The Yak-3 (VK-107) was an experimental Soviet single-engine fighter from World War II. It was an attempt to adapt the Yak-3 airframe to the new VK-107 engine, similar to the Yak-9U. Several modifications were made to accommodate the more powerful engine, including moving the cockpit 400 mm rearward, increasing the fuel capacity and oil tank volume, and strengthening the landing gear. Despite its slightly worse takeoff and landing characteristics and ongoing engine reliability issues, the Yak-3 achieved record-breaking performance for the Soviet Air Forces, reaching speeds of 611 km/h at sea level and 720 km/h at an altitude of 5,750 meters. State trials were completed in August 1944, and the aircraft was recommended for mass production. However, despite continued efforts to refine the Yak-3 VK-107, including developing an all-metal version, all work on the project was terminated in 1946. Between 1945 and 1946, a total of 48 all-metal Yak-3 aircraft powered by the VK-107 engine were built.
The Yak-3 (VK-107) was introduced in Update 1.51 "Cold Steel". Compared to other Yak-3 variants, it stands out for its exceptional climb rate and high top speed at all altitudes while sacrificing little of the maneuverability associated with VK-105-powered aircraft. This combination of performance characteristics makes it an exceptional energy fighter. Its main drawbacks are its relatively weak armament and low maximum speed, which prevent the aircraft from fully exploiting its performance potential.
flaps
flaps
flaps
brake
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| FI-T/AP-I | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| FI-T/HEF/AP-I/FI-T | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| HEF/FI-T/AP-I | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| FI-T/FI-T/FI-T | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| AP-I/FI-T/AP-I/AP-I | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| AP-I/HEF/HEF/FI | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
| FI-T/AP-I | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| FI-T/HEF/AP-I/FI-T | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| HEF/FI-T/AP-I | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| FI-T/FI-T/FI-T | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| AP-I/FI-T/AP-I/AP-I | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
| AP-I/HEF/HEF/FI | 28 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 2 | |
Flight performance | |
|---|---|
Survivability |
|---|
Weaponry |
|---|