Yak-3 (Як-3) fighter family, A.S.Yakovlev

Yak-3's ready for takeoff
(Gordon) courtesy of Thomas Heinz

The Yak-3 became the last and the brightest of the Yak family. Experience of two combat years was concentrated in this fighter design, and it became de-facto a new aircraft. All best modification of the Yak-1 and Yak-9 found their way to the Yak-3, and many of Yak-3 novelties were introduced into latest variants of the Yak-9.

Unlike earlier Yakovlev's fighters which were a multi-role designs, Yak-3 had only two combat assignments - fighter and high-altitude interceptors. Changes touched mostly the wing (smaller span and area). Oil cooler and water radiator were redesigned, airdynamics was improved substantially. New lighter aircraft cannons provided Yak-3 with firepower seen before only on much heavier machines. 3-piece canopy and cut-down upper fuselage gave pilot an excellent view. As production progressed, more and more wooden parts were replaced by metal. Latest variants had no wooden parts, while early batches construction was similar to the Yak-1.

81k b/w Yak-3 built on savings of farmer Ferapont Golovatyj and presented to Major B.Eremin
(Gordon) courtesy of Thomas Heinz

Yak-3 was built in 18 modifications:
- airframe - 4
- engine - 8
- armament - 6

Yak-3 production variants had unmatched maneuverability, and was superior to all enemy fighters below 5000m. In handling it was even better than Spitfire marks available in the USSR, despite higher stalling speed. All this came with certain price: cockpit equipment was Spartan (though adequate), even fuel gauges were located on the upper wing surface under glass covers.

44k b/w Yak-3 of Normandie-Niemen
(Gordon) courtesy of Thomas Heinz

In November 1942 French fighter detachment "Normandy-Niemen" was established. Pilots were presented with choice of any available aircraft type available (Soviet, British or American). Starting with Yak-1, they later received new Yak-3's. After the and of WW-II, 40 of those aircraft were flown to France. There they served without an accident in a combat unit and later in the pilot schools until 1956.

Not all went as planned with new fighter. All efforts to install VK-107 engine (as was originally intended) failed due to airframe restrictions. Gained experience allowed to fit same powerplant to larger Yak-9.

44k b/w Yak-3 under restoration
Paul Nann

Recently Yak-3 is in small series production with Allison engine, available as a flying collectible. Some airframes were recovered from wartime (and post-war) wreck sites and restored to flying conditions with same engine.