In reaction to US X-30 project, government decrees of 27 January and 19 July 1986 ordered development of a Soviet equivalent. The Ministry of Defence issued technical specifications on 1 September for an MVKS, a single-stage reusable aerospaceplane system. The MKVS was to provide effective and economic delivery to near-earth orbit; develop the technology for effective transatmospheric flight; provide super high-speed intercontinental transport, and fulfil military objectives in and from space. It is known that the Tupolev, Yakovlev, and Energia design bureaux submitted designs. No details of the Yakovlev design have become available to date.

• Government decree orders design of a Soviet aerospaceplane Spacecraft: Tu-2000, Yakovlev MVKS, VKS.

  In reaction to US X-30 project government decree ordered development of a Soviet equivalent.

• Government decree orders development of a Soviet aerospaceplane Spacecraft: Tu-2000, Yakovlev MVKS, VKS.

  The decree of 27 January 1986 was reaffirmed.

• MVKS specification issued Spacecraft: Tu-2000, Yakovlev MVKS, VKS.

  The Ministry of Defence issued technical specifications on 1 September for an MVKS, a single-stage reusable aerospaceplane system. The MKVS was to provide effective and economic delivery to near-earth orbit; develop the technology for effective transatmospheric flight; provide super high-speed intercontinental transport, and fulfil military objectives in and from space.

• 301 - Butowski, Piotr, Air Forces Monthly Special, X-Planes, "Black Reds", February 1998, p. 35.