Difference between revisions of "Yak-3U"
m (Correcting the wing rip speed of the vehicle.) (Tag: Visual edit) |
m (→Flight performance) |
||
| (4 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}} | {{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. | + | 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" width="70%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" | ||
| Line 59: | Line 59: | ||
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | | 700<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~12 || ~9 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 117: | Line 117: | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''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 Soviet 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 | + | 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 -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 | + | 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 146: | Line 146: | ||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Very fast for a propeller-driven aircraft, able to out-run the | + | * 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 | * Amazing manoeuvrability that can compete with almost every aircraft at the rank | ||
* Solid climb rate | * Solid climb rate | ||
| Line 179: | Line 179: | ||
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. | 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 | + | 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). | * 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). | ||
| Line 187: | Line 187: | ||
* Plywood fuselage skin. | * Plywood fuselage skin. | ||
* Metal tail and metal ailerons. | * Metal tail and metal ailerons. | ||
| − | + | * Weight and drag reduction. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
* All metal wing upgrade. | * All metal wing upgrade. | ||
* Longer landing legs increased by 80 mm, allowed for better control. | * Longer landing legs increased by 80 mm, allowed for better control. | ||
| Line 208: | Line 206: | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
| + | * [[Yak-3 (Family)]] | ||
* [[La-5 (Family)]] | * [[La-5 (Family)]] | ||
* [[La-7 (Family)]] | * [[La-7 (Family)]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:17, 4 February 2024
| This page is about the Soviet fighter Yak-3U. For other versions, see Yak-3 (Family). |
Contents
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
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
- 64 mm sloped bulletproof glass behind the pilot
- 8.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
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
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 |
