The Yakovlev Yak-28 was a swept wing, turbojet-powered combat aircraft used by the Soviet Union. Produced initially as a bomber, it was also manufactured in reconnaissance, electronic warfare, interceptor, and trainer versions, known by the NATO reporting names Brewer, Firebar, and Maestro respectively. It was based on prototypes first flown on 5 March 1958, it began to enter service in 1960.
It was first seen by the West at the Tushino air show on May Day 1961. Western analysts initially believed it to be a fighter rather than an attack aircraft - and a continuation of the Yak-25M, at that - and it was designated 'Flashlight.' After its actual role was realized, the Yak-28 bomber series was redesignated 'Brewer.'
Total production of all Yak-28s was 1180. The Yak-28P was withdrawn in the early 1980s, but trainer and other versions soldiered on until after the fall of the Soviet Union, flying until at least 1992. The 'Brewer' recce and ECM aircraft were eventually replaced by variants of the Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer.'
Crew: two
Length: 21.6 m (75 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 12.50 m (41 ft 0 in)
Height: 3.95 m (12 ft 11 in)
Wing area: 37.6 m² (405 ft²)
Empty weight: 13,150 kg (29,000 lb)
Loaded weight: 15,000 kg (33,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 20,000 kg (44,000 lb)
Powerplant: 2× Tumansky R-11 afterburning turbojets
Maximum speed: 1,200 km/h (750 mph)
Range: 2,500 km (1,550 miles)
Service ceiling 16,750 m (55,000 ft)
Rate of climb: m/s (ft/min)
Thrust/weight: 0.62
