YAKOVLEV Yak-3M and Yak-9U-M

TYPE: Aerobatic single-seat sportplane.

PROGRAMME: Reproduction Second World War fighter. Prototype of original wooden-skinned Yak-3 flew 1943; all-metal version flew 1945; deliveries to Soviet air forces began July 1944, totalled 4,848 (of 36,737 Yakovlev single-engined Second World War fighters); described often as lightest weight and most agile monoplane of 1939-45 period; able to turn 360° in 18.5 seconds. All-metal version now available, with Western power plant and uprated instrumentation; new-build 'prototype' (0470101, later N854DP) displayed 1993 Paris Air Show; 11 built by Strela at Orenburg to meet orders from Gunnell Museum, USA, but at least 14 eventually produced; one later to New Zealand (then Australia in 1999) and one to South Africa.
Production turned in 1996 to Yak-9U of similar appearance. Original Yak-9 entered service in 1942 and 16,769 were built. Total of eight all-metal Yak-9U-M replicas exported to USA by mid-1999, of which five then flying; one subsequently to France; distribution by Shadetree Aviation of Carson City, Nevada. Further Yak-9 completed by Strela in late 2001 for export to US.
UK importer, Richard Goode Aerobatics, commissioned five further Yak-9s for delivery in 2002, three having already been sold by May 2002.
Note that further Yak-3UAs have been produced by other sources through conversion of Yak-11s, mostly with Pratt & Whitney R-1830/R-2000 Twin Wasp radial engines.

COSTS: US$365,000 plus tax (2002).
Following data apply to Yak-3M.

DESIGN FEATURES: Precise reproduction in metal of Second World War airframe, except for repositioned carburettor air intake above engine cowling to suit changed engine. Conventional cantilever low-wing configuration, with tapered, round-tipped wings. Mainwheel tyres size 600x180.

POWER PLANT: Reconditioned 925kW (1,240 hp) Allison V-1710-39 12-cylinder V liquid-cooled piston engine replaces original 925/969 kW (1,240/1,300 hp) VK-105PF-2; three-blade propeller. Fuel capacity 320 litres (84.5 US gallons; 70.4 Imp gallons).

DIMENSIONS, EXTERNAL:

  • Wing span: 9.20 m (30 ft 2¼ in)
  • Wing aspect ratio: 5.7
  • Length overall: 8.49 m (27 ft 10¼ in)
  • Height overall: 2.39 m (7 ft 10 in)

AREAS:

  • Wings, gross: 14.85 m² (159.8 sq ft)

WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS:

  • Weight empty: 1,988 kg (4,383 lb)
  • Max T-O weight: 2,600 kg (5,732 lb)
  • Max wing loading: 175.1 kg/m² (35.86 lb/sq ft)
  • Max power loading: 2.81 kg/kW (4.62 lb/hp)

PERFORMANCE:

  • Max level speed: at height: 350 kt (648 km/h; 402 mph)
    • at S/L: 307 kt (570 km/h; 354 mph)
  • Time to turn 360° at 1,000 m (3,280 ft): 19 s
  • Range: 486 n miles (900 km; 559 miles)

The article appears in the following publication:
Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-2005. Jane's Information Group Ltd. 2004. ISBN: 0-7106-2614-2

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