[Coming Soon] Yak-3U: A successful hybrid

Historical Note

In 1945, engineers at the Yakovlev Design Bureau developed a modification of the Yak-3 serial fighter with an air-cooled radial engine ASh-82FN. The main objectives of the modernization were to replace the unreliable VK-107A engine with a more powerful one and to create a fighter superior in performance to all existing analogs.

The Yak-3 airframe was significantly redesigned – some of the wooden and canvas elements were replaced with duralumin ones, the wingspan was increased, the wings themselves were moved forward, and the canopy and cockpit were raised to improve visibility. During tests, the aircraft showed very high speed performance and got rid of the problems of earlier versions. However, due to the end of the war, there was no need for such a fighter and it remained in a single copy. Later, the Yak-11 trainer model was developed on the basis of the Yak-3U.

Yak-3U (Rank VIII)

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: excellent performance, high speed and great controllability at all speeds.
• Weaknesses: not the most powerful armament, low ammo, lack of suspension weapons.
• Opportunities: air duels and interceptions.
• Threats: better piston fighters.

In battle

The Yak-3U is an experimental model of the famous Soviet fighter with a significantly modified airframe. Its main advantage is a new, more powerful air-cooled engine, which is known to aviation enthusiasts from Lavochkin's series of fighters (La-5, La-7, La-9).

The Yak-3U retained the best features of the Yak and La fighters of the final period of World War II. This tough, maneuverable aircraft with increased speed and climb rate performs superbly in flight and retains responsive control at all altitudes and speeds.

The Yak-3U is faster, more maneuverable and quicker climbing than many fighters of its rank. It outperforms each of the opponents in at least several parameters.

The secret of success is in the modified airframe with extensive use of aluminum alloys and in the new power plant. The Yak-3U received a radial engine ASh-82FN with an air cooling circuit and direct fuel injection system. The new engine is not only more powerful, but also more reliable than the M-105 series of V-shaped engines used in the earlier Yak-3U.

The armament of the new Yak-3U was improved, but it was still not as powerful as on Western machines. Two 20mm guns can shoot down fighters without much trouble, but destroying a large bomber will require more shells. In addition, the Yak-3U is completely devoid of suspended armament and is unsuitable for attacking ground targets. Finally, it is worth to keep in mind that the ammo capacity of the new Yak is not quite large – 120 shells per gun.

At medium and low altitudes, the Yak-3U is excellent at conserving energy in a turn and prefers duels on the horizontal. Good acceleration will prevent the enemy from gaining a significant altitude advantage, will give the opportunity to catch up with any target and will force a maneuvering fight, where the Yak-3U is particularly good.

Premium ♠Yak-3U♠︎ (Rank VIII)

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 work in progress and may differ on release.

The Yak-3U (Rank VIII) will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.