Difference between pages "LKk/42 (12.7 mm)" and "Yak-3 (VK-107)"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:12.7 mm LKk/42 machine gun}}
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{{Specs-Card|code=yak-3_vk107}}
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{{About
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| about = Soviet premium fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other uses
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| link = Yak-3 (Family)
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}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The 12.7 mm LKk/42 was a Finnish copy of the [[Akan m/39 (13.2 mm)|13.2 mm FN Browning aircraft machine gun]] from WWII. LKk/42 is an abbreviation for LentoKoneKivääri (air machine gun) m/42.
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[[File:GarageImage_Yak-3_VK-107.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.51 "Cold Steel"]].
  
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The Finnish managed to get the plans for the gun via Sweden as war aid in the early '40s. The calibre was changed to 12.7 mm Browning and the weapon was used to upgrade old fighter aircraft such as Brewster Buffalos and Curtiss Hawk 75's in Finnish service during the later stages of the war.
+
== General info ==
 +
=== Flight Performance ===
 +
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
  
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The weapon can currently only be found on the Finnish indigenous plane [[Pyörremyrsky]]. The weapon has different belts and bullets compared to other guns firing the 12.7 mm Browning cartridge which are unique to Finland.
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
|739||719||10400||18.8||18.9||28.1||23.6||360
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
+
====Details====
−
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps
 +
! Take-off flaps
 +
! Landing flaps
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| X || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
* {{Specs-Link|pyorremyrsky}}
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
== General info ==
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''
+
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
  
−
=== Available ammunition ===
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== Armaments ==
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<!-- ''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).'' -->
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=== Offensive armament ===
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Since the LKk/42 is a variant of the American Browning M2 machine gun, it shares the same ammunition belts one would see on the regular Browning M2 machine gun.
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<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|B-20M (20 mm)|B-20S (20 mm)}}
  
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Belts: Default, Universal, Ground Targets, Tracers and Stealth.
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
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=== Comparison with analogues ===
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* 1 x 20 mm B-20M cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
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''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''
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* 1 x 20 mm B-20S cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''
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''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
 +
 
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| 100 octane fuel usage
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''
+
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent rate of climb
 +
* Excellent turn rate
 +
* Excellent acceleration when below 4000 m, it's even faster than some early period jets
 +
* Excellent roll rate
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Low top speed in a dive, the plane rips at 720 km/h
 +
* Control stiffening when flying above 500 km/h, the roll rate is significantly lower
 +
* Bad acceleration when above 5000 m
 +
* Low ammo count, only 120 rounds per gun, often runs out after getting 2-3 kills
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
+
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
−
=== Origin ===
 
−
Like most modern nations prior to WWII, the Finnish wanted to adopt a heavy airborne weapon which could deal with the armoured full metal fighters and bombers entering service at the end of the 1930s. There were several weapons on the market designed for this specific purpose and one of those was the [[Akan m/39 (13.2 mm)|13.2 mm FN Browning aircraft machine gun]] by FN Herstal. The weapon had a high fire rate of ca 1100 rounds per minute and could fire high explosive projectiles. This was the weapon Finland wanted to buy.
 
  
−
Unfortunately, Finland was not alone in wanting to buy the gun and several countries stood in line to buy it. Things only got worse as the Winter War started in September 1939 which meant that a suitable replacement had to be found quickly. In the end, the Finnish had to adopt the [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning]] (export name Colt MG 53-2) as they ordered the Brewster Buffalo in December 1939.
+
The idea to produce a new fighter for the Red Army Air Force went as far back as 1941. It was then that the Yakovlev Design Bureau presented the I-30 prototype, intended an alternative to the earlier Yak-1 design. However, the German invasion of the USSR, as well as aluminium shortages, meant that the project had to be put on hold. Yakovlev resumed the development in 1943 while working on an upgraded version of the Yak-1 fighter. This time, it was decided that a new aircraft should be produced to completely replace the Yak-1 and Yak-7 models.  
  
−
=== Predecessor ===
+
By September 1943, yet another improved variant was ready, designated Yak-1M Dubler, on which the canvas skin on the tail section was replaced with 2mm plywood, and oil and water radiators were improved. The Dubler also had a new mastless antenna, a ring sight instead of a reflector sight, improved armour and a new propeller. Test pilots were impressed by the new prototype. Their report stated in part: "''Yak-1M possessed excellent horizontal, and especially vertical, manoeuvrability. Top speed greatly improved compared to earlier serial-production Yaks. Despite the improved performance, the aircraft remains easy to fly and does not require extensive pilot training''."
−
The Finnish were never happy with the 12.7 mm Colt MG 53-2 as it was heavy and had an unimpressive fire rate of ca 750 rounds per minute even when not synchronized through a propeller. They also did not have a license to build the Colt MG 53-2 which meant that they would have to find a successor quickly as their entire air force was becoming outdated quickly. Because of this, when the winter war ended in March 1940, the Finnish were hoping to be able to buy the 13.2 mm FN Browning machine gun yet again. But to their dismay, Belgium was invaded by Nazi Germany just 2 months after the winter war had ended which meant that FN Herstal could not export weapons.
 
  
−
=== Source ===
+
The new machine was dubbed as the Yak-3 and entered service with the Red Army Air Force in 1944. The Yak-3 was a further modification of the Yak-1, produced in 1944 and 1945, with a total of 4,848 built, and considered one of the best fighters of the war.
−
Fortunately for Finland though, their neighbour and close friend Sweden had been first in line to buy the 13.2 mm FN Browning from FN Herstal and had acquired several guns and a license to produce them just as the invasion of Belgium started. This prompted Finland to ask Sweden in 1941 if they could get access to its plans as war aid. As FN Herstal was under occupation Sweden did not see any reason against giving Finland unauthorized access to the license plans and Sweden agreed to send over the plans they had. But to the horror of the Fins, the plans were incomplete, although this was not the fault of the Swedes as they had the same problem. Because of this, the Finnish asked the Swedish if they could send over an original gun to use as reference to complete the plans. The Swedish agreed and sent over a copy.
 
  
−
=== Design ===
+
The new fighter quickly became very popular with Soviet pilots. They highly praised its solid armament of two Berezin UBS 12.7 mm machine guns and one ShVAK 20 mm cannon as well as ease of piloting and superb low-altitude performance. Marcel Albert, the top scoring French ace of World War II, cited the Yak-3 as one of the best fighters of the war, along with the P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire. After the war, the Yak-3 was also used by the Air Forces of Socialist Yugoslavia and Poland.<ref name="forum">[https://warthunder.com/en/news/2693--en <nowiki>[Aircraft Profile] Yak-3</nowiki>]</ref>
−
Now came the problem of calibre. The original gun was in calibre 13.2x99 Hotchkiss, a calibre the Finnish did not use nor produce. Fortunately for them, FN Herstal had prior to the war offered the 13.2 mm FN Browning in not only 13.2 mm Hotchkiss but also 12.7 mm Browning, a cartridge the Finnish had in production due to the 12.7 mm Colt MG 53-2. Because of this, the Finnish decided to convert the gun to 12.7 mm Browning. The task of converting the construction to 12.7 mm, and making it capable of being produced in Finland was given to the Finnish state weapon factory VKT. VKT had to make a couple of hundred design changes to the weapon for it to be produced in Finland. One of these changes was to make it fit the same mounts as the MG 53-2.
 
  
−
=== Service ===
+
The Yak-3P was produced from April 1945 until mid-1946, armed with 3 × 20 mm Berezin B-20 cannon with 120 rounds for the middle cannon and 130 RPG for the side weapons. The three-cannon armament with full ammunition load was actually 11 kg (24 lb) lighter than that of a standard Yak-3, and the one-second burst mass of 3.52 kg (7.74 lb) was greater than that of most contemporary fighters. Starting in August 1945, all Yak-3 were produced in the Yak-3P configuration with a total of 596 built.
−
==== Initial use ====
 
−
The weapon was designated 12.70 mm LKk/42 and production started in 1942 with the first weapons being sent out to FAF wings in 1943. The 12.7 mm LKk/42 was mainly sent to wings using the Brewster Buffalo (designated BW in Finland) as they already had installations for them but the 12.7 mm LKk/42 also ended up in a few [[P-36 (Family)|Curtiss Hawk 75]]'s (designated CU in Finland) and [[M.S.406C1|Morane-Saulnier MS.406]]'s (designated MS in Finland) as they were also in need of better weaponry.
 
  
−
==== Main use ====
+
=== In-game description ===
−
Besides upgrading old planes the Finnish also planned to use the 12.7 mm LKk/42 on several future aircraft. One of these was the VL Myrsky, a single-engine monoplane fighter with a mixed construction airframe and 1100 hp Twin Wasp engine. The Finnish had been working on the Myrsky since 1939, but because of the war they had not been able to acquire any engine for the aircraft. By 1943 the Finnish had finally been able to acquire enough engines to start production of the Myrsky. As the Myrsky was severely outdated as a fighter by 1943 it was decided to give it extremely heavy hitting armament so it could at least take down slow attack aircraft such as the [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2 Sturmovik]]. The Myrsky ended up receiving four 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns in the nose, all shooting synchronized through the propeller. While this lowered the rate of fire of the 12.7 mm LKk/42 from ca 1100 rounds per minute to around 750 rounds per minute it was still heavy-hitting as all 4 machine guns sat next to each other and fired within a 1-metre span. This concentrated the fire and turned anything it hit into Swiss cheese within seconds. In the end however, the Myrsky only ever destroyed 2 aircraft (damaged 2 fighters which crashed on landing) and it was almost immediately relegated to reconnaissance and ground attack missions. This only got worse with time as its mixed construction did not fare well in the Finnish climate.
+
"The Yak-3 was a Soviet single-engine fighter of the WWII era. It was the first combat aircraft designed by Alexander Yakovlev's construction bureau. The Yak-3 was a further modification of the Yak-1, produced in 1944 and 1945, with a total of 4,848 built, and considered one of the best fighters of the war. In February 1943, a new Yak-1M variant was completed. It was a further development of the Yak-1, differing from it mainly in lower weight and smaller wing span.  
  
−
==== Planned use ====
+
By September 1943, yet another improved variant was ready, designated Yak-1M Dubler, on which the canvas skin on the tail section was replaced with 2mm plywood, and oil and water radiators were improved. The Dubler also had a new mastless antenna, a ring sight instead of a reflector sight, improved armor and a new propeller. Test pilots were impressed by the new prototype. Their report stated in part: ""Yak-1M possessed excellent horizontal, and especially vertical, maneuverability. Top speed greatly improved compared to earlier serial-production Yaks. Despite improved performance, the aircraft remains easy to fly and does not require extensive pilot training."" Therefore, the new modification went into production, receiving a new designation, Yak-3.  
−
Besides the Myrsky the 12.7 mm LKk/42 was also planned to be used on several future aircraft being developed in Finland. One of these was the VL Humu, a Brewster Buffalo clone using Soviet M-63 radial engines captured from I-16's. The Humu was to mount three synchronized 12.7 mm Lkk/42 guns in the upper cowling. The Humu was however underpowered and never passed its initial trials in 1944.
 
  
−
On the other end, we have the more famous VL [[Pyörremyrsky]] fighter. The Pyörremyrsky was effectively an improved Bf 109G-6 as it used the same engine and cowling as the Bf 109 G-6 yet was able to outperform it in both climb rate and manoeuvrability. The Finnish tried also tried to improve its armament. One of the limitations of the Bf 109 G-6 was its 13 mm MG 131 machine guns. The 13 mm MG 131, while firing fairly effective projectiles, had extremely lousy muzzle velocity. The 12.7 mm LKk/42 did not. The Finnish therefor planned to use 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns on the Pyörremyrsky instead of 13 mm MG 131's. This was however never realized as the continuation war ended in 1944 which nailed the coffin for the Pyörremyrsky.
+
One of the most memorable air battles for the Yak-3 took place on 16th July 1944, when the plane showed it could confidently engage superior enemy forces. On that day, 10 Yak-3s met 8 Bf-109s and 4 FW-190s, with the battle eventually growing to 18 Soviet and 24 German planes. In the end, 15 German planes were shot down, for the loss of a single Yak-3."
−
 
 
−
==== Anti air use ====
 
−
After the war, most aircraft using the 12.7 mm LKk/42 reached the end of their service life quickly and by 1950 most 12.7 mm LKk/42's were in storage waiting for better days. As a lot of the guns were effectively brand new, not to mention indigenous, the Finnish military tried to figure ways to re-purpose them.
 
−
 
 
−
One of these ideas was to turn them into anti-air machine guns. The 12.7 mm LKk/42 was promptly put into service as an anti-air gun during the early 1950s. As an anti-air gun, the 12.7 mm LKk/42 was re-designated to 12.7 mm TorKk/42 VKT, TorKk being an abbreviation for TorjuntaKonekivääri (anti-air machine gun), although it was sometimes called 12.7 mm VKT-42.
 
−
 
 
−
The 12.7 mm TorKk/42 was fitted in single, double and quadruple mounts. In the end however, it failed as an anti-air gun. Because of its high rate of fire and thin barrel, it could not be used to full effect on the ground and was thus never successful in the anti-air role. A few seconds of fire could crack the barrels and make the gun unsafe for use. It was withdrawn from anti-air service after a short period in use during the early 1950s.
 
−
 
 
−
==== Exercise use ====
 
−
So the 12.7 mm LKk/42 was not viable as an anti-air gun. This forced the Finnish military to rethink what to do with the guns. For inspiration, they looked to their neighbour Sweden who originally gave them the design. Since Sweden also produced the base gun during the war they most likely were in a similar boat to Finland, which was true.
 
−
 
 
−
Sweden's solution to the problem however was to use the surplus weapons as exercise weaponry on all their 20 mm cannon equipped aircraft. This was done by replacing the 20 mm cannons with the surplus machine guns and therefore save money by using cheaper ammunition. Finland, who had just acquired six de Havilland Vampire fighters, liked the idea and decided to copy it. This proved to be a great idea in the long run and Finland continued to use the 12.7 mm LKk/42 for exercise use into the 1990s.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
+
 
−
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
−
{{Aircraft machine guns}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
−
 
+
{{USSR fighters}}
−
[[Category:Aircraft machine guns]]
+
{{USSR premium aircraft}}
 +
<references />

Revision as of 17:31, 14 July 2020

Yak-3 (VK-107)
yak-3_vk107.png
Yak-3 (VK-107)
USSR flag.png USSR
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 5.7 6.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:6 090 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game
This page is about the Soviet premium fighter Yak-3 (VK-107). For other uses, see Yak-3 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Yak-3 (VK-107).jpg


The Yak-3 (VK-107) is a premium rank IV Russian fighter with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB) and 6.3 (SB). This aircraft was introduced in Update 1.51 "Cold Steel".

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at ?,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
739 719 10400 18.8 18.9 28.1 23.6 360
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at ?,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ?  ? 10400  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ???

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
 ??? ~?? ~?
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< ??? < ??? < ??? > ???
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
 ?,??? m  ??? hp  ?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: B-20M (20 mm), B-20S (20 mm)

The Yak-3 (VK-107) is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm B-20M cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm B-20S cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator
II Compressor Airframe Offensive 20 mm
III Wings repair Engine
IV 100 octane fuel usage Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons
This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent rate of climb
  • Excellent turn rate
  • Excellent acceleration when below 4000 m, it's even faster than some early period jets
  • Excellent roll rate

Cons:

  • Low top speed in a dive, the plane rips at 720 km/h
  • Control stiffening when flying above 500 km/h, the roll rate is significantly lower
  • Bad acceleration when above 5000 m
  • Low ammo count, only 120 rounds per gun, often runs out after getting 2-3 kills

History

The idea to produce a new fighter for the Red Army Air Force went as far back as 1941. It was then that the Yakovlev Design Bureau presented the I-30 prototype, intended an alternative to the earlier Yak-1 design. However, the German invasion of the USSR, as well as aluminium shortages, meant that the project had to be put on hold. Yakovlev resumed the development in 1943 while working on an upgraded version of the Yak-1 fighter. This time, it was decided that a new aircraft should be produced to completely replace the Yak-1 and Yak-7 models.

By September 1943, yet another improved variant was ready, designated Yak-1M Dubler, on which the canvas skin on the tail section was replaced with 2mm plywood, and oil and water radiators were improved. The Dubler also had a new mastless antenna, a ring sight instead of a reflector sight, improved armour and a new propeller. Test pilots were impressed by the new prototype. Their report stated in part: "Yak-1M possessed excellent horizontal, and especially vertical, manoeuvrability. Top speed greatly improved compared to earlier serial-production Yaks. Despite the improved performance, the aircraft remains easy to fly and does not require extensive pilot training."

The new machine was dubbed as the Yak-3 and entered service with the Red Army Air Force in 1944. The Yak-3 was a further modification of the Yak-1, produced in 1944 and 1945, with a total of 4,848 built, and considered one of the best fighters of the war.

The new fighter quickly became very popular with Soviet pilots. They highly praised its solid armament of two Berezin UBS 12.7 mm machine guns and one ShVAK 20 mm cannon as well as ease of piloting and superb low-altitude performance. Marcel Albert, the top scoring French ace of World War II, cited the Yak-3 as one of the best fighters of the war, along with the P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire. After the war, the Yak-3 was also used by the Air Forces of Socialist Yugoslavia and Poland.[1]

The Yak-3P was produced from April 1945 until mid-1946, armed with 3 × 20 mm Berezin B-20 cannon with 120 rounds for the middle cannon and 130 RPG for the side weapons. The three-cannon armament with full ammunition load was actually 11 kg (24 lb) lighter than that of a standard Yak-3, and the one-second burst mass of 3.52 kg (7.74 lb) was greater than that of most contemporary fighters. Starting in August 1945, all Yak-3 were produced in the Yak-3P configuration with a total of 596 built.

In-game description

"The Yak-3 was a Soviet single-engine fighter of the WWII era. It was the first combat aircraft designed by Alexander Yakovlev's construction bureau. The Yak-3 was a further modification of the Yak-1, produced in 1944 and 1945, with a total of 4,848 built, and considered one of the best fighters of the war. In February 1943, a new Yak-1M variant was completed. It was a further development of the Yak-1, differing from it mainly in lower weight and smaller wing span.

By September 1943, yet another improved variant was ready, designated Yak-1M Dubler, on which the canvas skin on the tail section was replaced with 2mm plywood, and oil and water radiators were improved. The Dubler also had a new mastless antenna, a ring sight instead of a reflector sight, improved armor and a new propeller. Test pilots were impressed by the new prototype. Their report stated in part: ""Yak-1M possessed excellent horizontal, and especially vertical, maneuverability. Top speed greatly improved compared to earlier serial-production Yaks. Despite improved performance, the aircraft remains easy to fly and does not require extensive pilot training."" Therefore, the new modification went into production, receiving a new designation, Yak-3.

One of the most memorable air battles for the Yak-3 took place on 16th July 1944, when the plane showed it could confidently engage superior enemy forces. On that day, 10 Yak-3s met 8 Bf-109s and 4 FW-190s, with the battle eventually growing to 18 Soviet and 24 German planes. In the end, 15 German planes were shot down, for the loss of a single Yak-3."

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau (Яковлев Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Fighters 
Yak-1  Yak-1 · Yak-1B
Yak-3  Yak-3 · Yak-3 (VK-107) · Yak-3P · Yak-3T · Yak-3U
Yak-7  Yak-7B
Yak-9  Yak-9 · Yak-9B · Yak-9K · Golovachev's Yak-9M · Yak-9P · Yak-9T · Yak-9U · Yak-9UT
Twin-engine fighters  I-29
Jet fighters 
Yak-15  Yak-15P · Yak-15
Yak-17  Yak-17
Yak-23  Yak-23
Yak-30  Yak-30D
Yak-141  Yak-141
Strike aircraft 
Yak-2  Yak-2 KABB
Yak-38  Yak-38 · Yak-38M
Bombers  Yak-4
Jet bombers  Yak-28B
Foreign use  ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · ◔Yak-9P
Captured  ▀Yak-1B

USSR fighters
I-15  I-15 WR · I-15 M-22 · I-15 M-25 · I-15bis · Krasnolutsky's I-15bis
  I-153 M-62 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P
I-16  I-16 type 5 · I-16 type 10 · I-16 type 18 · I-16 type 24 · I-16 type 27 · I-16 type 28 · I-180S
I-29  I-29
I-185  I-185 (M-71) · I-185 (M-82)
I-225  I-225
ITP  ITP (M-1)
MiG-3  MiG-3-15 · MiG-3-15 (BK) · MiG-3-34
LaGG  I-301 · LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-8 · LaGG-3-11 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · LaGG-3-35 · LaGG-3-66
La  La-5 · La-5F · La-5FN · La-7 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-7B-20 · La-9 · La-11
Yak-1/7  Yak-1 · Yak-1B · Yak-7B
Yak-3  Yak-3 · Yak-3P · Yak-3T · Yak-3U · Yak-3 (VK-107)
Yak-9  Yak-9 · Yak-9B · Golovachev's Yak-9M · Yak-9T · Yak-9K · Yak-9U · Yak-9UT · Yak-9P
Other countries  ▂P-40E-1 · ▂P-47D-27 · ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Fw 190 D-9 · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc
P-39  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15
P-63  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5

USSR premium aircraft
Fighters  Krasnolutsky's I-15bis · I-16 type 28 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P · I-180S · I-301 · ITP (M-1)
  LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-11
  Yak-3 (VK-107) · Yak-3T · Golovachev's Yak-9M
  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▂P-40E-1 · ▂P-47D-27 · ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5
  ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · ▂Fw 190 D-9
Twin-engine fighters  I-29
Jet fighters  Su-11 · MiG-15bis ISH · MiG-17AS · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-23ML
Strike aircraft  IL-2M "Avenger" · IL-2 M-82 · IL-8 (1944) · Su-6 · Tandem MAI · TIS MA · Su-8 · Tu-1
  Yak-38 · Su-7BMK · Su-25K · Su-39
Bombers  Po-2M · Be-6 · MBR-2-M-34 · Pe-2-205 · TB-3M-17-32
  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30

  1. ↑ [Aircraft Profile] Yak-3
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