Difference between revisions of "Yak-15"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(Updated w/ Specs, Battle-rating, Disambig notice)
(Updated)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card|code=yak-15}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=yak-15}}
−
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For the other version, see [[Yak-15P]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Russian jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the early version
 +
| link = Yak-15P
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]].
  
−
[[File:GarageImage_Yak-15.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The Yak-15 is arguably one of the most underestimated planes in the game. Although its stat card reveals what would be considered "sub-par" performance and armament, the Yak-15 is both a unique and deadly fighter. Unlike its propeller-driven counterparts, this first generation jet aircraft wields the ability to hold on to energy in a straight line, whereas prop aircraft will slowly lose speed. This coupled with its good rate of turn allows the Yak-15 to defend itself against both propeller and jet-powered aircraft, which is what it will normally face in all game modes.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]].
 
  
−
The Yak-15 is arguably one of the most underestimated planes in the game. Although its stat card reveals what would be considered "sub-par" performance and armament, the Yak-15 is both a unique and deadly fighter. Unlike its propeller-driven counterparts, this first generation jet aircraft wields the ability to hold on to energy in a straight line, whereas prop aircraft will slowly lose speed. This coupled with its good rate of turn allows the Yak-15 to defend itself against both propeller and jet-powered aircraft, which is what it will normally face in all game modes.  
+
The Yak-15's major faults include a low top speed, poor acceleration, little armour protection, inability to re-start the engine below 270 kph (170 mph), and small ammunition pool which collectively make this aircraft harder to use than even other first generation jet aircraft such as the [[He_162_A-2|He 162 A-2]], the [[Meteor_F_Mk_3|Meteor F. Mk.3]], and the [[F-80A-5]]. Although it is driven by a jet engine, it is important to recognize the faults and oddities within this aircraft series as they are not representative of the traditional "jet fighter" at all. The Yak-15 is most easily viewed as a late-war [[Yak-3]] powered by a jet engine and with a different armament.
  
−
The Yak-15's major faults include a low top speed, poor acceleration, little armour protection, inability to re-start the engine below 270 kph (170 mph), and small ammunition pool which collectively make this aircraft harder to use than even other first generation jet aircraft such as the [[He_162_A-2|He 162 A-2]], the [[Meteor_F_Mk_3|Meteor F. Mk.3]], and the [[F-80A-5]]. Although it is driven by a jet engine, it is important to recognize the faults and oddities within this aircraft series as they are not representative of the traditional "jet fighter" at all. The Yak-15 is most easily viewed as a late-war [[Yak-3]] powered by a jet engine and with a different armament.
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed 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.''
 +
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 25: Line 30:
 
! 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>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 34: Line 39:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 719 || 699 || 13,250 || 19.1 || 20.1 || 19.7 || 19.2 || 366
+
| 719 || 699 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 20.1 || 19.7 || 19.2 || 366
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 51: Line 56:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 792 || 755 || 13,250 || 18.3 || 18.5 || 26.5 || 23 || 366
+
| 792 || 755 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.3 || 18.5 || 26.5 || 23 || 366
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 60: Line 65:
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
Line 82: Line 87:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 750 || 450 || 520 || ~26 || ~20
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~12 || ~9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 98: Line 103:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 110: Line 116:
 
| 0 m || 910 kgf || No WEP
 
| 0 m || 910 kgf || No WEP
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!--
+
<!-- ! colspan="3" | Setting 2
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
Line 117: Line 122:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
Line 125: Line 130:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
−
|-
+
|- -->
−
-->  
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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.'' -->
−
 
 
 
* 8.5mm Armor plating behind pilot
 
* 8.5mm Armor plating behind pilot
−
* No armour glazing
 
−
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
−
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''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|NS-23 (23 mm)}}
 
{{main|NS-23 (23 mm)}}
  
−
The Yak-15 is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 2 x 23 mm NS-23 cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
−
* 2 x 23 mm NS-23 cannon, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)
 
  
−
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''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 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).'' -->
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
In realistic battles, climbing with this aircraft at the start of a match is not always the best course of action, considering how poor the Yak-15's rate of climb is. Instead of the traditional, slow angled climb the Yak-15 is best used in a "zoom climb" where once enough energy has been built up at a low altitude the Yak-15 pilot will pitch up, thus gaining a lot of altitude quickly. This way, if attacked during the first few minutes of the match, the Yak-15 still wields some energy whereas had the Yak-15 been slowly climbing, it would have had to face another aircraft's guns. In order to shake an enemy, especially a prop driven enemy, dive low to the ground to ensure your assailant's speed only decreases. This is called a "speed trap" and can either be followed by a "hammerhead" attack or a continuation of the escape. This tactic of utilizing the Yak-15's ability to hold on to energy in a straight line is negated when facing other jet aircraft who wield the same ability. This is where the Yak-15's dog fighting abilities come into play. Because it is so similar to the Yak-3, the Yak-15 retains some of its maneuverability characteristics, namely its turn time. This facet often proves an indispensable one as other first generation jets will not be able to maintain a tight enough turn circle.
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
−
-->
 
−
== Usage in the battles ==
 
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
 
−
In realistic battles, climbing with this aircraft at the start of a match is not always the best course of action, considering how poor the Yak-15's rate of climb is. Instead of the traditional, slow angled climb the Yak-15 is best used in a "zoom climb" where once enough energy has been built up at a low altitude the Yak-15 pilot will pitch up, thus gaining a lot of altitude quickly. This way, if attacked during the first few minutes of the match, the Yak-15 still wields some energy whereas had the Yak-15 been slowly climbing, it would have had to face another aircraft's guns. In order to shake an enemy, especially a prop driven enemy, dive low to the ground to ensure your assailant's speed only decreases. This is called a "speed trap" and can either be followed by a "hammerhead" attack or a continuation of the escape. This tactic of utilizing the Yak-15's ability to hold on to energy in a straight line is negated when facing other jet aircraft who wield the same ability. This is where the Yak-15's dog fighting abilities come into play. Because it is so similar to the Yak-3, the Yak-15 retains some of its maneuverability characteristics, namely its turn time. This facet often proves an indispensable one as other first generation jets will not be able to maintain a tight enough turn circle.  
 
  
−
However, the Yak-15 is severely hampered in its damage output due to its reliance on a single set of 23 mm NS-23 cannons, with 120 shells total. It is possible to expend this pool in seconds. The Yak-15 shares this downfall with aircraft like the [[Ki-200|Ki-200]], and the [[Me_163_B|Me-163]]. Firing in small, accurate bursts negates this and is the most efficient way of destroying enemies. The 23 mm shells these cannons fire are extremely deadly when they hit and often rip enemies apart.  
+
However, the Yak-15 is severely hampered in its damage output due to its reliance on a single set of 23 mm NS-23 cannons, with 120 shells total. It is possible to expend this pool in seconds. The Yak-15 shares this downfall with aircraft like the [[Ki-200|Ki-200]], and the [[Me_163_B|Me-163]]. Firing in small, accurate bursts negates this and is the most efficient way of destroying enemies. The 23 mm shells these cannons fire are extremely deadly when they hit and often rip enemies apart.
  
 
To use the guns most effectively, be close to your target. The reason for this is twofold: First, the limited ammo means you want your shots to count. Being close to your target will give your cannons the highest chance of hitting. The second reason is because of the ballistics of the 23 mm shells - their muzzle velocity is not very high, meaning you have to lead your targets by quite a bit. If you are closer to your target, you won't have to lead them by quite as much, although still more than most other cannons.
 
To use the guns most effectively, be close to your target. The reason for this is twofold: First, the limited ammo means you want your shots to count. Being close to your target will give your cannons the highest chance of hitting. The second reason is because of the ballistics of the 23 mm shells - their muzzle velocity is not very high, meaning you have to lead your targets by quite a bit. If you are closer to your target, you won't have to lead them by quite as much, although still more than most other cannons.
Line 163: Line 157:
 
With some practice, it is possible to consistently get about 3 fighter kills with one load of ammunition in realistic battles. Using the Air Targets belt is the most effective. However, attacking bombers is best left to other planes with more firepower, since the Yak-15 does not have the firepower or ammunition to reliably kill heavy bombers without sustaining heavy damage. Heavy fighters such as the [[F7F-1]] may also take longer to destroy than other fighters.
 
With some practice, it is possible to consistently get about 3 fighter kills with one load of ammunition in realistic battles. Using the Air Targets belt is the most effective. However, attacking bombers is best left to other planes with more firepower, since the Yak-15 does not have the firepower or ammunition to reliably kill heavy bombers without sustaining heavy damage. Heavy fighters such as the [[F7F-1]] may also take longer to destroy than other fighters.
  
−
In arcade battles, the Yak-15 is capable of breaking up a "furball" due to its impressive turn time. This coupled with its hard-hitting cannons makes any Yak-15 pilot an indispensable asset to any arcade team.  
+
In arcade battles, the Yak-15 is capable of breaking up a "furball" due to its impressive turn time. This coupled with its hard-hitting cannons makes any Yak-15 pilot an indispensable asset to any arcade team.
 +
 
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 169: Line 164:
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
−
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 192: Line 187:
 
| I
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Fuselage Repair
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 23 mm
 
| Offensive 23 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Wings Repair
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| New 23 mm Cannons
 
| New 23 mm Cannons
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
Obtaining the "Offensive 23 mm" modification is the best choice as it allows for more flexibility in armament. Next, try to obtain the "Compressor" and "Engine" upgrades as they both increase engine thrust which is essential in escaping from a dogfight turned sour. Finally, obtain the rest of the performance upgrades as they will all collectively increase top speed, turn time, and rate of climb.  
+
Obtaining the "Offensive 23 mm" modification is the best choice as it allows for more flexibility in armament. Next, try to obtain the "Compressor" and "Engine" upgrades as they both increase engine thrust which is essential in escaping from a dogfight turned sour. Finally, obtain the rest of the performance upgrades as they will all collectively increase top speed, turn time, and rate of climb.
  
 
=== 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. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
 
 
* Excellent turn time for a jet fighter (can outturn F8Fs at some moments)
 
* Excellent turn time for a jet fighter (can outturn F8Fs at some moments)
 
* Good armament (when the shells hit)
 
* Good armament (when the shells hit)
−
* Fairly good roll rate  
+
* Fairly good roll rate
 
* Fairly responsive at higher speeds
 
* Fairly responsive at higher speeds
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
 
* Slowest jet fighter of the game
 
* Slowest jet fighter of the game
 
* Low ammunition count
 
* Low ammunition count
Line 235: Line 228:
 
* Poor acceleration
 
* Poor acceleration
 
* Lack of armour protection
 
* Lack of armour protection
−
* Inability to carry a payload
+
* Inability to carry a payload
 
* Inability to re-start the engine below 270 kph (170 mph)
 
* Inability to re-start the engine below 270 kph (170 mph)
  
 
== 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 an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
''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).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
−
 
 
−
== Read also ==
 
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
  
 +
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
−
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
−
{{USSR jet aircrafts}}
+
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 10:08, 8 April 2019

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Yak-15
yak-15.png
Yak-15
USSR flag.png USSR
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.7 6.7 6.7
Class:
Research:48 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Russian jet fighter Yak-15. For the early version, see Yak-15P.

Description

GarageImage Yak-15.jpg


The Yak-15 is a rank V Russian jet fighter with a battle rating of 6.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.31.

The Yak-15 is arguably one of the most underestimated planes in the game. Although its stat card reveals what would be considered "sub-par" performance and armament, the Yak-15 is both a unique and deadly fighter. Unlike its propeller-driven counterparts, this first generation jet aircraft wields the ability to hold on to energy in a straight line, whereas prop aircraft will slowly lose speed. This coupled with its good rate of turn allows the Yak-15 to defend itself against both propeller and jet-powered aircraft, which is what it will normally face in all game modes.

The Yak-15's major faults include a low top speed, poor acceleration, little armour protection, inability to re-start the engine below 270 kph (170 mph), and small ammunition pool which collectively make this aircraft harder to use than even other first generation jet aircraft such as the He 162 A-2, the Meteor F. Mk.3, and the F-80A-5. Although it is driven by a jet engine, it is important to recognize the faults and oddities within this aircraft series as they are not representative of the traditional "jet fighter" at all. The Yak-15 is most easily viewed as a late-war Yak-3 powered by a jet engine and with a different armament.

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 4,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
719 699 13250 19.1 20.1 19.7 19.2 366
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
792 755 13250 18.3 18.5 26.5 23 366

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
520 ~12 ~9
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 380 < 420 < 500 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
0 m 910 kgf No WEP

Survivability and armour

  • 8.5mm Armor plating behind pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: NS-23 (23 mm)

The Yak-15 is armed with:

  • 2 x 23 mm NS-23 cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 120 total)

Usage in battles

In realistic battles, climbing with this aircraft at the start of a match is not always the best course of action, considering how poor the Yak-15's rate of climb is. Instead of the traditional, slow angled climb the Yak-15 is best used in a "zoom climb" where once enough energy has been built up at a low altitude the Yak-15 pilot will pitch up, thus gaining a lot of altitude quickly. This way, if attacked during the first few minutes of the match, the Yak-15 still wields some energy whereas had the Yak-15 been slowly climbing, it would have had to face another aircraft's guns. In order to shake an enemy, especially a prop driven enemy, dive low to the ground to ensure your assailant's speed only decreases. This is called a "speed trap" and can either be followed by a "hammerhead" attack or a continuation of the escape. This tactic of utilizing the Yak-15's ability to hold on to energy in a straight line is negated when facing other jet aircraft who wield the same ability. This is where the Yak-15's dog fighting abilities come into play. Because it is so similar to the Yak-3, the Yak-15 retains some of its maneuverability characteristics, namely its turn time. This facet often proves an indispensable one as other first generation jets will not be able to maintain a tight enough turn circle.

However, the Yak-15 is severely hampered in its damage output due to its reliance on a single set of 23 mm NS-23 cannons, with 120 shells total. It is possible to expend this pool in seconds. The Yak-15 shares this downfall with aircraft like the Ki-200, and the Me-163. Firing in small, accurate bursts negates this and is the most efficient way of destroying enemies. The 23 mm shells these cannons fire are extremely deadly when they hit and often rip enemies apart.

To use the guns most effectively, be close to your target. The reason for this is twofold: First, the limited ammo means you want your shots to count. Being close to your target will give your cannons the highest chance of hitting. The second reason is because of the ballistics of the 23 mm shells - their muzzle velocity is not very high, meaning you have to lead your targets by quite a bit. If you are closer to your target, you won't have to lead them by quite as much, although still more than most other cannons.

With some practice, it is possible to consistently get about 3 fighter kills with one load of ammunition in realistic battles. Using the Air Targets belt is the most effective. However, attacking bombers is best left to other planes with more firepower, since the Yak-15 does not have the firepower or ammunition to reliably kill heavy bombers without sustaining heavy damage. Heavy fighters such as the F7F-1 may also take longer to destroy than other fighters.

In arcade battles, the Yak-15 is capable of breaking up a "furball" due to its impressive turn time. This coupled with its hard-hitting cannons makes any Yak-15 pilot an indispensable asset to any arcade team.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Offensive 23 mm
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings Repair New 23 mm Cannons
IV Engine Cover

Obtaining the "Offensive 23 mm" modification is the best choice as it allows for more flexibility in armament. Next, try to obtain the "Compressor" and "Engine" upgrades as they both increase engine thrust which is essential in escaping from a dogfight turned sour. Finally, obtain the rest of the performance upgrades as they will all collectively increase top speed, turn time, and rate of climb.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent turn time for a jet fighter (can outturn F8Fs at some moments)
  • Good armament (when the shells hit)
  • Fairly good roll rate
  • Fairly responsive at higher speeds

Cons:

  • Slowest jet fighter of the game
  • Low ammunition count
  • Mediocre rate of climb
  • Poor acceleration
  • Lack of armour protection
  • Inability to carry a payload
  • Inability to re-start the engine below 270 kph (170 mph)

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, 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 === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

Media

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

See also

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

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

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


USSR jet aircraft
Bereznyak-Isayev  BI
Yakovlev  Yak-15 · Yak-15P · Yak-17 · Yak-23 · Yak-28B · Yak-30D · Yak-38 · Yak-38M · Yak-141
Mikoyan-Gurevich  MiG-9 · MiG-9 (l) · MiG-15 · MiG-15bis · MiG-15bis ISh · MiG-17 · MiG-17AS · MiG-19PT
  MiG-21F-13 · MiG-21PFM · MiG-21S (R-13-300) · MiG-21SMT · MiG-21bis
  MiG-23M · MiG-23ML · MiG-23MLD · MiG-27M · MiG-27K
  MiG-29 · MiG-29SMT
Lavochkin  La-174 · La-15 · La-200
Sukhoi  Su-9 · Su-11
  Su-7B · Su-7BKL · Su-7BMK · Su-17M2 · Su-17M4 · Su-22M3
  Su-24M
  Su-25 · Su-25BM · Su-25K · Su-25T · Su-25SM3 · Su-39
  Su-27 · Su-27SM
  Su-34
Ilyushin  IL-28 · IL-28Sh
Tupolev  Tu-14T

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Yak-15&oldid=21324"