Photograph:
Yak 7B in the United States before importation to New Zealand (via Graham Orphan)
Country of origin:
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Description:
Single-seat general purpose fighter and fighter bomber
Power Plant:
One 821 kw (1,100 hp) Klimov M-105PA 12-cylinder VEE liquid-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 10.02 m (32 ft 9¾ in)
- Length: 8.5 m (27 ft 9¾ in)
- Height: 2.68 m (8 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 17.14 m² (184.5 sq ft)
- Max speed at sea level: 499 km/h (310 mph)
- Max speed at 4,999 m (16,400 ft): 586 km/h (364 mph)
- Economical cruising speed at sea level: 249 km/h (155 mph)
- Economical cruising speed at 3,000 m (9,840 ft): 240 km/h (149 mph)
- Range at 520 km/h (323 mph): 700 km (435 miles)
- Time to 4,999 m (16,400 ft): 4 mins 30 secs
- Service ceiling: 9,997 m (32,800 ft)
- Empty weight: 2,330 kg (5,137 lb)
- Loaded weight: 2,820 kg (6,217 lb)
History:
The Yak-7 was designed by Alexander S Yakovlev and was a development of the Yak-1, initially known as the I-26, which was first flown in 1940. The aircraft was very successful in its designed role and entered production, the designer being awarded the order of Lenin. The aircraft was of mixed construction with a two-spar wooden wing, a wood and tube fuselage and fabric covering, being overall coated with a thick layer of polish. Engine was the Klimov M-105PA driving a three-blade propeller.
The aircraft was developed and received some redesign, changes occurring to the canopy and the machine guns were replaced with 12.7 mm Beresin BS guns with a total of 695 rounds, and an increase in the cannon armament to 140 rounds. Later the M-105PF engine was installed and this provided 940 kw (1,260 hp). Various changed at this time lead to the aircraft being renamed the Yak 7B. A variant was produced for conversion training and high-speed liaison and this was initially known as the UTI-26 but later became known as the Yak 1U and when the rear fuselage was lowered it became known as the Yak-7U.
In June 2019 a Yak 7B arrived at JEM Aviation at Omaka, NZ for restoration. The aircraft commenced life as a Yakovlev Yak-11 but at some stage was converted to Yak 7B configuration, this involving, amongst other things, the installation of an Allison V-12 engine as examples of the Klimov engine are not available. When completed the aircraft will have two-seats, dual controls, and will be used for Warbird adventure flights from Tauranga.