Yakovlev Yak-9 "Frank"
Yakovlev · Soviet Union · first flew 1942 · fighter
The most-produced Soviet fighter of WWII, the Yak-9's metal wing structure and motor-cannon gave it range, versatility, and firepower the Yak-1 lacked, forming the numerical backbone of the VVS from Stalingrad onwards.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.55 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Longer nose than the Yak-3 housing the motor-cannon (gun fires through the propeller hub) — a slight bulge or open barrel aperture visible at the propeller spinner base
- Larger wing with metal spars (versus the Yak-1's wood spars) allowing a longer-chord wing that is slightly more rectangular in planform
- Higher, less cut-down spine than the Yak-3; many Yak-9s retained the older-style framed canopy throughout production
Against the Yak-3: the Yak-9 has a longer nose with motor-cannon aperture and a broader wing. Against the Yak-1: similar in size but the Yak-9 has metal wing spars giving a slightly different wing surface sheen and marginally more rectangular tip.
Specifications
- The Yakovlev Yak-9 has a length of 8.55 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.74 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 599 km/h (372 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in October 1942 for the Battle of Stalingrad, the Yak-9 served in more roles than any other Yak: standard fighter, long-range escort (D variant with fuel in wing leading edge), anti-tank (T with 37 mm or K with 45 mm cannon), and trainer.
Variants
Yak-9 (basic), -9D (long range), -9T (37 mm cannon), -9K (45 mm), -9U (VK-107A engine, fastest variant). The -9U is recognisable by its longer, slimmer cowl.
Where you'll see it
New-build Yak-9s appear at airshows alongside Yak-3s; several fly in Russia and Europe. The type was exported and flew with Polish, Yugoslav, and North Korean air forces.
Related aircraft
- Yakovlev Yak-6
- Yakovlev I-30
- Yakovlev Yak-3
- Yakovlev Yak-9 D
- Aichi E16A Zuiun
- Bell P-59 Airacomet
- Bell P-63 Kingcobra
- Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1
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