Ya-22, A.S.Yakovlev

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Twin-engined fighter and reconnaissance aircraft prototype. The Ya-22 had a high performance, and I-29 fighter and R-12 reconnaissance versions were proposed. It was insisted (typical formula for politicized industry - no exact reference why and who insisted, but everyone can guess about Big Brother - A.S.) that the aircraft would be developed into a light bomber, the BB-22/Yak-2 and later the Yak-4.

Interestingly, that conversion between fighter (designated I-29), bomber and reconnaissance options could be done on any of aircraft modifications in 'air field conditions'. The I-29 featured same folding top of the afterfuselage as Ya-22 and R-12 to allow unrestricted gunner's operation and keep clean aerodynamics when there is no rear threat.

In bomber versions folding fuselage was replaced by extractable upwards turret (Yak-2) or conventional rear gunner's cockpit (Yak-4)

Developments/Modifications :
• I-29 - fighter version;
• R-12 - reconnaissance version;
• Yak-2/BB-22 - light bomber;
• Yak-4 - light bomber;

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More links...

• Ya-22, Yakovlev

Modified April 10, 1996

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