Yakovlev Yak-3

The Yak-3 fighter, powered by the VK-105PF2 engine, was developed by the Yakolev Design Bureau from the Yak-1M. With the installation of the VK-107A engine, it became of the fastest fighters of the Second World War.

During the development of the Yak-3, careful consideration was given to improving the aerodynamics and reducing the weight of the aircraft. In comparison with the Yak-1M, the area of the wing was reduced from 17.15 to 14.85 square metres, the oil cooler was moved from the fuselage into the wing and the coolant radiator was recessed into the fuselage.

To further reduce the drag, the tail wheel became retractable. The take-off weight of the aircraft was reduced to 2650 kg and the flight tests with the VK-107A engine showed a maximum spped of 720 Km/hour.

The Air Force Institute concluded that the performance of the Yak-3 with this engine, from sea level up to its service ceiling, was superior to the domestic and known foreign fighter types, including the latest Bf-109 and Fw-190.

Steps were continually taken to improve the aircraft. The 20mm cannon firing through the propeller shaft was replaced with a 37mm variant, and the two 12.7mm machine guns were replaced by two 20mm cannon.

The wooden wing was replaced by one of metal construction. The Yak-3 was produced from 1943 to 1946, and a total of 4,848 were manufactured in that time. However, this important aircraft survives in only two museums around the world.