Yak-52
The Yak-52 began service with the Russian air force in the 1960’s and was used for initial flight, formation, instrument, and aerobatics training. Since the Russian philosophy of training included much more aggressive aerobatics than was prevalent with the NATO countries, the Yak-52 was designed to be a rugged, high performance trainer. The 3,500 YAK-52s that were produced for the USSR and satellite nations also had two hard points under each wing for the fitting of practice bombs and rockets. The aircraft has been sold to many countries for use as a trainer with the last batch of aircraft going to Vietnam in 2001. With the dwindling of military orders, S.A. Aerostar of Romania decided to produce the Yak-52 redesigned and suitable for the western market. There are now three variants of the venerable Yak-52 available: the Yak-52W, Yak-52TW, and the Yak-52TD.
The Yak-52W is a westernized tricycle gear airplane. The westernization includes Cleveland wheels and brakes, Champion ignition harness, and western instrumentation, while also retaining the forward retracting landing gear of the original model. The Yak-52TW is a tail dragger version with inboard retracting landing gear and the westernization kit. The Yak-52TD is a new tricycle variant with inboard retracting main gear similar to the 52-TW. All of the new models utilize the Vendeneyev M14P-XDK engine that produces 400 HP, which when coupled with the MTV-9 propeller from MT-Propeller, gives the Yak very impressive vertical performance for aerobatic demonstrations.
The YAK-52TW pictured above is owned by Glenn Foy of Indianapolis, IN.
A venerable warbird manufacturer with today’s technology!!
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Be sure to come early and enjoy the multitude of exhibits and displays as well as an expanded food & drink selection, exhibits, and many static displays of airplanes you can see up close and personal.
Performers, Schedule & Events are subject to change.
