I've recently stumbled upon the picture of the model of the Yak-38 spin-off with the big exhaust nozzle in the rear (it still has the swiveling nozzles visible) that was supposed to be supersonic, so: let's toy with the idea of the VTOLs branching out to CTOL fast and being good enough to be seen as an alternative to then-current combat aircraft.
All of the suggested A/C will need an afterburner addition and the LERX (bar the later Yaks), U/C suitable for higher speeds, and a bigger wing.
Harrier: probably a bit more slender area around the intakes, no swiveling nozzles, all of the compressed air from compressor going backwards (doh), either one big fixed nozzle at the back or two at the sides (a-la F-4). Probably alternative to the Jaguar in a scenario where Jag does no materialize. Power-to-weight ratio will be exceptional.
Yak-38: similar to the mentioned spin-off, but without the VTOL bits and pieces, like the whole two engines etc. Also a good deal shorter fuselage and thus lighter. Alternative to the MiG-23/-27
Yak-41/-141: similar deal as withe the -38, alternative to the MiG-29.
All of the suggested A/C will need an afterburner addition and the LERX (bar the later Yaks), U/C suitable for higher speeds, and a bigger wing.
Harrier: probably a bit more slender area around the intakes, no swiveling nozzles, all of the compressed air from compressor going backwards (doh), either one big fixed nozzle at the back or two at the sides (a-la F-4). Probably alternative to the Jaguar in a scenario where Jag does no materialize. Power-to-weight ratio will be exceptional.
Yak-38: similar to the mentioned spin-off, but without the VTOL bits and pieces, like the whole two engines etc. Also a good deal shorter fuselage and thus lighter. Alternative to the MiG-23/-27
Yak-41/-141: similar deal as withe the -38, alternative to the MiG-29.
