[Coming Soon] All-metal cannon carrier

Yak-9P (Rank VII)

Historical Note

The Yak-9P fighter was one of the most advanced modifications in the Yak-7 and Yak-9 series of fighters. It is a postwar variant developed in 1946 and designed in an all-metal fuselage.

In addition to numerous improvements in aerodynamics and onboard hardware, the aircraft received a reinforced armament – three 20-mm cannons, and one of them in the engine cylinder bank could be changed for more powerful ones – 23-mm NS-23 or 37-mm NS-37 autocannon. Index “P” in the modification name means “pushechny" (cannon).

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: powerful forward-firing weapons, good flying qualities.
• Weaknesses: no suspended armament, low ammunition of 37-mm cannon.
• Opportunities: air combat at medium altitude, destruction of armored vehicles in the version with 37-mm cannon.
• Threats: faster fighters.

The Yak-9P is one of the rare cases of a fighter with interchangeable forward-firing weapons. In addition to a pair of 20mm autocannons in the front of the fuselage, the pilot can choose a third cannon in the engine cylinder bank: a third high-speed 20mm B-20C can be installed for aerial combat with fighters, a 23mm cannon for tougher aircraft and destroying light armored vehicles, or a 37mm H-37 cannon, which has no problem to penetrate tanks in the top of the turret or hull and shoot down the most massive bomber with a couple of shells.

The Yak-9P is equipped with a powerful M-107A engine, which provides good climb rate and good speed, slightly less than the best competitors. If earlier modifications of the Yak-9 didn't feel very confident at altitudes above 3000 meters, the Yak-9P is very competitive not only at low, but also at medium altitudes.

Whatever the task set by the pilot, the faithful Yak will not let you down. Turn combat at altitude? You can do it! Hunting strike aircraft and high-speed bombers? You're welcome! Burn a couple of tanks? No problem! In the assault variant, however, you should remember about the small ammo of the 37-mm gun, you need to shoot single or short bursts and hit vehicles in the most vulnerable places.

*Commanders, the characteristics and camouflage of vehicles are preliminary and may differ from those given in the article.

The new aircraft is available in the research tech tree at Rank VII. You can speed up research for GE to get access to top planes before other players, or you can earn research points in battles.