Yakovlev Yak-3 Fighter Aircraft (1944)
The capabilities of the new Yak-3 came as a nasty shock to German Luftwaffe over Russian skies.
In its most basic form, the Yak-3 was basically a lightened form of the preceding Yak-1, specifically the Yak-1M development. Though it maintained some of the same design elements, the Yak-3 was truly the better aircraft and first flew in 1943. The cockpit was mounted forward in the fuselage and provided the pilot a better view through its three piece bubble canopy. Wings were slightly forward of their original placement in the Yak-1 yet the Yak-3 maintained the signature air scoop underneath the fuselage characteristic of the series. Armament consisted of 1 single 20mm ShVAK type cannon firing through the propeller hub and an additional 2 x 12.7 Berezin UBS type heavy caliber machine guns in the upper fuselage sides over the engine. These machine guns were synchronized to fire through the spinning propeller.
In combat, the Yak-3 proved its worth almost immediately as it arrived. It maintained a stellar kill-to-loss ratio over Luftwaffe fighters and held the upper hand in most engagements thanks to its inherent capabilities and powerful armament. The addition of the Klimov VK-107 1,700 horsepower engines upped the ante even further as now the Yak-3 was capable of improved top speeds reaching 450 miles per hour. Even when compared against the agile Supermarine Spitfire, it is said that the Yak-3 would hold the advantage in a turning battle - such was the might of this Yakovlev design. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Yakovlev Yak-3
Fighter Aircraft
Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Manufacturer: Yakovlev - Soviet Union
Initial Year of Service: 1944
Production: 4,848
Focus Model: Yakovlex Yak-3
Crew: 1
Length: 27.85ft (8.49m)
Width: 30.18ft (9.20m)
Height: 7.94ft (2.42m)
Weight (Empty): 4,641lbs (2,105kg)
Weight (MTOW): 5,864lbs (2,660kg)
Powerplant: 1 x Klimov VK-105PF-2 piston engine generating 1,300hp.
Maximum Speed: 407mph (655kmh; 354kts)
Maximum Range: 559miles (900km)
Service Ceiling: 35,105ft (10,700m; 6.6miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 4,265 feet per minute (1,300m/min)
Hardpoints: 0
Armament Suite:
1 x 20mm ShVAK cannon firing through propeller hub.
2 x 12.7mm Berezin UBS machine guns synchronized in the upper nose fuselage.
Variants:
Yak-3 - Base Production Series Designation
Yak-3 (VK-107A) - Fitted with Klimov VK-107A series engine of 1,650 horsepower; 2 x 20mm Berezin B-20 cannons.
Yak-3 (VK-108) - Based on the VK-107A model series; fitted with VK-108 series engine; 1 x 23mm Nudelmann-Suranov NS-23 cannon.
Yak-3K - "Tank Buster" Model; limited production; fitted with 1 x 45mm Nudelmann-Suranov NS-45 cannon.
Yak-3P - fitted with 3 x 20mm Berezin B-20 cannons.
Yak-3PD - Single Experimental High-Altitude Variant; fitted with Klimov VK-105PD engine; 1 x 23mm Nudelmann-Suranov NS-23 cannon.
Yak-3RD (Yak-3D) - Single Experimental Aircraft; fitted with Glushko RD-1 liquid-fuel rocket engine of 650lbf; 1 x 23mm Nudelmann-Suranov NS023 cannon.
Yak-3T - Single Prototype Example; "tank buster" model; fitted with 1 x 37mm Nudelmann type N-37 cannon and 2 x 20mm Berezin B-20S cannons.
Yak-3T-57 - Single Production Example; fitted with 57mm OKB-16-57 cannon; based on the Yak-3T model series.
Yak-3TK - fitted with exhaust turbocharger; powered by VK-107A series engine.
Yak-3U - Prototype Model; 2 x 20mm cannons; powered by Shvetsov ASh-82FN radial engine of 1,380 horsepower; increased wingspan.
Yak-3UTI - Two-Seat Conversion Trainer Model; fitted with Shvetsov ASh-21 radial piston engine; basis for Yak-11 series.
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