|
|
Design began at the end of 1941 of a single-seat fighter using the new VK-107 engine, requiring the least-possible drag, smallest dimensions and weight consistent with a manoeuvrable and tough machine. Due to delays with the new engine and pressure to build the maximum number of aircraft already on the production lines, this new Yak-3 programme was shelved. A new small wing was developed and tested along with other changes on a Yak-1M in late 1942, and the first Yak-3 prototype was flown in late 1943. Although evaluation aircraft flew in combat, the first series Yak-3s did not enter operation with the 91st IAP until July 1944. The Yak-3 was found to be an exceptional dogfighter at altitudes up to 4000m. Its improved performance was remarkable, particularly as the initial non-availability of the VK-107 engine forced reliance to be placed on the VK-105PF-2 that had powered earlier Yaks. Built to a total of 4,848, the Yak-3 achieved fame and a very high score rate against German aircraft in 1944-45. The Yak-3 equipped the famous Free French 'Normandie-Niemen' unit, and achieved its peak of perfection when the VK-107A engine of 1268kW became available in limited numbers from August 1944, the type's maximum speed then improving to 720km/h at 6000m.
| CREW | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 x VK-105PF, 870kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 2650 kg | 5842 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 9.2 m | 30 ft 2 in |
| Length | 8.5 m | 28 ft 11 in |
| Height | 2.4 m | 8 ft 10 in |
| Wing area | 14.8 m2 | 159.31 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 660 km/h | 410 mph |
| Cruise speed | 560 km/h | 348 mph |
| Ceiling | 10700 m | 35100 ft |
| Range | 900 km | 559 miles |
| ARMAMENT | 1 x 20mm machine-guns, 2 x 12.7mm machine-guns, bombs or missiles |
| Bill Montague, warbird3(@)sbcglobal.net, 04.02.2010 The new built Yak-3Ms with the Allison V-1710 engine makes for a great flying, very dependable little warbird.The airframe is built like a Mack truck (very strong) and contrary to what you may have heard, the airplane is easily managed by almost anyone, provided that anyone has some good quality tail dragger experience. I have a Yak-3M and love it. | | Ronald, toolkeeper123(@)roadrunner.com, 24.08.2009 Terminal dive was said to be 578 mph. Red-line may be much less. | | Ronald, toolkeeper123(@)roadrunner.com, 20.06.2009 This is the one the Luftwaffe was warned about! It evolved from the light Yak-1B so it was more vulnerable than other types but it added a 3rd gun vs 2 for most Yaks and Lavochkins.
It was the first hot Yak, more speed for the same power. It's wingspan was shortened giving it a better roll rate than an Fw 190A some say. This also made the landing hot (fast). It took over top cover duties from the La-5FN and was numerically the most important Soviet fighter for the last year of the war. The French unit mentioned above, could have chosen any Allied fighter but this was their pick to finish the war in. Sorry Spitfire, sorry Tempest and Mustang ...etc.
I believe the Yak-9U was the one powered by the VK-107A before the end of the war. The Yak-3 did also get this engine but it was effectively postwar. Thus, it suffered in negative-g initial dives like all VK-105 powered Yaks during the war. | | Ronald, toolkeeper123(@)adelphia.net, 02.09.2008 Weight of fire / sec. salvo = 2.72kg
Climb to 5km = 4.1 min.
360 turn = under 19 sec. |
|
Do you have any comments about this aircraft ?
|
| |
