Yakovlev Yak-3

History of Yakovlev Yak-3

Yakovlev The Yak-3 is an upgraded version of the Yak-1 fighter family (described in detail elsewhere on this page), known for its impressive rate of climb and unmatched maneuverability. The system appeared in 1944, and although it was eventually superseded by other, more powerful designs, many Yak-3 pilots still preferred these aircraft.

Eventually, nearly 5,000 prototypes of this type rolled off the Soviet assembly line to fight the Luftwaffe.

In its most basic form, the Yak-3 is basically a lightweight version of the previous Yak-1, specifically the Yak-1M development. While retaining some of the same design cues, the Yak-3 was indeed the better aircraft, first flying in 1943. The cockpit is mounted on the front of the fuselage and provides the pilot with better visibility through its three-piece canopy.

The wings are slightly older than the original position of the Yak-1, but the Yak-3 retains the series' under-fuselage air intake feature. Armament consists of a single 20mm ShVAK cannon fired through the propeller hub, and additional 2 x 12.7 Berezin UBS heavy machine guns located on both sides of the upper hull above the engine.

These machine guns fire synchronously through rotating propellers.

In combat, the Yak-3 proved its worth almost immediately upon arrival. Due to its inherent capabilities and formidable armament, it maintained an excellent kill rate against Luftwaffe fighters and maintained the upper hand in most engagements.

The addition of a 1,700-horsepower Klimov VK-107 engine further ups the ante, as the Yak-3 is now capable of increasing its top speed to 450 mph. Even compared to the more maneuverable Supermarine Spitfire, the Yak-3 was considered to have an advantage in turn-by-turn combat - that's where Yakovlev's design is so powerful.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes