[Coming Soon] Yak-17: Jet Power!

Historical Note

The aircraft’s history began on April 9, 1945, when the Soviet Council of Ministers ordered the Yakovlev Design Bureau to develop a jet fighter based on the proven Yak-3 piston aircraft. The designers chose to replace the piston engine with a captured German Jumo 004 jet engine, repositioning it lower to preserve the aircraft’s center of gravity. After the Yak-15’s successful tests in May 1947, the military requested that the outdated tailwheel landing gear be replaced with a modern tricycle configuration featuring a nose strut. This required engineers to completely redesign the forward fuselage and enlarge the vertical stabilizer.

The prototype, designated Yak-17, completed its maiden flight in June 1947. Following several modifications, the aircraft successfully passed state trials in March 1948 and was officially accepted into service.

Yak-17 (Rank IX)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Excellent maneuverability and effective armament.
• Weaknesses: Limited top speed and climb rate for a jet aircraft.
• Opportunities: Ideal for high-altitude engagements and bomber interception.
• Threats: Vulnerable to more advanced jet fighters.

In battle

The Yak-17 was an ambitious project that integrated a captured jet engine into the airframe of the piston-engined Yak-3. Despite significant modifications to its center of gravity and tail structure, it preserved the defining trait of its predecessor – exceptional maneuverability. In fact, the Yak-17 is set to be one of the most agile early jet aircraft in the game!

The fighter is equipped with two 23 mm NS-23 cannons, already familiar to pilots from the La-9. These guns deliver powerful damage, have predictable ballistics, and offer a moderate rate of fire, making them excellent for dogfights against enemy fighters and for quickly taking down attack aircraft. However, engaging large bombers may require more time and ammunition.

The Yak-17 is powered by the RD-10 engine, a Soviet copy of the German Jumo 004. Although its thrust is limited, resulting in modest acceleration and top speed compared to other jet-powered aircraft, the fighter performs well once it gains altitude. At higher altitudes, it maintains energy efficiently and becomes a deadly threat to any piston-engine aircraft that dares to climb to its level.

At the controls of the Yak-17, the pilot enjoys exceptional maneuverability for an early jet and can use its sustained speed to dominate piston-engine opponents. However, its main threat comes from other jet fighters of the same rank. When facing them, it’s best to lure the enemy into a turning engagement, where their superior speed becomes far less effective.

Premium ♠Yak-17♠︎ (Rank IX)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may change upon release.

The Yak-17 (Rank IX) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.