Difference between revisions of "Yak-3U"

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{{Specs-Card|code=yak-3u}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Russian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Yak-3 (Family)
 
| link = Yak-3 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=yak-3u
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. It differs from the Yak-3 aircraft line by the use of a M-82 radial engine found on the Lavochkin fighters (La-5, La-7, La-9), adopting a shorter and rounder nose.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The Yak-3U is the pinnacle of the Yakovlev piston engine fighter design, combining the amazing agility of the Yak-3 airframe with the excellent Shvetsov M-82FN engine acquired from the Lavochkin line, increasing its top speed tremendously. One can expect a similar playstyle to the feared [[Yak-3P]] but turned up a few notches due to the improvement in speed. However, the big elephant in the room is the woefully inadequate armament for the tier; two B-20S 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose are unable to compete with other aircraft in the BR 6.3 range, or even other Soviet aircraft at the same tier such as the [[I-225]]. Thus, the pilot should aim for critical components (engines, wings or pilot) in order to secure a kill.
+
The Yak-3U is the pinnacle of the Yakovlev piston engine fighter design, combining the amazing agility of the Yak-3 airframe with the excellent Shvetsov M-82FN engine acquired from the Lavochkin line, increasing its top speed tremendously. One can expect a similar playstyle to the feared [[Yak-3P]] but turned up a few notches due to the improvement in speed. Armament is two B-20S 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose, with a low ammo count, so conserve ammo. The pilot should aim for critical components (engines, wings or pilot) in order to secure a kill.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 668 || 649 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.2 || 19.4 || 21.6 || 21.6 || 360
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! 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
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 668 || 649 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.2 || 19.4 || 21.6 || 21.6 || rowspan="2" | 360
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 729 || 695 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.2 || 18.0 || 32 || 26.5 || 360
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 729 || 695 || 17.2 || 18.0 || 32 || 26.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| X || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| X || X || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 410 || ~11 || ~8
+
| 700<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~12 || ~9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 90: Line 65:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 341
+
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 340
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 124: Line 96:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
 
* 64 mm sloped bulletproof glass behind the pilot
 
* 64 mm sloped bulletproof glass behind the pilot
 
* 8.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat
 
* 8.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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-20S (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|B-20S (20 mm)}}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft 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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft 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).'' -->
−
Being an improvement on the [[Yak-3P]], one can expect a similar playstyle to the feared Red Russian Menace, but with more versatility thanks to the improved engine providing a large increase in speed. The -3U provides quite a unique experience, as it can out-turn the enemies it can't out-run, and it can outrun the enemies it can't out-turn, so a smart pilot will use this versatility to their advantage. One should stick with energy fighting for the most part, but can certainly turn-fight with less manoeuvrable opponents, which include the P51 line.
+
Being an improvement on the [[Yak-3P]], one can expect a similar playstyle to the feared Red Soviet Menace, but with more versatility thanks to the improved engine providing a large increase in speed. The Yak-3U provides quite a unique experience, as it can out-turn the enemies it can't out-run, and it can outrun the enemies it can't out-turn, so a smart pilot will use this versatility to their advantage. One should stick with energy fighting for the most part, but can certainly turn-fight with less manoeuvrable opponents, which include the P-51 line.
  
−
The main drawback of the 3U is its poor armament. The two B-20S cannons provide lacklustre stopping power at this tier and have a nasty habit of sparking, and to top it off, they have a low ammunition count of 120 rounds per gun. The solid performance combined with the weak armament makes the -3U a very volatile plane. A newer or inexperienced player may find the performance enticing, but will struggle to do well if they're too trigger happy and have not used to the Russian 20 mm's very much. However, a good pilot will be able to use the upsides to these cannons (accuracy, high rate of fire and ability to start fires) to their advantage. Also worth noting is that Armored-Target belts from these cannon tend to set fuel tanks on fire quite easily, so aiming at them and at the engines of enemy aircraft will likely yield bright, warm results.
+
The main drawbacks of the 3U are its poor armament and poor performance above 2,000 m. The two B-20S cannons provide lacklustre stopping power at this tier and have a nasty habit of sparking, and to top it off, they have a low ammunition count of 120 rounds per gun. Due to the lack of a supercharger, the engine's output greatly decreases above 2,000 m; it is recommended to entice opponents (mainly Germans & Americans) down to altitude in order to engage them. The solid performance combined with the weak armament makes the Yak-3U a very volatile plane. A newer or inexperienced player may find the performance enticing, but will struggle to do well if they're too trigger happy and have not used to the Soviet 20 mm very much. However, a good pilot will be able to use the upsides to these cannons (accuracy, high rate of fire and ability to start fires) to their advantage. Also worth noting is that "Armoured Targets" belts from these cannon tend to set fuel tanks on fire quite easily, so aiming at them and at the engines of enemy aircraft will likely yield bright, warm results. The Tracers belt is also a noteworthy option, as it only contains FI-T, and will easily take off control surfaces with one hit, as well as help someone who is not so confident with the ballistics of the cannons aim.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 160: Line 138:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Very fast for a propeller-driven aircraft, able to out-run the P51 D-5 at low altitude
+
* Very fast for a propeller-driven aircraft, able to out-run the P-51D-5 at low altitude
−
* Amazing maneuverability that can compete with almost every aircraft at the tier
+
* Amazing manoeuvrability that can compete with almost every aircraft at the rank
 
* Solid climb rate
 
* Solid climb rate
−
* Fast firing and accurate cannons concentrated in the nose that are devastating in short, well-placed bursts at close range
+
* Immense energy retention
−
* High dive speed for a Russian prop
+
* Fast firing and accurate cannons concentrated in the nose that is devastating in short, well-placed bursts at close range
−
* Great acceleration
+
* Bulletproof glass in the rear of the cockpit will prevent pilot snipes if you're being chased
 +
* Outstanding acceleration due of the M-82FN Radial engine
 +
* Not as prone to overheating like other Yaks
 +
* Can reach 6,000 m (19,500 ft) in a front-climb when spaded and still perform well
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 +
* M-82FN engine performance starts to deteriorate above 3,500 m and has no WEP beyond this altitude
 
* Airframe is quite weak
 
* Airframe is quite weak
 
* Susceptible to fires
 
* Susceptible to fires
−
* Twin cannon setup provides poor ballistics for its tier
+
* Twin cannon setup provides poor firepower for its rank
−
* Despite the high speed for a Russian prop, it's still not enough to keep up with some enemies in a dive, primarily due to wing ripping at lower speeds than those of a diving P51 or Corsair.
+
* Difficult to keep up with contemporary aircraft in a dive, lower wing ripping speeds than a diving P-51 Mustang or F-4U Corsair (around 750 km/h or 460 mph)
−
* No bulletproof glass in the front of the plane, so hard to use against planes with defensive turrets
+
* No bulletproof glass in the front of the plane, hard to use against planes with defensive turrets or in head-on situations
−
* Very limited ammunition load combined with the fast fire rate makes a trigger happy player run out of ammo very quickly
+
* Very limited ammunition load combined with the fast fire rate, trigger discipline is a must
−
* No Combat Flaps option, just like all Yak propeller fighters
+
* No combat flaps option, just like all Yak propeller fighters
 +
* Low rip speed for a prop of its rank (700 km/h IAS)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The last piston-engined fighter to be produced by Yakovlev was the Yak-3U. Retaining the light alloy stressed-skin metal wing and tail surfaces of the second-generation Yak-3, it mated these elements with an entirely new fuselage and an ASh-82FN 14-cylinder two-row radial engine rated at 1,850 hp. The engine was extremely close cowled, careful attention was given to the hermetic sealing of the fuselage. Armament consisted of twin synchronized 20 mm B-20 cannons, these were interchangeable with a pair 23 mm NS-23 cannons. The Yak-3 was considered to be the best low altitude (below 13,000 feet) fighter of WWII and could easily out climb, outrun and out turn its two major adversaries, the Bf 109 and Fw 190. With its 20 mm cannon it also could destroy any of the German tanks of that era. The Yak-3U replaced the V-12 engine of the earlier Yak-3s with a 1,850 HP radial along with many other changes. The Yak-3U first flew in May 1945, but with the end of the war and development of jet-powered aircraft, it was not put into production.
+
 
 +
The Yak-3U is based on the Yak-3 VK-105PF 2 variant, with some major modifications. A Yak-3U is also referred as Yak 3U/Ash-82FN.
 +
It was first flown on the 29th of April 1945, it was developed by Yakovlev design bureau and powered by the almighty Ash-82FN engine. It was one of the best power plants in the world at that time. Created by Design Bureau No. 19 and manufactured by Factory No. 478, it provided 1,850 BHP. This is the same engine as used on other legendary & iconic Soviet fighter and attacker aircraft, such as the [[Tu-2_(Family)|Tu-2]], [[La-5_(Family)|La-5]] & [[La-7_(Family)|La-7]] planes.
 +
 
 +
The engine was designed in the Soviet Union (Russia) by Design Bureau No. 19 it was a technological innovation based on its licensed built version Wright R-1820 cyclon power plant. The Ash-82FN featured direct fuel and afterburner injection systems to give it an additional output of 250 BHP, bringing it up-to 1850 BHP. Giving it a top speed of 705 km/h (438 mph) over its western counterpart Wright R-1820 which only provided 1,600 BHP.
 +
The Ash-82FN allowed the Yak-3U, to hit 5 km in 3 minutes.
 +
 
 +
This plane would not enter mass production as the war was nearing the end and jet technology would become the priority for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This plane would become the foundation, for the legendary Yak U trainer aircraft, later to become the Yak 11.
 +
 
 +
The main differences of this modification are major modifications of the airframe over the Yak-3 VK-105PF 2 variant with:
 +
 
 +
* Installation of the Ash-82FN engine, Design Bureau No. 19 with up-to 1,850 BHP, direct fuel and afterburner injection systems gave it a top speed of 705 km/h (438 mph).
 +
* Twin B-20S cannons, with 120 rounds per gun, total of 240 rounds with burst of 2.40 kg/s.
 +
* Larger wing span, 9.4 m, it was additionally moved forward by 219 mm.
 +
* Cockpit placed 84 mm higher.
 +
* Plywood fuselage skin.
 +
* Metal tail and metal ailerons.
 +
* Weight and drag reduction.
 +
* All metal wing upgrade.
 +
* Longer landing legs increased by 80 mm, allowed for better control.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|ARUpi8DsmTI|'''The Shooting Range #160''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:39 discusses the Yak-3U.}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-3u Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|gKkk0QcMabw|'''Spade Review, Yak-3U. An excellent but limited aircraft''' - ''Joseph 2000''|ARUpi8DsmTI|'''The Shooting Range #160''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:39 discusses the Yak-3U.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 232: Line 207:
  
 
* [[Yak-3 (Family)]]
 
* [[Yak-3 (Family)]]
 +
* [[La-5 (Family)]]
 +
* [[La-7 (Family)]]
  
 
== 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 aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/453518-yak-3u/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264396-adding-the-yak-3u/&ct=1561746866 The suggestion post for the aircraft]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264396-adding-the-yak-3u/&ct=1561746866 The suggestion post for the aircraft]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}

Latest revision as of 14:17, 4 February 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Soviet fighter Yak-3U. For other versions, see Yak-3 (Family).
Yak-3U
yak-3u.png
GarageImage Yak-3U.jpg
Yak-3U
USSR flag.png USSR
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 5.7 6.0
Class:
Research:63 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Yak-3U is a rank IV Soviet fighter with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB) and 6.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy". It differs from the Yak-3 aircraft line by the use of a M-82 radial engine found on the Lavochkin fighters (La-5, La-7, La-9), adopting a shorter and rounder nose.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 000 m695 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineShvetsov M-82FN
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t

The Yak-3U is the pinnacle of the Yakovlev piston engine fighter design, combining the amazing agility of the Yak-3 airframe with the excellent Shvetsov M-82FN engine acquired from the Lavochkin line, increasing its top speed tremendously. One can expect a similar playstyle to the feared Yak-3P but turned up a few notches due to the improvement in speed. Armament is two B-20S 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose, with a low ammo count, so conserve ammo. The pilot should aim for critical components (engines, wings or pilot) in order to secure a kill.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 668 649 10500 18.2 19.4 21.6 21.6 360
Upgraded 729 695 17.2 18.0 32 26.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
700 320 N/A N/A 280 ~12 ~9
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 420 < 490 > 340
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,550 m 1,630 hp 1,920 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,550 m 1,430 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear320 km/h
  • 64 mm sloped bulletproof glass behind the pilot
  • 8.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 994 → 3 727 Sl icon.png
RB6 969 → 8 676 Sl icon.png
SB10 608 → 13 206 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 900 Rp icon.png
90 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 230 / 490 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
10 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
shvak_belt_pack
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
b20_new_gun
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm B-20S cannon
Ammunition240 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: B-20S (20 mm)

The Yak-3U is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm B-20S cannons, nose-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)

Usage in battles

Being an improvement on the Yak-3P, one can expect a similar playstyle to the feared Red Soviet Menace, but with more versatility thanks to the improved engine providing a large increase in speed. The Yak-3U provides quite a unique experience, as it can out-turn the enemies it can't out-run, and it can outrun the enemies it can't out-turn, so a smart pilot will use this versatility to their advantage. One should stick with energy fighting for the most part, but can certainly turn-fight with less manoeuvrable opponents, which include the P-51 line.

The main drawbacks of the 3U are its poor armament and poor performance above 2,000 m. The two B-20S cannons provide lacklustre stopping power at this tier and have a nasty habit of sparking, and to top it off, they have a low ammunition count of 120 rounds per gun. Due to the lack of a supercharger, the engine's output greatly decreases above 2,000 m; it is recommended to entice opponents (mainly Germans & Americans) down to altitude in order to engage them. The solid performance combined with the weak armament makes the Yak-3U a very volatile plane. A newer or inexperienced player may find the performance enticing, but will struggle to do well if they're too trigger happy and have not used to the Soviet 20 mm very much. However, a good pilot will be able to use the upsides to these cannons (accuracy, high rate of fire and ability to start fires) to their advantage. Also worth noting is that "Armoured Targets" belts from these cannon tend to set fuel tanks on fire quite easily, so aiming at them and at the engines of enemy aircraft will likely yield bright, warm results. The Tracers belt is also a noteworthy option, as it only contains FI-T, and will easily take off control surfaces with one hit, as well as help someone who is not so confident with the ballistics of the cannons aim.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast for a propeller-driven aircraft, able to out-run the P-51D-5 at low altitude
  • Amazing manoeuvrability that can compete with almost every aircraft at the rank
  • Solid climb rate
  • Immense energy retention
  • Fast firing and accurate cannons concentrated in the nose that is devastating in short, well-placed bursts at close range
  • Bulletproof glass in the rear of the cockpit will prevent pilot snipes if you're being chased
  • Outstanding acceleration due of the M-82FN Radial engine
  • Not as prone to overheating like other Yaks
  • Can reach 6,000 m (19,500 ft) in a front-climb when spaded and still perform well

Cons:

  • M-82FN engine performance starts to deteriorate above 3,500 m and has no WEP beyond this altitude
  • Airframe is quite weak
  • Susceptible to fires
  • Twin cannon setup provides poor firepower for its rank
  • Difficult to keep up with contemporary aircraft in a dive, lower wing ripping speeds than a diving P-51 Mustang or F-4U Corsair (around 750 km/h or 460 mph)
  • No bulletproof glass in the front of the plane, hard to use against planes with defensive turrets or in head-on situations
  • Very limited ammunition load combined with the fast fire rate, trigger discipline is a must
  • No combat flaps option, just like all Yak propeller fighters
  • Low rip speed for a prop of its rank (700 km/h IAS)

History

The Yak-3U is based on the Yak-3 VK-105PF 2 variant, with some major modifications. A Yak-3U is also referred as Yak 3U/Ash-82FN. It was first flown on the 29th of April 1945, it was developed by Yakovlev design bureau and powered by the almighty Ash-82FN engine. It was one of the best power plants in the world at that time. Created by Design Bureau No. 19 and manufactured by Factory No. 478, it provided 1,850 BHP. This is the same engine as used on other legendary & iconic Soviet fighter and attacker aircraft, such as the Tu-2, La-5 & La-7 planes.

The engine was designed in the Soviet Union (Russia) by Design Bureau No. 19 it was a technological innovation based on its licensed built version Wright R-1820 cyclon power plant. The Ash-82FN featured direct fuel and afterburner injection systems to give it an additional output of 250 BHP, bringing it up-to 1850 BHP. Giving it a top speed of 705 km/h (438 mph) over its western counterpart Wright R-1820 which only provided 1,600 BHP. The Ash-82FN allowed the Yak-3U, to hit 5 km in 3 minutes.

This plane would not enter mass production as the war was nearing the end and jet technology would become the priority for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This plane would become the foundation, for the legendary Yak U trainer aircraft, later to become the Yak 11.

The main differences of this modification are major modifications of the airframe over the Yak-3 VK-105PF 2 variant with:

  • Installation of the Ash-82FN engine, Design Bureau No. 19 with up-to 1,850 BHP, direct fuel and afterburner injection systems gave it a top speed of 705 km/h (438 mph).
  • Twin B-20S cannons, with 120 rounds per gun, total of 240 rounds with burst of 2.40 kg/s.
  • Larger wing span, 9.4 m, it was additionally moved forward by 219 mm.
  • Cockpit placed 84 mm higher.
  • Plywood fuselage skin.
  • Metal tail and metal ailerons.
  • Weight and drag reduction.
  • All metal wing upgrade.
  • Longer landing legs increased by 80 mm, allowed for better control.

Media

Skins
Videos
Spade Review, Yak-3U. An excellent but limited aircraft - Joseph 2000
The Shooting Range #160 - Metal Beasts section at 00:39 discusses the Yak-3U.

See also

External links


A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau (Яковлев Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Fighters 
Yak-1  Yak-1 · Yak-1B
Yak-3  Yak-3 · Eremin's Yak-3(e) · 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 · Eremin's Yak-3(e) · 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

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