Yakovlev Yak-53

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
• Length: 7.68 m (25ft 2 1/2in ft in)
• Empty weight: 900 kg (1,984 lb)
• Gross weight: 1,060 kg (2,340 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Vedeneyev M-14P, 268.45 kW (360 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)

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.