Yakovlev UT-2

Yakovlev · Soviet Union · first flew 1935 · light aircraft

The Yakovlev UT-2 was a Soviet two-seat primary trainer monoplane introduced in the mid-1930s. Its clean low-wing design made it a significant step forward in Soviet pilot training.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsLow-mounted, tapered
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage7.15 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Identified by its clean tapered low wing, open tandem cockpits, and single radial engine; its simple rounded fuselage distinguishes it from Western contemporaries.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Alexander Yakovlev, the UT-2 first flew in 1935 and entered widespread service with the Soviet Air Force. It replaced older biplane trainers and trained thousands of pilots through World War II. Production ran into the early 1940s at multiple Soviet factories.

Variants

The UT-2 saw incremental powerplant upgrades over its production life, with the most common variant powered by the M-11 radial engine. A floatplane version was also evaluated.

Where you'll see it

The UT-2 served exclusively with Soviet aero clubs and military flight schools, producing the generation of pilots who fought in the Great Patriotic War.

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