Specifications
Year: 1944
Status: Retired, Out-of-Service
Manufacturer(s): Yakovlev - Soviet Union
Production: 4,848
Capabilities: Fighter;
Status: Retired, Out-of-Service
Manufacturer(s): Yakovlev - Soviet Union
Production: 4,848
Capabilities: Fighter;
Crew: 1
Length: 27.85 ft (8.49 m)
Width: 30.18 ft (9.2 m)
Height: 7.94 ft (2.42 m)
Weight (Empty): 4,641 lb (2,105 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 5,864 lb (2,660 kg)
Length: 27.85 ft (8.49 m)
Width: 30.18 ft (9.2 m)
Height: 7.94 ft (2.42 m)
Weight (Empty): 4,641 lb (2,105 kg)
Weight (MTOW): 5,864 lb (2,660 kg)
Power: 1 x Klimov VK-105PF-2 piston engine developing 1,300 horsepower.
Speed: 407 mph (655 kph; 354 kts)
Ceiling: 35,105 feet (10,700 m; 6.65 miles)
Range: 559 miles (900 km; 486 nm)
Rate-of-Climb: 4,265 ft/min (1,300 m/min)
Ceiling: 35,105 feet (10,700 m; 6.65 miles)
Range: 559 miles (900 km; 486 nm)
Rate-of-Climb: 4,265 ft/min (1,300 m/min)
Operators: France; Poland; Yugoslavia; Soviet Union
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.
Armament
STANDARD:
1 x 20mm ShVAK cannon firing through propeller hub.
2 x 12.7mm Berezin UBS machine guns synchronized in the upper nose fuselage.
Variants / Models
• 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.
