Yakovlev Yak-50
Yakovlev · Soviet Union · first flew 1975 · light aircraft
The Yakovlev Yak-50 is a Soviet single-seat aerobatic aircraft developed specifically for unlimited-category competition flying. It replaced the Yak-18 in the Soviet aerobatic team and won multiple World Aerobatic Championship medals.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.67 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet single-seat aerobatic monoplane
- Mid-wing layout with round radial engine
- Designed for World Aerobatic Championship competition
A stocky mid-wing monoplane with a large round radial engine, reinforced cockpit canopy, and symmetric aerofoil section; the radial engine is the most immediately distinctive feature.
Specifications
- The Yakovlev Yak-50 has a length of 7.67 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.5 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 420 km/h (261 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1975, the Yak-50 was designed to compete at international level in response to Western aerobatic aircraft. Soviet pilots flying the Yak-50 achieved significant success at world championships in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Variants
The Yak-52 is a two-seat training derivative; the Yak-50 itself was produced in a single-seat configuration for competition use.
Where you'll see it
Used extensively by Soviet and Eastern European aerobatic teams throughout the late 1970s and 1980s; many examples remain airworthy worldwide.
Related aircraft
- Yakovlev Yak-42
- Yakovlev Yak-38
- Yakovlev Yak-55
- Yakovlev Yak-40
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- Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah
- Piper PA-28 Archer
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