Yakovlev YAK-28PP “BREWER-E”

In 1960 a new type of supersonic tactical bomber entered service with the Soviet Air Force, it was the Yakovlev Yak-28 Firebar. Later, armed reconnaisance, training and electronic warfare variants were built, the latter being designated as Yak-28PP Brewer-E. Its main mission was to “blind” Western air defense detection systems at a great distance, accompanying bombers and attack aircrafts. They entered service in 1970 and they were the first specific Soviet electronic countermeasures (ECM) aircrafts. They did not carry weapons but some powerful equipment for jamming missions. Some aircrafts carried rocket launchers for defense suppression missions. They differed externally from the bomber and reconnaisance variants because they lacked the “Short Horn” ventral radome and carried a rectangular one that was smoother and wider. Another striking difference is that they had a smaller glazed nose with fewer structural arcs. They were the last Yak-28 variant to be retired, remaining in service until well into the 90s.

YAK-28PP BREWER-E gallery and more info