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This site is a joint
venture of several
air enthusiasts
from Minsk. For some
years we edited and
published the only
aviation magazine
in Belarus - the "AeroPlan".
But
present situation is
such, that we find it
better to carry out our
beloved job
in virtual
space.
Yak-1 was in production from March 1940 till July 1944. Quite understandably, the type underwent a number of modifications for such a long period, most noticeable of them shown on the picture.
Actually the production started in March 1940 on the Moscow Zavod 301 even before the type was officially accepted by VVS, and 11 aircraft were built for combat trial. The aircraft proved to be fast, agile, and easy to fly. But design was too weak, and wing had to be strengthen. After that, mass production started at Zavod 301 and Zavod 292 (Saratov). After the German invasion Zavod 292 in Saratov remained the only one to produce this type.
The top profile presents the first produced Yak-1s without radio gear, early type MG outlets, internal wheel well covers.
The second one corresponds to the first mass produced batches, externally differed with bigger MG outlets, string radio antennas (there were few variants of antennae masts) and absence of internal wheel well cowers. Actually, radio was installed only on every tenth aircraft.
The third profile is of special winter series of Yak-1, equipped with skis, and some internal modifications, enabling its work at low temperatures. The aircraft had upper surfaces factory painted white. 830 machines of the type were produced from September '41 to February '42.
From 49th production batch (Nov.'41) the rear part of the canopy changed which is represented on the #4 profile.
Design was changed radically in October 42, when the number of MGs was reduced from 2 to 1 but of bigger caliber - 12,7 mm instead of 7,62. The cannon remained the same. At the same time the rear part of the fuselage was lowered and a new bubble top canopy invented. Profile #5 corresponds to this version.
In December '42 the aerodinamics was further improved which led to appearance of the final shape of the Yak-1(b), represented on the profile #6.
The experience, gained in production and use of Yak-1, Yak-7 and Yak-9 led in 1944 to creation of the ultimate fighter type - Yak-3. It was a direct derivative of Yak-1, so it is presented on this page.
In fact, Yak-1 underwent much more modifications, which could not be represented in this short overview.
