The evolution of Soviet VTOL aircraft tells a story of technological daring, strategic necessity, and Cold War rivalry.

Throughout the 45 years of the Cold War, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics one-upped each other in developing various military and scientific technologies.

During the Cold War, the United States operated a range of Soviet fighter jets procured in secret for an operation known as Project Constant Peg. These fighter jets were used to train American pilots, ...