The story
Nearly 17,000 Yak-9s were built, more than any other Soviet fighter, and they fought from Stalingrad to Berlin. The design was light and simple, built partly of wood, and it could fight the Bf 109 and Fw 190 on even terms down low where the Eastern Front air war happened. The French Normandie-Niemen squadron flew it with the Soviets. Most of the Yak-9s flying today are new-build Yak-9UMs made in Russia in the 1990s with American Allison engines.
The modern new-build Yaks use American Allison engines that turn the propeller the opposite way to the wartime Soviet V-12s.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Yak-9?
A slim, low-wing fighter with a bubble-style canopy and a rounded fin, smaller than a Mustang. Red stars on most survivors. The Yak-11 trainer is the same shape with a radial engine.
What does a Yak-9 sound like?
The new-builds carry an Allison V-12: a lower, rougher growl than a Merlin.
How fast is the Yak-9?
Top speed is 319 kts.
How many people does the Yak-9 carry?
Typical configuration: Single pilot.
How far can the Yak-9 fly?
Range is about 750 nmi.
How big is the Yak-9?
It is 28 ft 0 in long and 31 ft 11 in across the wings.
When did the Yak-9 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1942.
How many Yak-9s have been built?
16,769 built.
How rare is a Yak-9 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Yak-9 catch is worth 250 points.
