View source for Yakovlev Yak-52

{{Short description|Soviet military training aircraft}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2009}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
  |name =Yak-52
  |image = File:Yakkes Yak-52 RA-3085K.jpg
  |caption = Yak-52
  |type = [[Trainer aircraft|Trainer]], [[Counter-insurgency aircraft|COIN]]
  |manufacturer = [[Yakovlev]] <br /> [[Aerostar (Romanian company)|Aerostar]]
  |designer =
  |first_flight = 1976
  |introduction = 1979
  |retired =
  |status = Operational
  |primary_user = [[Soviet Air Force]]
  |more_users = [[DOSAAF]]<br />[[Ukrainian Army Aviation]]
  |produced = 1978–1998
  |number_built = 
  |unit cost =
  |developed_from = [[Yakovlev Yak-50 (1975)|Yakovlev Yak-50]]
  |variants = 
  |developed_into = [[Yakovlev Yak-53]]
}}
[[File:Yak 52 Wairarapa.jpg|thumb|Yakovlev Yak-52s at 2007 Wings over [[Wairarapa]] airshow]]
[[File:Yakovlev Yak-52.jpg|thumb|Yak-52 at [[Kubinka (air base)]]]]

The '''Yakovlev Yak-52''' ({{langx|ru|Яковлев Як-52}}) is a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] primary [[trainer aircraft]] which first flew in 1976. It was produced in Romania from 1977 to 1998 by [[Aerostar (Romanian company)|Aerostar]], as ''Iak-52'', which gained manufacturing rights under agreement within the former [[COMECON]] socialist trade organisation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yak.ru/ENG/FIRM/hist3.php|title=Yakovlev Design Bureau Seral Production History|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref> The Yak-52 was designed as an [[Aerobatics|aerobatic]] trainer for students in the Soviet [[DOSAAF]] training organisation, which trained civilian sport pilots and military pilots.  Currently the Yak-52 is used in the [[Fédération Aéronautique Internationale]] (FAI) World Aerobatic Yak 52 Competition, a popular powered aircraft [[one-design]] World Aerobatic Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civa-results.com/2017/WY52AC17/indexpage.htm|title=CIVA Results|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref>

==Design and development==
A descendant of the single-seat competition aerobatic [[Yakovlev Yak-50 (1975)|Yakovlev Yak-50]], the all-metal Yak-52 is powered by a 268&nbsp;kW (360&nbsp;hp) [[Vedeneyev M14P]] nine-cylinder [[radial engine]].

Since the aircraft was designed to serve as a military trainer, the development of the aircraft incorporates a number of features to be found on the early postwar fighters: notably the cockpit tandem layout (instrument panel, seat design, cockpit opening system), tail design, tricycle landing gear, fuselage mixed construction (monocoque with steel tube construction), inner flaps, controls position, access panels on sides of the fuselage, even the location of the radio antenna and overall dimensions of the airplane, which extensively match the [[Yakovlev Yak-17|Yakovlev Yak-17 UTI]] jet fighter trainer (NATO code name Magnet).

The aircraft has fuel and oil systems permitting inverted flight for as long as two minutes. The engine drives a two-bladed counter-clockwise rotating, variable pitch, wood and fiberglass laminate [[Propeller (aircraft)|propeller]].

At 998&nbsp;kg (2,200&nbsp;lb) empty weight, the Yak-52 is responsive and very capable as an aerobatic aircraft. Yet it is also easy to fly and land. It has been used in international aerobatic competition up to the Advanced level. It is stressed to +7 and &ndash;5 Gs, rolls (to the right) at well more than 180 degrees/second (measured up to 352 degrees/second to the right), and is capable of every manoeuvre in the [[Aresti catalog]].

The Yak-52, like most Soviet military aircraft, was designed to operate in rugged environments with minimal maintenance. One of its key features, unusual in western aircraft, is its extensive [[pneumatic]] system. Engine starting, [[landing gear]], [[Flap (aircraft)|flap]]s, and wheel brakes are all pneumatically actuated. Spherical storage bottles for air, replenished by an engine driven compressor, are situated behind the rear cockpit and contents displayed on the instrument panels. The operating pressure is between 10 and 50&nbsp;bars (145 and 725&nbsp;psi) and an emergency circuit is reserved for lowering the undercarriage if the normal supply is exhausted or the compressor fails. Additionally both main and reserve bottles can be charged from a port on the ground with compressed air, usually from a [[Diving cylinder|scuba]] type air bottle. The ground steering/braking arrangement, especially, takes some adjustment for flyers accustomed to [[hydraulics]], because the aircraft uses [[differential braking]] controlled by [[rudder]] pedals and a hand-operated lever on the control stick.

The [[Tricycle gear|tricycle landing gear]] is retractable, but it remains partially exposed in the retracted position, affording both a useful level of drag in down manoeuvres and a measure of protection should the aircraft be forced to land "wheels up."

A number of "westernised" versions of the Yak-52 are now produced. The replacement of the existing Soviet [[avionics]], fitting of a three-blade [[Propeller (aircraft)|propeller]] and the M14PF 298&nbsp;kW (400&nbsp;hp) upgrade to the usual 360&nbsp;hp [[M14P]] engine, and conversion to [[Conventional landing gear|conventional "tail-dragger" landing gear]] (Yak-52TD) are some of the modifications made to the standard aircraft. There is also a factory-produced Yak-52TW tail-dragger version by Aerostar. The TW has an extra 120&nbsp;L (32&nbsp;US gal) of fuel capacity in two extra wing tanks, the M14PF engine designated & three blade propeller, an electric start, and modern instruments.

On April 16, 2004, a modernised variant '''Yak-52M''' was flown in Russia. It is fitted with modernised M-14Kh engine, three-blade propeller, and other modifications.

Despite being unarmed, a Yak-52 was used by Ukraine during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] to shoot down a Russian [[Orlan-10]] reconnaissance drone over Odessa in April 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yak-52 shot down a Russian reconnaissance drone in the sky over Odesa |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/yak-52-shot-down-a-russian-reconnaissance-drone-in-the-sky-over-odesa/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref> and to shoot down a [[ZALA Aero Group|ZALA]] drone on 8 June 2024.<ref name="Militaryni">{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian Defense Forces scramble Yak-52 to shoot down Zala UAV |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-defense-forces-scramble-yak-52-to-shoot-down-zala-uav/ |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref> Images posted on social media suggest that at least one Yak-52 has downed up to eight drones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2024-06-25 |title=Yak-52 Kill Marks Hint At Success In Ukraine’s Drone War |url=https://www.twz.com/air/yak-52-kill-marks-hint-at-success-in-ukraines-drone-war |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref> The Yak-52's low [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|stall speed]] allows the plane to pursue drones and carry out maneuvers at slower speeds, enabling a machine gunner in the plane's rear seat to engage drones at close range.<ref name="Militaryni"/>

==Variants==
[[File:2019 Fort Worth Alliance Air Show 146 (Aerostar Yak-52).jpg|thumb|Aerostar Iak-52]]

;Yak-52
:Two-seat primary trainer aircraft, powered by a 360-hp (268-kW) [[Vedeneyev M-14P]] nine-cylinder radial piston-engine.
;Yak-52B
:Two-seat light ground-attack aircraft, armed with two UB-32-57 rocket pods, each capable of carrying up to 32 air-to-ground [[S-5 rocket]]s.{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}
;Yak-52M
:2003 modernised version, powered by a Vedeneyev M-14X radial piston engine. It is fitted with a three-bladed propeller, new avionics and crew escape system.<ref name="YAK-52M">{{cite web|url=http://www.yak.ru/ENG/PROD/new_52m.php|title=A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau - Yak-52M|language=Russian|publisher=[[Yakovlev]]|access-date=23 October 2025|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517013545/http://www.tosnoaero.ru/library/manual/Yak-52.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
;Iak-52
:Romanian designation of Yak-52<ref name="Janes 93 p248-9"/> produced by [[Aerostar (Romanian company)|Aerostar]].
;Aerostar Condor
:Westernised version proposed by Aerostar, powered by [[Lycoming O-540]] engine.<ref name="Janes 93 p248-9"/>
;Iak-52W
:Westernised version produced by Aerostar, powered by M-14P or M-14Kh engine, but with all western instruments installed.
;Iak-52TW
:Westernised version produced by Aerostar, powered by M-14P or M-14Kh engine and tail wheel instead of front wheel. This version has all-western instruments, deeply modernised wing that provide retraction of mainwheels (hydraulic brake components and portioins of main gear strut still extend below wing), also, enlargement of fuel tanks volume up to 280 L.
;Iak-52TD
:Modified Yak-52 with more powerful M-14PK engine and a tailwheel configuration by Termikas Ltd in Lithuania. Modifications include a set of wings with integrated aerobatic and ferry tanks (total capacity 230 litres), and allow complete retraction (no portions of the gear/main strut extend below wing structure). Bulletin 60 (strong joint fittings of the main spar) and Bulletin 107 (steel strap on the main spar installed) also completed at modification.
;UTL-450
:A variant of the Yak-52 presented by [[Motor Sich]] in 2016, powered by the [[Ivchenko-Progress AI-450S|AI-450S]] turboprop engine.

==Civilian operators==
'''{{ITA}}'''
* [https://www.yakitaliateam.it/ Yakitalia]  is an Italian civil aerobatic team founded in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chi siamo |url=https://www.yakitaliateam.it/chi-siamo/ |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=YAKITALIA |language=it-IT}}</ref> It operates three Yak-52s and one Yak-50.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I nostri aerei |url=https://www.yakitaliateam.it/i-nostri-aerei/ |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=YAKITALIA |language=it-IT}}</ref> The team’s operational base is at Fano “Enzo e Walter Omiccioli” Airport (LIDF) in the Marche region.

==Military operators==
[[File:YAK 52.jpg|thumb|[[DOSAAF]] Yak-52]]
[[File:Zk-ytw.JPG|thumb|Iak-52TW at [[Pauanui]], [[New Zealand]]]]
[[File:Yak Front Cockpit.jpg|thumb|Yak-52 front cockpit]]
[[File:07 Yellow Yakolev Yak.52B Russian Air Force (7985640947).jpg|thumb|Yak-52B at Monino Air Force museum]]

;{{ARM}}
*[[Armenian Air Force]] - 16
;{{flag|Belarus}}
*[[DOSAAF (Belarus)]]
;{{BUL}}
*[[Bulgarian Air Force]]
;{{GEO}}
*[[Georgian Air Force]]
;{{flag|Latvia}}
*[[Latvian Air Force]] 
;{{LTU}}
*[[Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces]]
;{{ROM}}
*[[Romanian Air Force]] - 12
;{{RUS}}
*DOSAAF Russia
;
;
;{{UKR}}
*{{ill|Civil Air Patrol (Ukraine)|uk|Цивільний повітряний патруль (Україна)}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Ukraine Uses Soviet-era Yak-52 Training Aircraft for Counter-UAS Operations Against Russia|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/ukraine-uses-soviet-era-yak-52-training-aircraft-for-counter-uas-operations-against-russia|website=Army Recognition Group|date=26 June 2024|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref>
*[[Ukrainian Army Aviation]]
;{{USSR}}
*[[DOSAAF]]
*[[Soviet Air Force]]
;{{TKM}}
*[[Military of Turkmenistan]]
;{{VIE}}
*[[Vietnam People's Air Force]] - 36
;{{PMR}}
*[[Transnistria Air Force]] 0-2

== Operational history ==

=== Ukraine ===
While the Yak-52 was never intended to serve as an air-to-air combat platform, improvisation during the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|Russo-Ukrainian war]] has led to the platform attaining kills against [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |title=Ukraine’s World War I-Style Dogfighters Have Shot Down More Russian Drones |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/06/29/ukraines-world-war-i-style-dogfighters-have-shot-down-more-russian-drones/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

On April 27, 2024, over [[Odesa|Odesa, Ukraine]], footage emerged from the perspective of a Russian drone showing a Yak-52 being flown by Ukrainian pilots with the canopy open. The first crew member, the pilot, flew circles around the drone as the second crew member attacked the drone with a [[shotgun]].<ref name="itc.ua">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-30 |title=A shooter with a shotgun shoots down Russian drones from a Ukrainian Yak-52 aircraft — close look from the sky |url=https://itc.ua/en/news/a-shooter-with-a-shotgun-shoots-down-russian-drones-from-a-ukrainian-yak-52-aircraft-close-look-from-the-sky/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=ITC.ua}}</ref> Through this method, a Yak-52 has reportedly attained 6 kills against [[Orlan-10|Orlan 10/30]] series drones and 2 against [[ZALA Aero Group|Zala]] 421-16E drones. Two more kills are attributed to [[lightning]] striking one UAV in front of the Ukrainian pilots, and another to a drone encountering a [[Bird strike|birdstrike]].<ref name="itc.ua"/>

As of June 2024, multiple Yak-52 operated by the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] feature numerous drone [[kill mark]]s, depicting both strike and reconnaissance drones, indicating that the use of the aircraft against drones has become routine.<ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Newdick|title=Yak-52 Kill Marks Hint At Success In Ukraine’s Drone War|url=https://www.twz.com/air/yak-52-kill-marks-hint-at-success-in-ukraines-drone-war|website=The War Zone|date=25 June 2024|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref> The typical combat arrangement involves a shooter with an [[automatic rifle]] seated in the rear seat. Some of the aircraft are known to be assigned to the [[Ukrainian Army Aviation]] [[11th Army Aviation Brigade (Ukraine)|11th Brigade]] stationed in [[Kherson]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Newdick|title=This Is How Ukrainian Yak-52 Crews Hunt Russian Drones|url=https://www.twz.com/air/this-is-how-ukrainian-yak-52-crews-hunt-russian-drones|website=The War Zone|date=30 August 2025|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref> As of September 2025, another interview with a Yak-52 gunner featured a shoulder patch of the 11th Brigade.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Ukraine is hunting Russian Shahed drones with Soviet-era propeller planes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqDmSTrdlq4|website=DW News (YouTube)|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]|date=24 September 2025|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref> In a September 2025 interview with the [[Wall Street Journal]], 11th Brigade deputy commander Mykola Lykhatsky claimed that air-to-air interceptions with piston aircraft and helicopters are responsible for 10-12% of the total number of Russian fixed-wing drones shot down, with the primary targets being [[STC Orlan-10|''Orlan'']], [[ZALA Lancet|''Lancet'']] and [[HESA Shahed 136|''Shahed'']] drones.<ref>{{cite web|last=Melnyk|first=Roman|title=WSJ розповіла про українських пілотів, що збивають дрони на пропелерних літаках із кулеметом|language=Ukrainian|url=https://hromadske.ua/viyna/250207-wsj-rozpovilo-pro-ukrayinskykh-pilotiv-shcho-zbyvaiut-drony-na-propelernykh-litakakh-iz-kulemetom|website=[[Hromadske]]|date=25 September 2025|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref>

=== Russia ===

As of 2025, Russia has begun using the Yak-52 to intercept Ukrainian strike drones. On 21 October 2025, a video published by the [[Security Service of Ukraine]] showed two landed Russian aircraft, a Yak-52 and a [[Cessna 172]], concealed by camouflage, being destroyed by Ukrainian [[loitering munition]]s on 15 October 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lystova|first=Yustyna|title=СБУ знищила два легкомоторні літаки росіян, якими ті збивали українські дрони|language=Ukrainian|url=https://hromadske.ua/viyna/253452-sbu-znyshchyla-dva-lehkomotorni-litaky-rosiian-iakymy-ti-zbyvaly-ukrayinski-drony|website=[[Hromadske]]|date=21 October 2025|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Російські пропагандисти навихвалялись - СБУ, завдяки сюжету, дронами знищила російські легкомоторні мисливці на БПЛА|language=Ukrainian|url=https://defence-ua.com/photo/rosijski_propagandisti_navihvaljalis_sbu_zavdjaki_sjuzhetu_dronami_znischili_rosijski_legkomotorni_mislivtsi_na_bpla-403.html|website=Defense Express|date=21 October 2025|access-date=21 October 2025}}</ref>

==Specifications (Iak 52)==
[[File:Yak 52 LY-FUN OTT 2013 04.jpg|thumb|Privately owned Yak-52 during takeoff]]
[[File:Yakovlev Yak-52 3-view line drawing.svg|right|300px]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-94<ref name="Janes 93 p248-9">Lambert 1993, pp. 248–249.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=2
|capacity=
|length m=7.745
|length ft=
|length in=
|span m=9.30
|span ft=
|span in=
|height m=2.70
|height ft=
|height in=
|wing area sqm=15.00
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=

|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=Clark YN
|empty weight kg=1015
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=1305
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|122|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}}
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Vedeneyev M-14P]]
|eng1 type=nine-cylinder [[radial engine]]
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=360<!-- prop engines -->
|more power=

|prop blade number=2<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=V-530TA-D35 [[constant-speed propeller]]
|prop dia m=2.40<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=285
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=at sea level
|cruise speed kmh=190<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}} (econ cruise)
|stall speed kmh=85–90
|stall speed note=flaps down, engine idling
|never exceed speed kmh=360
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|range km=550
|range miles=
|range note=at {{convert|500|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=4000
|ceiling ft=
|g limits=+7/-5<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=985
|time to altitude=15 min to {{convert|4000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent|

<!-- include as many lines are appropriate. additional lines/entries with carriage return. -->
|related=<!-- related developments -->
* [[Yakovlev Yak-11]]
* [[Yakovlev Yak-18]]
* [[Yakovlev Yak-50 (1975)|Yakovlev Yak-50]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- similar or comparable aircraft -->
* [[North American NA-16]]
* [[North American T-6 Texan]]
* [[I.Ae. 22 DL]]
* [[PZL TS-8 Bies]]
* [[Soko 522]]
* [[Valmet Vihuri]]
* [[Nanchang CJ-6]]

|sequence=<!-- designation sequence, if appropriate -->
|lists=<!-- related lists -->
|see also=<!-- other relevant information -->
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

* Lambert, Mark (ed.) ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-94''. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Data Division, 1993. {{ISBN|0-7106-1066-1}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Yakovlev Yak-52}}
* [http://www.yak.ru/ENG/PROD/new_52m.php Official YAK website for YAK-52M]
* [https://aircraftsale.co.uk/yakovlev-yak-52/ Yak 52 Technical Information]

{{Yakovlev aircraft}}

[[Category:1970s Soviet civil trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s Soviet military trainer aircraft]]
[[Category:Counter-insurgency aircraft]]
[[Category:Yakovlev aircraft|Yak-052]]
[[Category:Aerobatic aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1976]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]