Question: Yak-1B vs. Yak-9

[Finkeren]

Do we have some people here with knowledge about the different version of Yakolevs fighter design?

 

I'd like to know more about the differences between the Yak-9 and the improved Yak-1 (usually known as the Yak-1B)

Despite the fact that they were developed from the quite different Yak-7 and Yak-1 and look slightly different, when looking at the numbers the two appear almost identical in performance, they have the same engine, same armament (although it seems from some sources that the Yak-1B could carry slightly more ammunition.) Both were first combat tested at Stalingrad and both were introduced in numbers almost at the same time in early 1943.

 

Do what's the deal? How different was the Yak-9 from the Yak-1B?

[JtD]

The Yak-1 and Yak-7 were hardly "quite" different. The 7 was a 1 which had first a trainer seat added and then removed, and only minor modifications were left as the difference, such as a strengthened landing gear. The biggest difference between 1b and 9 is the cockpit position. It was moved back on the 9 to improve the position of the centre of gravity and thereby handling, it was left in forward position on the 1b. In terms of performance, the 1b would as a trend be a little lighter, but overall there isn't much to chose between the two. Due to the different cockpit positions, the view from the cockpit is obviously different, and handling of the 9 would be a little better.

[Finkeren]

Ok, so the 1B is lighter but the 9 a bit better balanced? Performance-wise they're the same. That's it?

 

I honestly thought they only moved the cockpit backwards for the Yak-9T, but you're saying there was a smaller adjustment before that?

[JtD]

No, cockpit was moved on standard Yak-9 with the 25th batch, i.e. Yak-9M, after Yak-9T. Sorry for imprecise memory. Before that, differences were even smaller, and most of them related to internal structure, not much you'd notice in a computer game. Alongside handling, it could be that cooling was a little different, but I haven't seen tests about that.

[Finkeren]

Well you'd think that the big, squared-off radiator under the belly of the Yak-7/9 would be to facilitate better cooling for the engine compared to the smaller one on the Yak-1.

 

So I guess the answer is: In terms of performance, handling, armament and overall looks there really isn't much to distinguish the Yak-1b from the early Yak-9?

BTW: It's ofc gonna be a different story for the Yak-9T, D, DD and B models, I'm well aware of that.

Edited March 21, 2015 by Finkeren

[ShamrockOneFive]

Yeah not much difference between the Yak-1B and Yak-9 on the face of it. The Yak-9s internal structure is, at least if I understand right, what enabled things like the Yak-9T and 9K with larger cannons to be trialed. The Yak-1 design was lightened more until you get the excellent Yak-3. But early on there isn't much between the two is there? I suspect half the reason the construction on both continued was more for factory and logistical reasons. Those already building the Yak-7/9 continued to. Anyone know for sure?

[LukeFF]

There's a quote in one of the Black Cross / Red Star books from a Yak pilot who said there wasn't much difference between the two models, so yes, that part is true.

 

EDIT: here it is, from Volume 3:

 

Actually, from my point of view the Yak-7 did not differ from its predecessor, the Yak-1. In any case, after flying it for a while I could not find any special advantages in comparison with the Yak-1. If, by that time I would have had the opportunity to choose between the Yak-1 and the Yak-7, I would have preferred the Yak-1 because I was more familiar with this Yak version. But the Yak-7s that we received were in better condition than our extremely worn out Yak-1s, and this influenced my choice. The single advantage of the Yak-7 was the superior quality of its radio equipment.

 

-Boris Yeryomin, 296 IAP

 

So, actually it was the Yak-7 he was talking about, and not the 9.  Still, it's a good commentary on the two types.

Edited April 4, 2015 by LukeFF

[ShamrockOneFive]

Thanks Luke. That's fascinating information... Especially if the choice is between a new and an worn out plane. Something we don't always consider in simulation world.

[Danziger]

Wing shapes were also different.

[Maxyman]

You are right, there were two lines:

- Yak 1, 1b, 3

- Yak 7, 7b, 9

 

The armament wasn't the same - Yak-7 had BS not ShKAS.

[Saurer]

Were there Yak 9's with the old canopy, like the one on the Yak we have in BOS?

[Maxyman]

Were there Yak 9's with the old canopy, like the one on the Yak we have in BOS?

Yak-9 went into production in late 1942 as a development of Yak-7di. Yak-7di had the new canopy similar to Yak-1b/3.