Sun, Jul 30, 2006
by ANN Correspondent John Dorcey
The history of this aircraft design is as full of intrigue and
mystery as a Russian spy novel. First, the original attempt at the
design failed in 1941 due to a shortage of materials and a reliable
engine. The second attempt proved successful with test flights
beginning in October 1943. Then, as we learned today, the aircraft
was still being produced as late as 1991.
The YAK-3 is an upgraded variant of the YAK-1; which first flew
in 1939. YAK models included the -1; -3; -7, and the -9. More than
8,700 aircraft were built of all models. The YAK was a successful
dog fighter and won the respect of Luftwaffe pilots on the Eastern
Front.
Shortly after being manufactured in 1991, this aircraft
participated in the 1992 May Day celebration in Moscow. It was also
on display during the 1992 Paris Airshow. The airplane was imported
to the United States through the efforts of David Price of the
Museum of Flying located in Santa Monica (CA).
After two other owners, Jim McKinstry of Mead (CO) now holds the
registration certificate. Jim is a retired manager of fleet
operations for United Airlines. Jim flew just about everything in
the United livery from the DC-6 on up. McKinstry reports that he
has attended AirVenture since the early Rockford days. "I've missed
just one or two," he admitted.
The YAK-3 has an empty weight of 4,641 pounds and a full up
weight of 5,864.The aircraft had a limited range of 485 nautical
miles, typical for its day. The 1,300 horsepower Klimov V-12 M105PF
engine gave the airplane a top speed of 355 knots. Armament
included a single 20mm ShVAK cannon and a single 12.7mm Berczin
cannon.
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