Background: Yakovlev Yak-3: Soviet’s No. 1 Fighter. We had the Spitfire, the Americans had the Mustang, the Russians had the Yak-3. Designed and manufactured by Yakovlev, it was recognised as the most successful Soviet fighter aircraft during World War II. The Yak-3 was simply a much improved version of the already successful Yak-1 but without its woes. It was very well received by Soviet fighter pilots who liked the fact that it was small, light and fast which increased its power-to-weight ratio making it an excellent dogfighter. Yak-3s had all metal construction unlike the Yak-1s and unlike comparable aircraft, it had a single cannon mounted in the engine "vee" firing through the propellor boss helping accuracy and leaving wings unloaded.

Current registration: F-AZIM

Year: 1944 / reconstructed 1994

Airframe hours: 250hrs SMOH

Engine hours: 50hrs SMOH (1150hrs TBO)

Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney R-1830 1,200hp Twin Wasp (two row, 14-cylinder)

Seating: 2, Pilot +1

Based: Antwerp, Belgium during winter. Visiting UK during summer. Viewing possible at White Waltham, Berkshire during Nov/Dec 2020

Hangared: Yes

Monthly: tba (covering hangarage, insurance, contribution to annual etc)

Hourly: tba

Opportunities to own a share in a Yak 3 are not going to come often. This group is forming and is looking for up to two more like-minded active and experienced pilots with an appreciation of warbirds, radials, power and presence.

The Yak-3UT has 2-seats, a new intercom, 8.33kHz radio and Mode C transponder.

It has been lovingly restored and is currently based in Belgium. The owner will be flying her into the UK before the year is out, which is the perfect time for viewing. White Waltham has 6 grass runways with maintenance and fuel on site. Excellent availability and online booking.

More about the Yak 3 and More about the Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp Radial Engine

Contact us if you are an experienced pilot and want to get involved or just want to discuss options informally.