Yak52s

The Yakovlev Yak-52 is a Soviet-era primary trainer aircraft designed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. It first flew in 1976 and was intended to replace the Yak-18 in Soviet Air Force training programs. The Yak-52 is a low-wing, two-seat, single-engine monoplane of all-metal construction. It features a retractable tricycle landing gear and is powered by a Vedeneyev M-14P nine-cylinder radial engine.

The Yak-52 was designed for aerobatic training and possesses robust construction and responsive handling characteristics, making it suitable for a wide range of flight maneuvers. Its instrumentation is typical of Soviet aircraft of its era, with a focus on primary flight controls and engine monitoring. Production took place at the Aero Vodochody plant in Czechoslovakia.

While primarily used by military flying clubs and training organizations in the Soviet Union and later Russia, the Yak-52 has also found a niche in the civilian market, particularly among aerobatic enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its ruggedness, ease of maintenance, and impressive aerobatic capabilities contribute to its enduring popularity. Numerous modifications and upgrades have been developed by various entities to enhance its performance and avionics for civilian use. The aircraft is known for its distinctive sound produced by its radial engine.