Yakovlev Yak 1 |
Name | Length | Wingspan | Weight | Max Bomb-load | Armament | Speed | Ceiling | Range |
Yakovlev Yak 1 | 27’ 9†| 32’ 10†| 5,610 lbs. | NA | 1x20mm; 2x12.7mm | 329 mph | 29,500’ | 435mi. |
Yakovlev 1/3/7/9 “Yak†Fighter
ID: Plastic “fighter†gaming piece: Yak fighter from the game Axis & Allies Europe 40 & Pacific 40.
The Story of the “Yak†Fighter: The official Axis & Allies Operations Manual lists these Soviet fighters as “Yak†fighters, leaving it somewhat ambiguous as to whether the Yak-1, Yak-3, Yak-7 or Yak-9 is the model that they intend to model. Perhaps this is for the best, however, for these four models (and their numerous sub-types) really form one exceptionally large, and exceptionally successful, series. The highly successful Yak-1 fighter evolved in two separate paths of evolution, the lighter, agile dogfighter, the Yak-3, and the heavier Yak-7 and Yak-9, heavier fighters with a longer range, which were also widely used as fighter-bombers and 2-seat trainers. Added up together, 37,000 of the four Yak fighter variants were built, enough that when considered together they would just beat the Il-2 attack plane for the record of most produced military aircraft! You just can’t argue with this kind of success! Other excellent Soviet fighters made a contribution, the Lavochkin fighter series (especially the La-5) and the early MiG’s, but the Yak is clearly the undisputed champion of the World War 2 Soviet fighter force.
Usage Notes: Use this piece for “Global 1939†and “Invasion of Italy†Variants as a fighter unit. Other Soviet aircraft of interest may be: Pe-8 Strategic Bomber & Ilyushin Il-2 “Sturmovik†Tactical Bomber.