Yakovlev Yak-25 "Flashlight"

Yakovlev · Soviet Union · first flew 1952 · fighter

The Yakovlev Yak-25 was the Soviet Union's first purpose-designed all-weather jet interceptor, equipped with the Sokol airborne intercept radar and entering service in 1955 to defend Soviet airspace at night and in poor weather.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	15.665 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

NATO codename Flashlight; first Soviet all-weather interceptor with airborne radar
Twin turbojets in podded nacelles under a mid-swept wing
Tandem two-seat cockpit with a long nose housing Sokol radar

Slim swept-wing jet with two podded turbojet engines slung under the wing roots, a long pointed radar nose, tandem cockpits under a continuous glazed canopy, and a bicycle-style main undercarriage.

Specifications

The Yakovlev Yak-25 has a length of 15.665 m (51 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 1090 km/h (677 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

First flown in June 1952, the Yak-25 introduced swept wings, twin-engine reliability, and a dedicated weapons system officer in a tandem cockpit to Soviet interceptor practice. It served as the backbone of Soviet air defence until the arrival of the Su-9 and Tu-28.

Variants

Variants included the Yak-25M with uprated engines, the Yak-25RV high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft with extended straight wings, and the Yak-25MR maritime patrol version.

Where you'll see it

Served with Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) from 1955 into the early 1960s; not exported to other nations.

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