Difference between revisions of "Yak-1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=yak-1_early}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Russian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| and
+
| usage = other versions
−
| usage = later versions
+
| link = Yak-1 (Family)
−
| link-1 = Yak-1B
+
}}
−
| link-2 = Yak-1B (Germany)
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=yak-1_early
 +
|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 '''Yakovlev Yak-1''' is the first variant of the [[Yak-1 (Family)|Yak-1 fighter aircraft family]]. Early-production Yakovlev fighter aircraft were among the greatest piston-engine fighters created during World War II, despite often being overshadowed by their Western counterparts in media (especially the [[Spitfire (Family)|Supermarine Spitfire]], [[P-51 (Family)|P-51 Mustang]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|Messerschmitt Bf 109]], and [[Fw 190 (Family)|Focke-Wulf Fw 190]]). Across all of the Yak fighter aircraft families combined, it is easily the most produced fighter aircraft of World War II, with around 37,000 total aircraft produced. The Yakovlev bureau created the Yak-1 in response to a Soviet government request in 1938 for a fighter made mostly of wood for ease of maintenance, repair, and, most importantly, mass production. The initial design was named "Ya-26 Krasavec" and first flew in March 1939. The aircraft was given the designation "I-26" after the Soviet Air Force approved its mass production. However, once production began, the aircraft's designation changed to the more common "Yak-1" naming system. The success of the Yak-1 inspired several other successful designs, pushing Yakovlev to the top tier of Soviet fighter aircraft engineering for decades to come. Ultimately, the Yak-1 brought the Soviet Air Force on par with competing German designs during World War II (Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters), significantly improving aerial combat tactics that went beyond what the old Russian Empire had to offer.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]].
 
−
 
 
−
The Yak-1 is a fairly good turn fighter. Although not as good as [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Spitfires]] around the same BR, it is better than some of the German aircraft. The aircraft has good diving speed and energy retention, however, without slats, it cannot out-turn a [[Bf 109 F-4|Bf 109 F]] in a vertical loop. Along with the slightly faulted turning, whenever the aircraft is under fire, the wings tend to catch on fire and then explode. This aircraft performs best at medium-low altitudes. Due to its small wings and poor rate of climb at higher altitudes, it is lacking as a high altitude fighter. The aircraft can be used as a horizontal turn fighter, but one must be careful to be on the lookout for Boom & Zoomers. If the situation gets worse, a possible escape can be flying low level at high speed or trying an energy-retaining climb. While this aircraft should not be wasted on a ground attack, as a last resort it can be used to destroy unarmoured ground targets if the last flying opponent happens to be running away. The aircraft does perform well at lower speeds, yet it becomes very vulnerable to most enemy aircraft including biplanes.
 
−
 
 
−
Used well, the Yak-1 can be an unstoppable flying machine. Two of the most important things a Yak-1 pilot should aim for are the opponent's cockpit (pilot sniping) or wings. These are typically the weakest spots of an aircraft where a good shot can knock-out the enemy pilot or snap off a wing with a few well-placed rounds. The ShVAK is a fantastic 20 mm cannon if the pilot's aim is good! This cannon has an excellent rate of fire, unfortunately, it is paired with a barely adequate amount of ammunition which can be used up quickly. Mounted alongside the ShVAK are two 7.62 ShKAS machine guns. Much like the cannon, the machine guns do not have a large ammo pool to draw from. It usually runs out after a few ground targets. Yak-1 pilots always need to be mindful on how much ammo remains after an encounter or risk being pounced on by more manoeuvrable enemies when out of ammunition (or reloading in AB).
 
  
−
An Achilles Heel of the Yak-1 is that it lacks armour protection. Head-on attacks from an enemy risk the pilot being knocked out by flying rounds or the water coolant radiator being hit. With a leaking water radiator, the Yak-1 will suffer engine failure within a few minutes (in RB mode). The engine of the Yak-1, like most Russian fighter engines, tends to overheat quickly and stays running hot. One way to combat overheating is to run the engine at 97% of maximum and limiting usage of WEP. Manual engine control (MEC) can be used to keep the Yak's engine running cool at 100% power, though this means that prop pitch, fuel mixture, and supercharger gears must be manually adjusted in addition to the radiators (In Realistic mode, you can always use MEC while climbing, then switch back to automatic once you are dogfighting). If the aircraft is damaged, the Yak-1 pilot can check the cockpit's instrument panel and observe the oil temperature gauge as this will give a more accurate state of the engine than the water temperature gauge.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.43]], the Yak-1 is a capable turn-fighter, with high energy retention and a fast dive speed. It also provides considerable firepower in the early ranks, armed with a single 20 mm ShVAK cannon and two 7.62 mm ShKAS light machine guns. This aircraft performs excellently at medium-low altitudes; however, due to its thin wings and poor rate of climb at higher altitudes, it falls short of a high-altitude fighter. The aircraft can be used as a horizontal turn fighter against most monoplane fighters, but keep a watch out for high-altitude boom and zoom fighters. If the situation worsens, a possible escape could be to fly low and fast. The Yak-1 has minimal armour protection; in particular, head-on hits from an opponent risk knocking the pilot out or damaging the water-cooling radiator, which will cause the engine to quickly overheat, and the wings are also rather fragile. While the Yak-1 should not be utilized for ground attacks, it can be employed as a last resort to destroy unarmoured ground targets if the final flying opponent happens to be fleeing.
  
 
== 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-1 has great manoeuvrability, and is quite fast.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 555 || 538 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.0 || 19.6 || 13.1 || 13.1 || rowspan="2" | 320
+
| 555 || 538 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.9 || 19.7 || 13.0 || 13.0 || rowspan="2" | 320
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~11 || ~8
+
| 675<!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~11 || ~8
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== 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.'' -->
  
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* Oil cooling system located underneath engine
 
* Oil cooling system located underneath engine
 
* Liquid cooling system located behind and under the pilot
 
* Liquid cooling system located behind and under the pilot
 +
 +
=== 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|ShVAK (20 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}
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=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)|FAB-100 (100 kg)}}
 
{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)|FAB-100 (100 kg)}}
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* '''A6M Zeroes:''' Much like the Spitfires, the A6M Zeros are superior turn fighters and have the added bonus of being armed with 20 mm auto cannons giving the Japanese fighter a firepower boost against the Yak-1.
 
* '''A6M Zeroes:''' Much like the Spitfires, the A6M Zeros are superior turn fighters and have the added bonus of being armed with 20 mm auto cannons giving the Japanese fighter a firepower boost against the Yak-1.
 +
* '''Bf 109 Friedrichs:''' The Bf 109 F1 is at the same br as the Yak-1, the Bf 109 F is faster, climbs better, has better energy retention, and better all around high altitude performance than the Yak-1. The Yak-1 should attempt to lure the Bf 109 into a low altitude (below 3000m) turnfight where the Yak has the advantage.
  
 
====Counter-tactics====
 
====Counter-tactics====
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* When attacking in a Spitfire or A6M Zero, engage in a turn fight, bait the Yak-1 into tight turns to bleed its speed.
 
* When attacking in a Spitfire or A6M Zero, engage in a turn fight, bait the Yak-1 into tight turns to bleed its speed.
−
 
 
* Bait the Yak-1 to higher altitudes, the higher it goes, the less manoeuvrable it becomes and the more limited their options become.
 
* Bait the Yak-1 to higher altitudes, the higher it goes, the less manoeuvrable it becomes and the more limited their options become.
−
 
 
* The Yak-1 does not have any armour plates in the front and is susceptible to pilot sniping, wing snapping, engine/fuel tank fires and overheating with a few well-placed shots from cannons or machine guns.
 
* The Yak-1 does not have any armour plates in the front and is susceptible to pilot sniping, wing snapping, engine/fuel tank fires and overheating with a few well-placed shots from cannons or machine guns.
−
 
 
* Non-turn fighting aircraft should rely on Boom & Zoom tactics in an attempt to take out a Yak-1.
 
* Non-turn fighting aircraft should rely on Boom & Zoom tactics in an attempt to take out a Yak-1.
  
 
'''If there's a Yak-1 on the tail:'''
 
'''If there's a Yak-1 on the tail:'''
  
−
* A drastic speed reduction and turn in hopes of an overshoot.
+
* If your plane has similar or better turn compare to the Yak-1 drastically reduce speed and turn in hopes of an overshoot.
−
 
+
* If your plane is faster or has better high speed performance than the Yak-1, dive at a high angle and make evasive maneuvers, the Yak-1 has a low rip speed and compresses at high speed.
−
* Keep moving around so the Yak-1 cannot get acquire a firing solution with its cannon, causing the Yak-1 to expend all of its rounds (in AB this then gives a ~40-second window to attempt to get away or reverse roles before the Yak-1 cannon has reloaded).
+
* Keep moving around, try to keep your cockpit at an 180 degree angle to the Yak-1, so the Yak-1 cannot get acquire a firing solution with its cannon, causing the Yak-1 to expend all of its rounds (in AB this then gives a ~40-second window to attempt to get away or reverse roles before the Yak-1 cannon has reloaded).
−
 
+
* Drag the Yak-1 back towards teammates and set the Yak-1 up to be an easy target for comrades/teammate to take out.
−
* Drag the Yak-1 back towards teammates and set the Yak-1 up to be an easy target for comrades to take out.
 
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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|-
 
|-
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
| BI-42
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 223: Line 185:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 +
* Highly manoeuvrable.
 +
* Good acceleration and top speed at low altitudes.
 +
* Even though its frame is constructed of wood, the Yak can take a lot of punishment and still perform well.
 
* Powerful cannon with limited ammo/dual machine guns with an adequate amount of ammo.
 
* Powerful cannon with limited ammo/dual machine guns with an adequate amount of ammo.
−
* Good low-level acceleration.
+
* Neutral gas pressurization makes hits to fuel tanks harder to set it on fire.
−
* Good top speed at low altitudes.
 
−
* Even though its frame is constructed of wood, the Yak can take a lot of punishment and still perform well.
 
−
* Highly manoeuvrable.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Engine overheats quite easily, forcing the pilot to slow down or return to base to allow it to cool (engine is notorious for overheating and ceasing to work mid-dogfight if run at 100% or WEP). Operating the engine at 97% reduces chances for engine overheating while maintaining very good aircraft performance.
 
* Engine overheats quite easily, forcing the pilot to slow down or return to base to allow it to cool (engine is notorious for overheating and ceasing to work mid-dogfight if run at 100% or WEP). Operating the engine at 97% reduces chances for engine overheating while maintaining very good aircraft performance.
 +
* Elevator compresses at high speeds, so turning or pulling up in a dive can be a struggle.
 
* No armour to protect the pilot from the front, engine or fuel tanks, almost doomed if set on fire.
 
* No armour to protect the pilot from the front, engine or fuel tanks, almost doomed if set on fire.
 +
* Wings are an easy target when trying to loop in a dogfight, and they almost always get hit.
 
* Cannon ammo runs out very quickly if not carefully monitored (in AB, reloading at every opportunity is advised).
 
* Cannon ammo runs out very quickly if not carefully monitored (in AB, reloading at every opportunity is advised).
 
* Single powerful gun requires good aim and knowledge of aircraft weak spots to be used effectively ("spray and pray" causes ammo to deplete very quickly).
 
* Single powerful gun requires good aim and knowledge of aircraft weak spots to be used effectively ("spray and pray" causes ammo to deplete very quickly).
−
* Wings are an easy target when trying to loop in a dogfight, and they almost always get hit.
 
−
* At high speeds turning and pulling up is not really a thing, and if you are diving at a ground target, you will most likely get pwned by the ground.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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=== Notable pilots ===
 
=== Notable pilots ===
−
<div><ul>
+
[[File:Lydia_Litvyak_profile.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Litvyak, Lydia V.| While Soviet male pilots were being upgraded with newer Lavochkin fighters, women fighter pilots such as [[User:U64962917#Litvyak, Lydia V.|Litvyak]] were supplied with the older '''Yak-1''' fighters.]]
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Lydia_Litvyak_profile.jpg|thumb|none|200px|link=User:U64962917#Litvyak, Lydia V.| While Soviet male pilots were being upgraded with newer Lavochkin fighters, women fighter pilots such as [[User:U64962917#Litvyak, Lydia V.|Litvyak]] were supplied with the older '''Yak-1''' fighters.]] </li><!--
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|200px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|200px|"Image Description"]] </li>
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:X.jpg|thumb|none|250px|"Image Description"]] </li>-->
 
−
</ul></div>
 
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-1_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
−
<div><ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Cockpit Yak-1.jpg|thumb|none|250px|Cockpit of the Yak-1 explained]] </li>
+
Image:Cockpit Yak-1.jpg|<small>Cockpit of the Yak-1 explained</small>
−
</ul></div>
+
</gallery>
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|1zlt_uBS6KE|'''The Shooting Range #157''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:02 discusses the Yak-1.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|pqIEFBoiv3I|'''The Shooting Range #332''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 02:59 relates a nighttime interception with a Yak-1.|y0_BqznV4Rc|'''Community Choice, Yak-1. From a loss to a win.''' - ''Joseph 2000''|1zlt_uBS6KE|'''The Shooting Range #157''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:02 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|fTrx84KhtkM|'''Yak-1: 2 types of overshooting - Defensive flying''' - ''Green Fury''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 269: Line 230:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/176178-in-development-yak-1/ War Thunder Forum Development Announcement: "''[In Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> Yak-1''"]
+
* ''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 aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 +
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/668|[Devblog] Yak-1]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/179339-yakovlev-yak-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Yakovlev_Yak-1|[Wikipedia] Yakovlev Yak-1]]
 +
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
 
<references />
 
<references />

Latest revision as of 02:08, 1 September 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Soviet fighter Yak-1. For other versions, see Yak-1 (Family).
Yak-1
yak-1_early.png
GarageImage Yak-1.jpg
Yak-1
USSR flag.png USSR
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.3 2.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Yakovlev Yak-1 is the first variant of the Yak-1 fighter aircraft family. Early-production Yakovlev fighter aircraft were among the greatest piston-engine fighters created during World War II, despite often being overshadowed by their Western counterparts in media (especially the Supermarine Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, Messerschmitt Bf 109, and Focke-Wulf Fw 190). Across all of the Yak fighter aircraft families combined, it is easily the most produced fighter aircraft of World War II, with around 37,000 total aircraft produced. The Yakovlev bureau created the Yak-1 in response to a Soviet government request in 1938 for a fighter made mostly of wood for ease of maintenance, repair, and, most importantly, mass production. The initial design was named "Ya-26 Krasavec" and first flew in March 1939. The aircraft was given the designation "I-26" after the Soviet Air Force approved its mass production. However, once production began, the aircraft's designation changed to the more common "Yak-1" naming system. The success of the Yak-1 inspired several other successful designs, pushing Yakovlev to the top tier of Soviet fighter aircraft engineering for decades to come. Ultimately, the Yak-1 brought the Soviet Air Force on par with competing German designs during World War II (Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighters), significantly improving aerial combat tactics that went beyond what the old Russian Empire had to offer.

Introduced in Update 1.43, the Yak-1 is a capable turn-fighter, with high energy retention and a fast dive speed. It also provides considerable firepower in the early ranks, armed with a single 20 mm ShVAK cannon and two 7.62 mm ShKAS light machine guns. This aircraft performs excellently at medium-low altitudes; however, due to its thin wings and poor rate of climb at higher altitudes, it falls short of a high-altitude fighter. The aircraft can be used as a horizontal turn fighter against most monoplane fighters, but keep a watch out for high-altitude boom and zoom fighters. If the situation worsens, a possible escape could be to fly low and fast. The Yak-1 has minimal armour protection; in particular, head-on hits from an opponent risk knocking the pilot out or damaging the water-cooling radiator, which will cause the engine to quickly overheat, and the wings are also rather fragile. While the Yak-1 should not be utilized for ground attacks, it can be employed as a last resort to destroy unarmoured ground targets if the final flying opponent happens to be fleeing.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 000 m577 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude10 000 m
EngineKlimov VK-105P
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 555 538 10000 18.9 19.7 13.0 13.0 320
Upgraded 601 577 17.1 18.0 19.6 16.0

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 + -
675 320 N/A N/A 280 ~11 ~8
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
2,300 m 1,081 hp 1,211 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,200 m 1,015 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear320 km/h
  • 8 mm steel behind the pilot
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)
  • Oil cooling system located underneath engine
  • Liquid cooling system located behind and under the pilot

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB354 → 448 Sl icon.png
RB725 → 917 Sl icon.png
SB1 007 → 1 274 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 930 Rp icon.png
6 740 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 60 / 120 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
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Cost:
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shkas_belt_pack
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shkas_new_gun
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BI-42
Research:
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Cost:
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shvak_belt_pack
Research:
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shvak_new_gun
Research:
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Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 120 mm ShVAK cannon
Ammunition110 rounds
Fire rate800 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun
Ammunition1 240 rounds
Fire rate1 800 shots/min
Main articles: ShVAK (20 mm), ShKAS (7.62 mm)

The Yak-1 is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, nose-mounted (110 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, nose-mounted (620 rpg = 1,240 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 12 x 50 kg FAB-50sv (forged) bomb
Setup 22 x 100 kg FAB-100sv (forged) bomb
Main articles: FAB-50 (50 kg), FAB-100 (100 kg)

The Yak-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)
  • 2 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (200 kg total)

Usage in battles

Due to the Yak-1's manoeuvrability and armament, the main role will be employed as a fighter in the game. The Yak-1 can be used as a turn fighter (see next section for aircraft to avoid while turn fighting), boom & zoomer or energy fighter. The Yak-1 performs well in the mid to lower altitudes but loses mobility in the higher altitudes.

  • Ground attack: This should be avoided due to low speeds needed allowing the Yak-1 to become an easy target for enemy aircraft (especially biplanes).
  • Bomber hunting: This is a risky option as bombers typically fly in the higher altitudes where the Yak-1 starts losing its manoeuvrability. The lack of armour on the Yak-1 makes it vulnerable to turret gunners and it is very easy to lose the pilot, engine or a wing to them. When hunting bombers, the Yak-1 can utilise a head-on approach going for the pilots (pilot sniping) or the engines; otherwise employ the speed of the Yak-1 by diving from a higher altitude towards the front of the bomber aiming for the cockpit, engine or wings. If failing to destroy the bomber on the first pass, exercise patience and set up for another diving pass, any other way the Yak-1 risks bleeding crucial speed in making a quick turn in an attempt to finish off the bomber. Here, quick turns will expose the Yak-1 to any turrets on the plane which would otherwise have a very difficult time acquiring a firing solution on a zooming fighter which is quickly out of their range.

Specific enemies worth noting

  • Spitfires: The Spitfire's superior turning ability gives it an edge over the Yak-1's manoeuvrability. Turn fighting against a Spitfire is very difficult in a Yak-1, usually resulting in the Yak-1 being unable to shake or outrun the Spitfire. Baring any mistakes made by the Spitfire pilot, the Yak-1 will have a very difficult time gaining an advantage or escaping.
  • A6M Zeroes: Much like the Spitfires, the A6M Zeros are superior turn fighters and have the added bonus of being armed with 20 mm auto cannons giving the Japanese fighter a firepower boost against the Yak-1.
  • Bf 109 Friedrichs: The Bf 109 F1 is at the same br as the Yak-1, the Bf 109 F is faster, climbs better, has better energy retention, and better all around high altitude performance than the Yak-1. The Yak-1 should attempt to lure the Bf 109 into a low altitude (below 3000m) turnfight where the Yak has the advantage.

Counter-tactics

When attacking a Yak-1, specific areas to exploit:

  • When attacking in a Spitfire or A6M Zero, engage in a turn fight, bait the Yak-1 into tight turns to bleed its speed.
  • Bait the Yak-1 to higher altitudes, the higher it goes, the less manoeuvrable it becomes and the more limited their options become.
  • The Yak-1 does not have any armour plates in the front and is susceptible to pilot sniping, wing snapping, engine/fuel tank fires and overheating with a few well-placed shots from cannons or machine guns.
  • Non-turn fighting aircraft should rely on Boom & Zoom tactics in an attempt to take out a Yak-1.

If there's a Yak-1 on the tail:

  • If your plane has similar or better turn compare to the Yak-1 drastically reduce speed and turn in hopes of an overshoot.
  • If your plane is faster or has better high speed performance than the Yak-1, dive at a high angle and make evasive maneuvers, the Yak-1 has a low rip speed and compresses at high speed.
  • Keep moving around, try to keep your cockpit at an 180 degree angle to the Yak-1, so the Yak-1 cannot get acquire a firing solution with its cannon, causing the Yak-1 to expend all of its rounds (in AB this then gives a ~40-second window to attempt to get away or reverse roles before the Yak-1 cannon has reloaded).
  • Drag the Yak-1 back towards teammates and set the Yak-1 up to be an easy target for comrades/teammate to take out.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly manoeuvrable.
  • Good acceleration and top speed at low altitudes.
  • Even though its frame is constructed of wood, the Yak can take a lot of punishment and still perform well.
  • Powerful cannon with limited ammo/dual machine guns with an adequate amount of ammo.
  • Neutral gas pressurization makes hits to fuel tanks harder to set it on fire.

Cons:

  • Engine overheats quite easily, forcing the pilot to slow down or return to base to allow it to cool (engine is notorious for overheating and ceasing to work mid-dogfight if run at 100% or WEP). Operating the engine at 97% reduces chances for engine overheating while maintaining very good aircraft performance.
  • Elevator compresses at high speeds, so turning or pulling up in a dive can be a struggle.
  • No armour to protect the pilot from the front, engine or fuel tanks, almost doomed if set on fire.
  • Wings are an easy target when trying to loop in a dogfight, and they almost always get hit.
  • Cannon ammo runs out very quickly if not carefully monitored (in AB, reloading at every opportunity is advised).
  • Single powerful gun requires good aim and knowledge of aircraft weak spots to be used effectively ("spray and pray" causes ammo to deplete very quickly).

History

In 1939 the Soviet Command was looking for a replacement for their outdated I-153 Chaikas and I-16 Ishaks. Yakovlev was part of a Soviet delegation on a visit to the German aviation industry in October 1939. His interest was in aerodynamic design and during a visit at Heinkel, their new radiator lacking He 100 fighter was shown to them. Three (or ten) vehicles were bought by the CCCP. While the He 100 was producing record level top speeds, the surface cooling technology and other handling characteristics tainted the aircraft with the Soviets and were marked unsuitable, like in Germany.[1]

Already by January 1940 a first prototype was ready for taking off. Baptized I-26 (Istrebitel -> Fighter), the test flights were marked by a horrible accident as Julian I. Piontkowski, a test pilot for every Yakovlev plane, crashed and died. Fortunately for the plane's designers, the aircraft's construction was not found to be the cause of the accident and state supervised tests continued until November 1940. Serial production subsequently started in December 1940 under the new designation "Yak-1".[1]

By the time of the German invasion, all of the new fighters were delegated to the defence of Moscow, as was the MiG-3.[1]

Notable pilots

While Soviet male pilots were being upgraded with newer Lavochkin fighters, women fighter pilots such as Litvyak were supplied with the older Yak-1 fighters.

Media

Skins
Images

  • Cockpit of the Yak-1 explained

Videos
The Shooting Range #332 - Pages of History section at 02:59 relates a nighttime interception with a Yak-1.
Community Choice, Yak-1. From a loss to a win. - Joseph 2000
The Shooting Range #157 - Pages of History section at 04:02 discusses the Yak-1.
Yak-1: 2 types of overshooting - Defensive flying - Green Fury

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

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 German Wikipedia, figuratively translated, From the German Wikipedia Yak-1 article. The text was figuratively translated.


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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