Yakovlev Yak-53
| Yakovlev Yak-53 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Aerobatic trainer |
| National origin | USSR |
| Manufacturer | Yakovlev |
| First flight | 1982 |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Yak-52 |
The Yakovlev Yak-53 was a single seat aerobatic trainer aircraft produced in the USSR during 1981/2. Only prototypes were produced.[1]
Development
The prototype Yak-53 was derived from the Yak-52, differing in being a single seater designed as an aerobatic trainer. The front cockpit was deleted and the canopy modified to suit. The cockpit used the flying controls of the Yak-50 without the spring loading of the Yak-52, and the use of the undercarriage and tankage of the prototype Yak-52 to save weight, making the Yak-53 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than the Yak-52.[1]
Operational history
The prototype Yak-53 set two world records for time to height in its class on 15 February and 23 February 1982. Some sources state that a 3-bladed propellor of western origin was used for the record setting flights.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
Performance
References
- Gordon, Yefim (2005). OKB Yakovlev: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft. Hinkley: Midland. pp. 289–90.
- Gunston, Bill. Yakovlev Aircraft since 1924. London, UK: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1997. ISBN 1-55750-978-6.