Yak-1

[cardboard_killer]

80 Years Ago Today: "The Yakovlev Yak-1 prototype has its maiden flight. Designed specifically to escort the under development Il-2 assault plane, it is not intended to fight at higher altitudes."

 

 

" I-26 prototype of the Yak-1. Fewer than a hundred will be operational by Barbarossa and most will be lost in the first few days. 300 more will enter service within months and ultimately 8,700 of the fighter will be built. It will prove popular with pilots, leading to the 3, 7, 9, and 11 versions and the Yak-3 will be the basis of the Yak-15 jet. "