The Yak-1 entered Soviet service in 1941, one of three modern types of aircraft accepted for production just prior to the German invasion of the USSR. Despite initial shortcomings, it soon proved to be the thoroughbred of the Soviet Airforce. Indeed, it remained in production until the end of the war, modernized but fundamentally recognizable. By VE-day about 33,100 Yakovlev fighters had been built. Virtually all Soviet fighter regiments flew at least one variety of Yak for a time, including those which gained their fame identified with other aircraft, and consequently many pilots known as Airacobra or Lavochkin aces also scored victories with the Yak. Many other famous aces were exclusively 'Yak patriots', including the French Normandie pilots. This book focuses on the Soviet aces who scored all, or most of their victories in the Yak, drawing informaion from official unit histories and memoirs of the Soviet pilots themselves.
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Yak Fighters in Action!:
The Yakovlev series of fighters was a mainstay of the Russian Air Force in World War II. Entering service in 1941, the basic Yak model was progressively improved and saw service till war's end. The exploits of the aces who flew Yak-1, -3, -7 and -9 fighters are well-covered in this book, #64 in the Osprey 'Aircraft of the Aces' series. The importance of Yakovlev fighters can be seen in the fact that, by war's end, over 32,000 Yak fighters were produced, more than any other aircraft except the IL-2 and... more info
A great series continues...:
Another excellent book. A great reference for fans of the av-sim IL2 Forgotten Battles and Ace Expansion. Now you can decode those slogans on the sides of the planes! 40 color plates expertly rendered featuring models from Yak-1 to Yak -9 and derivatives. Great b&w photos with slogan translation and great pilot accounts give an inside look to the planes. A must have for VVS fans. Features top scoring pilot list, units operating planes by model, and interesting chapter on women aces. 1/48 scale 3 view... more info
