Difference between revisions of "Yak-3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=yak-3}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=yak-3}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Russian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other uses
 
| usage = other uses
 
| link = Yak-3 (Family)
 
| link = Yak-3 (Family)
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
−
By the time you get this plane, you should be well versed in the rules of Yakovlev warfare: Engine throttle at about 90%, stay below 2,000 m and watch your ammo. However, the Yak-3 is a true gift to Soviet pilots: while peak performance is still at or below 2000m, going above up to 4000m is now possible! Energy fighting, while not the Yak's speciality, can also be done effectively with the Yak-3, and moderate BnZ can be allowed due to metal wing construction (wings take more to rip now). While engine throttle should still be at 90% for max engine cooling, once upgraded, you should never have to throttle lower than this on this plane. In addition, WEP is moderately effective now and does not overheat the engine as fast as previous Yaks!
+
By the time you get this plane, you should be well versed in the rules of Yakovlev warfare: Engine throttle at about 90%, stay below 2,000 m and watch your ammo. However, the Yak-3 is a true gift to Soviet pilots: while peak performance is still at or below 2000 m, going above up to 4000 m is now possible! Energy fighting, while not the Yak's speciality, can also be done effectively with the Yak-3, and moderate BnZ can be allowed due to metal wing construction (wings take more to rip now). While engine throttle should still be at 90% for max engine cooling, once upgraded, you should never have to throttle lower than this on this plane. In addition, WEP is moderately effective now and does not overheat the engine as fast as previous Yaks!
  
−
The guns on this plane are worth noting as well. Along with the effective and feared 20mm cannon in the nose, the Yak-3 gains an additional 12.7 MG. This means that the cannon is no longer your only real weapon. Dual 50.s can wreak impressive havoc at close range, and compliment the cannon well. The cannon also gets an improved belt: Air Targets. While not having as much HE as the Ground Targets belt (some pilots will, justifiably, prefer the GT belt), but it contains more incendiary rounds. The Stealth belt is still a solid choice for those who are used to the trajectory of the cannon. Find the belt that suits you.
+
The guns on this plane are worth noting as well. Along with the effective and feared 20 mm cannon in the nose, the Yak-3 gains two additional 12.7 mm MGs. This means that the cannon is no longer your only real weapon. Dual .50s can wreak impressive havoc at close range, and compliment the cannon well. The cannon also gets an improved belt: Air Targets. While not having as much HE as the Ground Targets belt (some pilots will, justifiably, prefer the GT belt), it contains more incendiary rounds. The Stealth belt is still a solid choice for those who are used to the trajectory of the cannon. Find the belt that suits you.
  
−
The Yak-3 sports 2x Berezin UB 12.7mm MG's, which are arguably the best 12.7mm weapons in the game besides the M3 Browning. These run dry at approximately the same time as the 20mm ShVAK cannon. The ShVAK sports inferior ballistics to those of the MG-151 and especially Hispano cannons, closing to short range before firing is recommended. Being hub mounted, the ShVAK can utilize it's hefty firing rate advantage that it holds overall 20mm cannons in the game (with the exception of the F-86F-2's T-160s).
+
The Yak-3 sports 2 x Berezin UB 12.7 mm MGs, which are arguably the best 12.7 mm weapons in the game besides the M3 Browning. These run dry at approximately the same time as the 20 mm ShVAK cannon. The ShVAK sports inferior ballistics to those of the [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151]] and especially [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano]] cannons, closing to short range before firing is recommended. Being hub mounted, the ShVAK can utilize its hefty firing rate advantage that it holds overall 20 mm cannons in the game (with the exception of the [[F-86F-2]]'s T-160s).
  
−
The Yak-3 carries 150 RPG for the Berezin UB and 120 rounds for the ShVAK, which is a below average load. It is imperative that you fire short bursts and save your ammo until below 400 meters for maximum effectiveness and longevity. This weapon set is more than adequate for fighter vs. fighter engagements, but you will notice how lacking the weapons are vs. dual and quad engine aircraft.
+
The Yak-3 carries 150 rpg for the Berezin UBs and 120 rounds for the ShVAK, which is a below average load. It is imperative that you fire short bursts and save your ammo until within 400 meters for maximum effectiveness and longevity. This weapon set is more than adequate for fighter vs. fighter engagements, but you will notice how lacking the weapons are vs. dual and quad engine aircraft.
  
 
The lightened airframe of the Yak-3, being propelled by the more powerful Klimov VK-105 engine, gives the aircraft very good acceleration properties and a good rate of climb. It is also very agile, especially at low altitudes. However, while the Yak-3 is one of the best low-altitude dogfighters, its high-altitude performance still leaves much to be desired. The aircraft should always be kept below 4 km altitude to maximize its strengths. The Yak can also be used as a Boom & Zoom aircraft, however, due to low wing endurance, it is advised to always control the speed of the dive and not use excessive force to pull out of it.
 
The lightened airframe of the Yak-3, being propelled by the more powerful Klimov VK-105 engine, gives the aircraft very good acceleration properties and a good rate of climb. It is also very agile, especially at low altitudes. However, while the Yak-3 is one of the best low-altitude dogfighters, its high-altitude performance still leaves much to be desired. The aircraft should always be kept below 4 km altitude to maximize its strengths. The Yak can also be used as a Boom & Zoom aircraft, however, due to low wing endurance, it is advised to always control the speed of the dive and not use excessive force to pull out of it.
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 663 || 646 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.2 || 18.8 || 17.9 || 17.9 || 348
+
| 633 || 616 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.3 || 18.9 || 17.9 || 17.9 || 348
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
Line 62: Line 62:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ? || 654 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || 17.4 || ??.? || 21.3 || 348
+
| 671 || 654 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.2 || 17.4 || 24.2 || 21.3 || 348
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
Line 93: Line 93:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~23 || ~18
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || N/A || ~12 || ~9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 270
+
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 340
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 2,600 m || 1,240 hp || N/A hp
+
| 2,600 m || 1,240 hp || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
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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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
[[File:Cockpits Yak-3.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Yak-3's instrument panel.]]
 
[[File:Cockpits Yak-3.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Yak-3's instrument panel.]]
−
The Yak-3 is the pinnacle of the piston engine Yakovlev design, with a much more powerful engine, the addition of a second MG (meaning the MGs are viable now!), and ''metal wings''! The coolant system, now actually somewhat effective, has been moved to the wing roots (no "smiley face" below the nose), making the plane more streamlined. The cannon - the same old 20mm ShVak - receives a pleasant upgrade: an effective Air Targets belt.
+
The Yak-3 is the pinnacle of the piston engine Yakovlev design, with a much more powerful engine, the addition of a second MG (meaning the MGs are viable now!), and ''metal wings''! The coolant system, now actually somewhat effective, has been moved to the wing roots (no "smiley face" below the nose), making the plane more streamlined. The cannon - the same old 20 mm ShVAK - receives a pleasant upgrade: an effective Air Targets belt.
  
 
Overall, the Yak-3 can be considered as a "jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none" aircraft. It will readily fulfil any fighter role a pilot will put it in, however, it won't excel in any – the American and German aircraft will still be better at energy fighting and executing Boom & Zoom tactics, while the British and the Japanese planes will still have an edge in manoeuvrability. Yet, the Yak-3 is a very potent machine which, with a skilled pilot behind the controls, is an opponent that you don't want to underestimate.
 
Overall, the Yak-3 can be considered as a "jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none" aircraft. It will readily fulfil any fighter role a pilot will put it in, however, it won't excel in any – the American and German aircraft will still be better at energy fighting and executing Boom & Zoom tactics, while the British and the Japanese planes will still have an edge in manoeuvrability. Yet, the Yak-3 is a very potent machine which, with a skilled pilot behind the controls, is an opponent that you don't want to underestimate.
Line 210: Line 202:
 
Baiting higher enemies into lower altitudes and engaging them in a dogfight is a worthwhile tactic. The only exception to this is Japanese opponents and certain Spitfire variants, where strict ''energy fighting'' or ''Boom & Zoom'' is recommended.
 
Baiting higher enemies into lower altitudes and engaging them in a dogfight is a worthwhile tactic. The only exception to this is Japanese opponents and certain Spitfire variants, where strict ''energy fighting'' or ''Boom & Zoom'' is recommended.
  
−
The Yak series also works oddly well in medium altitude "Boom & Zoom", thanks to a clean low drag airframe (good horizontal energy retention) and good vertical manoeuvrability.
+
The Yak series also works oddly well at medium altitude "Boom & Zoom", thanks to a clean low drag airframe (good horizontal energy retention) and good vertical manoeuvrability.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
Line 227: Line 219:
 
! Type
 
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>No automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 265: Line 257:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''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".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise 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:'''
−
* Very Maneuverable.
+
* Very manoeuvrable.
 
* Excellent roll rate.
 
* Excellent roll rate.
 
* High acceleration and top speed, especially at low altitudes.
 
* High acceleration and top speed, especially at low altitudes.
Line 275: Line 267:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Still confers to the standard Yak setup of 1x20 mm ShVaK with one/two MGs, which is underwhelming at this tier.
+
* Still confers to the standard Yak setup of 1 x 20 mm ShVAK with one/two MGs, which is underwhelming at this tier.
 
* Poor high altitude performance.
 
* Poor high altitude performance.
 
* Upgraded Yak-3s can ''still'' have engine overheating problems!
 
* Upgraded Yak-3s can ''still'' have engine overheating problems!
  
 
== 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 big, 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
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 aluminum 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. The new machine was dubbed as the Yak-3 and entered service with the Red Army Air Force in 1944.
+
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. The new machine was dubbed as the Yak-3 and entered service with the Red Army Air Force in 1944.
  
 
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 [Aircraft Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> Yak-3]</ref>
 
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 [Aircraft Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> Yak-3]</ref>
  
−
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.
+
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.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Revision as of 17:07, 19 April 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
Yak-3
yak-3.png
Yak-3
USSR flag.png USSR
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.3 4.7
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Russian fighter Yak-3. For other uses, see Yak-3 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Yak-3.jpg


The Yak-3 is a rank III Russian fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB/RB) and 4.7 (SB). This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

By the time you get this plane, you should be well versed in the rules of Yakovlev warfare: Engine throttle at about 90%, stay below 2,000 m and watch your ammo. However, the Yak-3 is a true gift to Soviet pilots: while peak performance is still at or below 2000 m, going above up to 4000 m is now possible! Energy fighting, while not the Yak's speciality, can also be done effectively with the Yak-3, and moderate BnZ can be allowed due to metal wing construction (wings take more to rip now). While engine throttle should still be at 90% for max engine cooling, once upgraded, you should never have to throttle lower than this on this plane. In addition, WEP is moderately effective now and does not overheat the engine as fast as previous Yaks!

The guns on this plane are worth noting as well. Along with the effective and feared 20 mm cannon in the nose, the Yak-3 gains two additional 12.7 mm MGs. This means that the cannon is no longer your only real weapon. Dual .50s can wreak impressive havoc at close range, and compliment the cannon well. The cannon also gets an improved belt: Air Targets. While not having as much HE as the Ground Targets belt (some pilots will, justifiably, prefer the GT belt), it contains more incendiary rounds. The Stealth belt is still a solid choice for those who are used to the trajectory of the cannon. Find the belt that suits you.

The Yak-3 sports 2 x Berezin UB 12.7 mm MGs, which are arguably the best 12.7 mm weapons in the game besides the M3 Browning. These run dry at approximately the same time as the 20 mm ShVAK cannon. The ShVAK sports inferior ballistics to those of the MG 151 and especially Hispano cannons, closing to short range before firing is recommended. Being hub mounted, the ShVAK can utilize its hefty firing rate advantage that it holds overall 20 mm cannons in the game (with the exception of the F-86F-2's T-160s).

The Yak-3 carries 150 rpg for the Berezin UBs and 120 rounds for the ShVAK, which is a below average load. It is imperative that you fire short bursts and save your ammo until within 400 meters for maximum effectiveness and longevity. This weapon set is more than adequate for fighter vs. fighter engagements, but you will notice how lacking the weapons are vs. dual and quad engine aircraft.

The lightened airframe of the Yak-3, being propelled by the more powerful Klimov VK-105 engine, gives the aircraft very good acceleration properties and a good rate of climb. It is also very agile, especially at low altitudes. However, while the Yak-3 is one of the best low-altitude dogfighters, its high-altitude performance still leaves much to be desired. The aircraft should always be kept below 4 km altitude to maximize its strengths. The Yak can also be used as a Boom & Zoom aircraft, however, due to low wing endurance, it is advised to always control the speed of the dive and not use excessive force to pull out of it.

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 4,100 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
633 616 10400 18.3 18.9 17.9 17.9 348
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,100 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
671 654 10400 17.2 17.4 24.2 21.3 348

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 flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
N/A ~12 ~9
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 380 < 420 < 490 > 340
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
300 m 1,310 hp N/A
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,600 m 1,240 hp N/A

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Klimov VK-105PF 12-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
600 kg Inline Water
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Take-off
Arcade 1,229 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,217 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Take-off
Arcade ____ hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,320 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds N/A

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: ShVAK (20 mm), Berezin UB (12.7 mm)

The Yak-3 is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine guns, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

Usage in battles

The Yak-3's instrument panel.

The Yak-3 is the pinnacle of the piston engine Yakovlev design, with a much more powerful engine, the addition of a second MG (meaning the MGs are viable now!), and metal wings! The coolant system, now actually somewhat effective, has been moved to the wing roots (no "smiley face" below the nose), making the plane more streamlined. The cannon - the same old 20 mm ShVAK - receives a pleasant upgrade: an effective Air Targets belt.

Overall, the Yak-3 can be considered as a "jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none" aircraft. It will readily fulfil any fighter role a pilot will put it in, however, it won't excel in any – the American and German aircraft will still be better at energy fighting and executing Boom & Zoom tactics, while the British and the Japanese planes will still have an edge in manoeuvrability. Yet, the Yak-3 is a very potent machine which, with a skilled pilot behind the controls, is an opponent that you don't want to underestimate.

Baiting higher enemies into lower altitudes and engaging them in a dogfight is a worthwhile tactic. The only exception to this is Japanese opponents and certain Spitfire variants, where strict energy fighting or Boom & Zoom is recommended.

The Yak series also works oddly well at medium altitude "Boom & Zoom", thanks to a clean low drag airframe (good horizontal energy retention) and good vertical manoeuvrability.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 20 mm
IV 100 octane fuel usage Cover New 20 mm cannons

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very manoeuvrable.
  • Excellent roll rate.
  • High acceleration and top speed, especially at low altitudes.
  • Excellent energy retention.
  • Dual Berezin UB HMG's with upgraded belts are capable of doing good damage.

Cons:

  • Still confers to the standard Yak setup of 1 x 20 mm ShVAK with one/two MGs, which is underwhelming at this tier.
  • Poor high altitude performance.
  • Upgraded Yak-3s can still have engine overheating problems!

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. The new machine was dubbed as the Yak-3 and entered service with the Red Army Air Force in 1944.

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.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the Yak-3 from http://live.warthunder.com

References

  1. ↑ [Aircraft Profile] Yak-3

See also

External links


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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