Yakovlev Yak-7
Yakovlev · Soviet Union · first flew 1940 · fighter
The Yakovlev Yak-7 was a Soviet WWII fighter developed from the two-seat Yak-7UTI trainer, which itself descended from the Yak-1; it served as both a combat fighter and advanced trainer.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Soviet WWII low-wing fighter derived from Yak-1
- Enclosed cockpit with framed canopy
- Inline liquid-cooled engine with prominent chin radiator
Closely related to the Yak-1 and Yak-9 in appearance; look for the slightly broader fuselage compared to Yak-1 and the framed greenhouse canopy shared with early Yakovlev fighters.
Specifications
- The Yakovlev Yak-7 has a length of 8.5 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 586 km/h (364 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally conceived as a dual-control conversion trainer, the Yak-7 was quickly adapted as a single-seat fighter when the need arose. It saw wide service on the Eastern Front from 1942 and was a stepping stone to the Yak-9.
Variants
Variants include the Yak-7A and Yak-7B fighters with differing armament, plus the Yak-7UTI two-seat trainer and the experimental Yak-7PVRD with ramjet pods.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Soviet Air Forces during WWII; succeeded by the Yak-9 in frontline units.
Related aircraft
- Yakovlev Yak-1
- Yakovlev Yak-4
- Yakovlev Yak-7UTI
- Yakovlev I-30
- Arado Ar 240
- Bell XFL-1 Airabonita
- Bloch MB.700
- CANSA FC.12
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