Yakovlev Yak-24
Yakovlev · Soviet Union · first flew 1952 · helicopter
The Yakovlev Yak-24 was a Soviet tandem-rotor transport helicopter, sometimes called the 'Flying Wagon' for its large, boxy fuselage. It was the largest helicopter in the world at the time of its introduction and could carry up to 30 troops or heavy military equipment.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Large boxy fuselage resembling a flying boxcar |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tandem twin-rotor heavy transport helicopter
- Twin piston engines in tandem rotor layout
- Large boxy fuselage resembling a flying boxcar
Distinctive tandem twin-rotor layout with a deep rectangular fuselage; the two large rotors in line fore and aft set it apart from conventional single-rotor Soviet helicopters.
Specifications
- The Yakovlev Yak-24 has a length of 22.4 m (73 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21 m (69 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 175 km/h (109 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1952 and entering Soviet service in 1955, the Yak-24 was designed to provide heavy-lift capability comparable to that of a transport aircraft. Structural and vibration problems limited its service life and production numbers remained modest.
Variants
Yak-24A (passenger), Yak-24U (updated); a crane variant was also evaluated.
Where you'll see it
Served with Soviet armed forces through the late 1950s and 1960s before being phased out; not operated outside the Soviet Union to any significant extent.
Related aircraft
- Yakovlev Yak-120
- Yakovlev Yak-25
- Yakovlev Yak-200
- Yakovlev Yak-14
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- Kamov Ka-15
- Mil Mi-4 Hound
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