.O.4050 Vautour IIN(late), we can expect it to become an “Interceptor Spawn” jet.

Depending on the BR, it will act faster than anyone else and become an interceptor capable of preemptive strikes with SARH missiles with a range of 35km. It can be a nightmare, especially for “bomber spawn” aircraft.

But the problem is missile performance. The R-8M1R or R-98M1R SARH AAMs are designed to target large aircraft and are not very mobile. May not be useful against fighters.

Apart from the SARH AAM, it is also possible to carry the R-8M1T or R-98M1T missiles, which are medium-range AAMs of the IRH. Although it has a rear aspect and poor maneuverability, it has a range of 18 km, which is longer than other short-range missiles. Later variants can carry two additional R-3Ss, but you’ll have to catch them off guard anyway.

In conclusion, although acceleration, climbing power, and maximum speed are perfect, the impression is that it is an interceptor with poor mobility and weak missiles. The R-8 series missiles have not yet been implemented in War thunder, so I cannot make a clear evaluation, but they should be interceptors that can be active at low BR like the S.O.4050 Vautour IIN (late).

Due to the lack of information on the Yak-28P that has tested the R-40 and R-60, we do not know if these can be equipped at this time. Please provide any additional information or photos.

Specification:

Data from Yefim Gordon’s “Yakovlev Yak 25 26 27 28 Aerofax S. (p89)”

Powerplant: 2x R-11AF2-300

Thrust kgp (ibst): 2x 6,100 (2x 13,448)

Length overall: 20.55 m

Height on ground: 4.3 m

Wing span: 11.64 m

Wing area: 35.25 m2

Normal TOW: 16,065 kg

Fuel load: 5,450 kg

Top Speed at 12,000 to 13,000 m: 1,840 km/h

Service ceiling: 16,000 m

Range effective: 2,150 m

Endurance: 2 hrs 31 min

Take off run: 1,300 m

Landing run without drag chute: 1,200 m

Landing run with drag chute: 620 m

G load: maximum 6.0 G

Armament (Early production): 2x hard-point (R-8M1T and R-8M1R)

Armament (Late production): 2x inside hard-point (R-98M1T and R-98M1R) and 2x outside hard-point (R-3S)

Radar: RP-11 Oryol-D (NATO: Eagle-D)

More Picture:
Yak-28P
The prototype Yak-28P late was equipped with additional hardpoints inside the wings. This was later changed to the outside.

Yak-28P

Yak-28P


Side view for easy comparison of early Yak-28P and late Yak-28P. You can see that the nose and air intake have been extended.

Yak-28P

Source:
Bill Gunston YAKOVLEV AIRCRAFT SINCE 1924 ISBN 978-0851778723

Yefim Gordon Yakovlev, Yak-25/-26/-27/-28: Yakovlev’s Tactical Twinjets ISBN 978-1857801255

6 Likes

I hope we manage to get to the point where these can be added. Things like this, the Tu-128, Su-9, and others. They represent a part of aviation which is not fully present in WT as of yet. +1

6 Likes

Gaijin could create a whole new line with just dedicated interceptors

7 Likes

Absolutely! Interceptors and Maritime Patrol aircraft both deserve their own categories and lines.

5 Likes

These things were my favourites in the “Observers Book of Aircraft” series from the 60’s and 70’s - way back before the 'net!! ;)

1 Like

Interceptor line would be very nice thing to get! Especially Su-15TM, Su-7(early) :)

and atleast Su-9

1 Like

+1 Honestly, the USSR has very limited Tier VI fighter capabilities so the Yak-28P as well as the Su-9, 11, 15 and 15TM would be welcome additions.

1 Like

+1 would be a more than welcome addition to the game.

1 Like

Honestly this. Also it could include, hopefully one day, MiG-25 and MiG-31 (and I don’t care how useless they are in a dogfight, the flyings bricks must be represented)

MiG-25PD and MiG-31 can be effective in wt.

4 Likes

Don’t they have long range missiles too? Just because they turn like a brick don’t mean they would be useless, yes they would be in a dogfight but I don’t think people realize they were meant to intercept bombers

Yes, MiG-25 was armed with R-40 on 4 hardpoints in both radar (R-40R) and IR (R-40T) variants with maximum range of over 30km and speed of mach 5 and 18-20G of pull (not sure about this one however) and also R-60 according to Wiki. Also no guns for MiG-25

MiG-31 however packs GSh-6-23M (with 260 rounds), R-40 (RD variant if we go for post-1999 model), 4 R-77, 4 R-60 (including M), 4 R-73 and 4 R-74M. Also two drop tanks

Supposedly there was a Iraqi MiG-25 with gunpods, but I haven’t been able to confirm this.

Already MiG-25PD had R-40RD/TD.

+1, it would be a great start to a Soviet interceptor line alongside the “Fishpots”.

Here are some additional images of the Yak-28P showing off its missiles

image

4 Likes