Original Specs Yakovlev Yak-3 (Variants/Other Names: See History below) History: During the final two years of the Second World War, the Yak-3 proved itself a powerful dogfighter. Tough and agile below an altitude of 13,000 feet, the Yak-3 dominated the skies over the battlefields of the Eastern Front during the closing years of the war. The Yak-3 had a new, smaller wing and smaller dimensions then its predecessor. Its light weight gave the Yak-3 more agility. The Yak-3 completed its trials in October 1943 and began equipping the 91st IAP in July of 1944. In August, small numbers of Yak-3s were built with an improved engine generating 1,700-hp, and the aircraft saw limited combat action in 1945. Production continued until 1946, by which time 4,848 had been built. The new Yak-3s were built using the plans, tools, dies and fixtures of the original. They were powered by American Allison engines.] Nicknames: Ubiytsa ("Killer"); Ostronosyi ("Sharp-Nose" Generic term for all inline-engine powered Yak fighters). Original Specifications: Engine: One 1,300-hp Klimov VK-105PF-2 V-12 piston engine Weight: Empty 4,641 lbs., Max Takeoff 5,864 lbs. Wing Span: 30ft. 2.25in. Length: 27ft. 10.25in. Height: 7ft. 11.25in. Maximum Speed: 407 mph Ceiling: 35,105 ft. Range: 559 miles Armament: One engine-mounted 20-mm ShVAK cannon Two 12.7-mm (0.5-inch) UBS machine guns Number Built: 4,848 (Original 1940s-era models) Number Still Airworthy: ~5 newly-manufactured aircraft Original History Courtesy of Warbird Alley. Thanks to Buck Wyndham!

Yakovlev YAK-3M World War II Russian Fighter The YAK-3 fighter evolved during the "Great Patriotic War" from the 1-26 and YAK-1M fighters, specifically to counter the German mainstay fighters the Me-109G and Fw-19O. The YAK design philosophy was to incorporate the best characteristics from all the YAK fighters to build an extremely lightweight and agile fighter. The YAK-3 was heavily armed and designed to be easy to fly and quickly mass-produced. Minimal weight, a clean aerodynamic fuselage, and engineering simplicity were paramount. Accordingly, the aircraft wings were shortened, protective armor removed, fuel tanks reduced, and use of metal was maximized. Additionally, the engine horsepower was increased to yield a superb combat fighter. The resulting aircraft was an immediate combat success, outperforming the premier Luftwaffe fighters, and western fighters as well, at low and medium altitudes. In late 1943, the YAK-3 prototype powered by a Klimov VK-108 engine, reached the speed of 745 km/h (463 mph) to become the fastest piston-powered aircraft in the world. Stalin immediately rewarded the aircraft designer, Alexander Yakovlev, with the rank of Colonel-General and a substantial cash bonus and ordered the YAK-3's into maximum production. On the 16th of July 1944, 24 German fighters engaged 18 of the new YAK-3's. 15 German aircraft were downed with the loss of only one YAK-3 and another YAK-3 damaged. Combat victories of this magnitude became commonplace, even with novice pilots, who highly praised the YAK-3 for its superior performance and handling. Soon after, German Luftwaffe Headquarters ordered that Luftwaffe fighters would not engage the new YAK-3's below 15,000 feet, even if the Luftwaffe held the numerical advantage. This YAK-3M is new production, built using the original drawings and many of the same jigs and fixtures actually used during the war. Built at the same factories, even the aircraft serial numbers are continued in sequence from the end of the war. The only modifications to the YAK are for improved reliability and safety. The more powerful and extremely reliable Allison V-12, 1710-91 series, has replaced the original Klimov engine. This particular Allison engine, built by Allison Competition Engines, produces 1650 hp on a dyno-test stand. Additional changes include a second training cockpit, modern avionics and a new single-piece, bubble canopy. The aircraft is named "RED HEAT" and painted to represent a YAK-3 flown by Lt. (s.g.) V. Orekhov of the 150th GvIAP. Lt. Orekhov was credited with 14 kills and favored the red nose for ready identification in combat.  Back to Airplanes

YAK-3 Statistics Length: 27' 10.5" Wingspan: 30' 2" Max Gross Wt: 6,200 lbs. Speed at SeaLevel: 393 mph Max Speed (@ 18750 ft ): 447 mph

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