Yakolev I-26 / Yak-1

Design of the Yakolev Yak-1 medium-altitude interceptor/fighter began in November 1938, and from it evolved a series of remarkable aircraft (produced in vast numbers) which made an important mark in the history of aviation. Known initially as the I-26, the type had a wooden wing combined with a fuselage of mixed construction and main landing gear units retracting inwards into the underside of the wing. The I-26 looked a thoroughbred and was dubbed 'Beauty' by its design team. Flown initially on 13 January 1940, the first prototype was soon lost in a fatal accident, but the development programme was continued without any break by the second prototype which incorporated some improvements. A pre-production batch of Yak-1s was flying by the end of the year and 64 initial series machines had also been completed by then. By 1941 it had been designated Yak-1. Changes were introduced during the course of production and many aircraft of the main variants were completed from early 1942 with all increased span more pointed wing. A new pilot's canopy and cut-down rear fuselage were introduced on the Yak-1B and reduction of overall weight was achieved with the Yak-1M. The mount of many leading Soviet fighter pilots, Yak-1s equipped a high proportion of fighter squadrons from 1942 onwards, when the type was phased out of production in mid-1943, a total of 8,721 series aircraft of all versions had been completed.

Engine: 1 x VK-105PF, 870kW
Max take-off weight: 3000 kg / 6614 lb
Empty weight: 2330 kg / 5137 lb
Wingspan: 10.0 m / 33 ft 10 in
Length: 8.5 m / 28 ft 11 in
Height: 1.7 m / 6 ft 7 in
Wing area: 17.2 sq.m / 185.14 sq ft
Max. speed: 580 km/h / 360 mph
Ceiling: 10000 m / 32800 ft
Climb to 5000m: 4.5-6.8 min
Range: 850 km / 528 miles
360 turn: 17-21 sec
Armament: 1 x 20mm machine-guns, 2 x 7.62mm machine-guns, 6 missiles
Weight of fire / sec. salvo: 1.856kg-2.000kg
Crew: 1