Yakovlev Yak-27

Yakovlev / Saratov Aviation Plant · Soviet Union · first flew 1956 · fighter

The Yakovlev Yak-27 was a Soviet two-seat supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft developed in the mid-1950s. It was a development of the Yak-25 with more powerful engines and improved performance.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Soviet swept-wing twin-jet supersonic interceptor from the late 1950s
• Two turbojet engines in under-wing pod nacelles, long pointed nose
• Area-ruled fuselage with mid-mounted swept wings and bicycle undercarriage

Resembles the Yak-25 but with a more slender, area-ruled fuselage; the twin engines in podded nacelles under swept wings and the long two-seat cockpit with bicycle undercarriage are identifying features.

Specifications

• The Yakovlev Yak-27 has a length of 18.55 m (61 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 11.82 m (39 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 1285 km/h (798 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Derived from the subsonic Yak-25, the Yak-27 introduced more powerful engines and an area-ruled fuselage to achieve supersonic performance. It entered limited Soviet Air Defence Forces service and was also developed into the Yak-27R reconnaissance variant.

Variants

The Yak-27R was a dedicated reconnaissance version; the Yak-27V was a high-altitude research variant; the Yak-28 was a substantially redesigned and more capable development.

Where you'll see it

Operated in small numbers by the Soviet Air Defence Forces in the interceptor role; the Yak-27R reconnaissance variant saw more use with Soviet tactical air forces.

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