N1906: Yakovlev YAK 3U

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Description

Get it in time to race Unlimited at Reno! One of a handful of 'New build' Yak-3U aircraft produced at the Avioane factory using original and re-manufactured parts produced on original factory jigs and tooling. The aircraft received a substantial restoration over a period of approximately 9 years until flying again in January 2021. The airplane underwent a complete tear down and overhaul of nearly all components including an engine and propeller. This Yak-3U is one of the few Yak-3's that is squawk free and flies regularly! It has full dual controls, a factory baggage compartment, and is a terrific all-around performer. It handles predictably on the ground and in the air, rolls effortlessly, climbs, and rates exceptionally well. You can have loads of fun with this aircraft flying with other members of the warbird community. The aircraft has a reliable Pratt & Whitney engine, Hamilton Standard Prop, Cleveland hydraulic brakes, American avionics and tires, parts are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Its fuselage construction with a generous number of removable access panels makes it as easy to access and maintain as a T-6. 

The Yak-3 was one of the best performing fighter aircraft of World War 2. The Yak-3 was an upgraded all aluminum-alloy replacement for the Yak-1 and Yak-1B fighter aircraft. It was one of the smallest and lightest fighter planes of WW2. It was designed to fill the role of a pure air superiority fighter capable of better climb, acceleration, and turn performance than any previous Yak fighter. The aircraft lacked the wet-wing design of the Yak-9 and carried less fuel but could sustain more G forces and had better climb and turn performance. The Yak-3 was introduced in the summer of 1944 and was the first Soviet aircraft to best the German fighters. In it's first 431 sorties the Yak-3 claimed 20 Luftwaffe fighters and 3 Ju 87's to the loss of 2 Yak-3's. A month later the Luftwaffe ordered its pilots to avoid combat below 15,000 feet with the Yak-3.

The Yak-3U was introduced in 1945 and was the last variant of the Yak-3 design. The wingspan was increased slightly and it was armed with two synchronized Berezin 20mm cannons. The installation of a radial engine finally solved the cooling problems associated with the liquid cooled Klimov powered Yaks. In testing it set several speed and altitude records but due to its arrival late in the war the project was cancelled in favor of the Yak-15 Jet fighter. 

In 2011 one of this Yak-3U's sister ships 'Steadfast' set a world speed record for aircraft under 3,000 kg of 416 mph beating the previous record held in that weight class by Howard Hughes in the H-1 racer. Later in 2011 that same Yak-3U set the 3000m time to climb record (brake release to 10,000' in 2 minutes 3 seconds).

An outstanding and rare aircraft that has performance that rivals the best fighter planes of WW2.
  

Avionics

Avionics include Icom Comm, GTX 327 Transponder with Garmin GDL-82 ADS-B out, fuel flow meter, digital CHT/EGT, PM1200 intercom.
  

Airframe

39 SMOH  All new hoses. Overhauled actuators.
  

Engines / Mods

39 SMOH by Anderson Airmotive.
  

Interior / Exterior

2020 paint.  1945 period correct Soviet Air Force camouflage colors and insignia.
  

Remarks

It comes complete with factory manuals in English, a complete set of original jacks, and a Pratt & Whitney 'fly away' tool kit for the R-1830 packed in two military hard cases.
  

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