Yakovlev Yak-9
The Yakovlev Yak-9 was the most-produced Soviet fighter of the Second World War, built in numerous specialised sub-variants ranging from long-range escort fighters to heavily armed tank-busting versions with a large-calibre cannon firing through the propeller hub. Its metal wing spar, replacing the wooden structure of earlier Yak fighters, allowed extra fuel or weapons capacity without adding excessive weight. Extended-range Yak-9D and Yak-9DD versions could escort bombers deep into enemy territory, a mission earlier short-range Soviet fighters couldn't manage. Its sheer numbers and versatility made it a mainstay of Soviet fighter regiments throughout the war's second half.
Did you know?
The Yak-9 was the most-produced Soviet WWII fighter, built in specialised variants from long-range escorts to cannon-armed tank-busters.
Specifications
| Length | 8.5 m (28 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 9.7 m (32 ft) |
| Height | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Range | 545 NM (1,009 km) |
| Maximum speed | 323 kt (598 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 32,800 ft (9,997 m) |
| Rate of climb | 3,642 ft/min (18.5 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 350 m (1,148 ft) |
| Engines | 1x Klimov VK-105PF |
| Units built | 16,769 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Yakovlev Yak-9 starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Yakovlev, the Yak-9 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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