File:Yakolev Yak-141 (Yak-41M) 75 white (really 77 white) (8457077020).jpg

OK, this is complicated! This VSTOL type was designed as replacement for the Yak-38 Forger. It's military designation was the Yak-41M, however, for political and security reasons the aircraft was referred to as the Yak-141 in press releases for the 12 class World records which they set. Three aircraft were built, the first (48-1) remained as a static test airframe while 48-2 (coded 75 white) and 48-3 (coded 77 white) were flight test aircraft. In 1991 Lockheed-Martin got involved in the project and as they only knew the type as the '141' then that's how it has been known since then. At that time, both complete aircraft were recoded '141 white'. In September 1991, this aircraft (48-3) suffered a landing accident on the carrier 'Admiral Gorshkov' and was damaged by the resulting fire. Stored, it was later statically rebuilt for display in Yakolev's own museum. When the second aircraft (48-2) stopped flying, it was also preserved. Initially it was at Khodynka but it later moving to Monino, where it remains. Throughout preservation, 48-2 has remained coded '141 white', a code accurate for both airframes. For some unexplained reason, 48-3, which was originally '77 white' was repainted as '75 white', a code only ever worn by 48-2. Detail differences between the two, particularly in the tail area, confirm that this is, in fact, 48-3, although painted to represent 48-2, which, remember, is preserved at Monino as '141 white'. Clear? I did say it was complicated!! Vadim Zadorozhny Technical Museum, Arkhangelskoye, Moscow. Russia.