Yak-1 fighters by A.S.Yakovlev

Yak-1 early design from "Soviet Combat Aircraft of the Second World War" by Yefim Gordon and Dmitri Khazanov, Vol.1p.125
Courtesy of Thomas Heinz

The first aircraft of the 'Yak' fighters family, basic version for large number of types and modifications. It turned to be the most successful among new generation of fighters which entered service just prior to German invasion: MiG-3 production was cancelled in December 1941, LaGG-3 - in early 1942 (except one factory, which run limited series until Fall 1943). Yak-1 was in production during almost four years: from September 1940 until July 1944.

Some of Yak-1 variants
(Aeroplan Magazine Page)

Production of the Yak-1 started even before the trial program of the I-26 prototype was fulfilled. As a result early batches suffered from number of defects, cured in parallel with tests and modifications of the prototypes. Input from both prototype trials and field service helped to improve the design quickly.

Yak-1 - conventional mixed design low wing cantilever monoplane with retractable landing gear. Engine cradle is a part of the wielded steel fuselage frame. Engine cowling - metal. Tail section top and bottom are covered with plywood, sides - fabric. Wing is of wooden construction with two box-spars, with stressed plywood skin (5 to 2.5mm). Pilot cockpit is covered with 3-piece plexiglas canopy with backward sliding central section. Armored seat has thickness 8mm.

Armament (initial configuration) included single 20mm ShVAK cannon firing through the propeller hub and pair of 7.62mm ShKAS machineguns. Until the end of 1942 Yak-1 was equipped with six RS-82 rails and hardpoints for 200kg bombs.

During production numerous changes were introduced. Engine power was increased from 1050hp to 1250hp (series machines). Bombs and rockets were deleted as Il-2 ground attack aircraft became available at large numbers. Two light machineguns were replaced by single 12.3mm UBS. Salvo was increased by 0.26kg/sec, effective strike range increased some weight was saved. Rear fuselage was cut down to provide better view for pilot. Sliding section of the canopy was fitted with emergency opening mechanism.

220k b/w Yak-1 on the mass production line, from 'Notes of an aircraft designer' by A.Yakovlev;

Yak-1 had a good handling and was not very demanding to the pilot skills. Even pilots with below average experience could operate it. And they did... Most of Soviet pilots had as little as 25 to 50 flight hours of training. But the losses could be heavier. Thanks to Yak-1 excellent performance on low and medium altitudes, even under-trained pilots could outmaneuver their opponents without risk of control loss. Many Soviet aces started their career flying Yak-1. A.I.Pokryshkin got his first Hero Star flying Yak-1 during the Kuban' air battle (April 17 to June 7 1943).

In Fall 1942 Yak-1 became the major fighter of Soviet Air Force. 1/3 of fighter regiments were equipped with this aircraft.

Score of Yak-1 variants and modifications were built. Unlike following designs (Yak-7, Yak-9 and Yak-3), those variants carried no specific factory designations, except one which was referred as Yak-1B (with UB machinegun).

Yak-1b from "Soviet Combat Aircraft of the Second World War" by Yefim Gordon and Dmitri Khazanov, Vol.1p.130
Courtesy of Thomas Heinz

Assembly of Yak-1 started in 1940 at Moscow Factory N°301 (117 built before switching to Yak-7 assembly) and Saratov Factory N°292. Total production - 8667 aircraft. In April-July 1944 manufacturing gradually switched to the Yak-3.

Yak-1 was flown by female ace Lilya litvyak, nicknamed "The White Rose of Stalingrad" and Valeria Khomyakova, the first female pilot in history to down enemy aircraft.

In service until the end of World War II.

Two 16k shots of my 1/72 plastic Yak-1 in winter 1941 color scheme

Predecessor	Experimental Modifications	Series Modifications			Developments
I-26	Yak-1 'army' series	Yak-1 M-105P/PA	Yak-1 M-105PA with bombs	Yak-1 winter variant	Yak-1M
	Yak-1 M-105PF	Yak-1 M-106	Yak-1 M-105PF lightened	Yak-1 with improved view, armament and armor (Yak-1B)
	Yak-1 with improved airdynamics	Yak-1 with RS-82	Yak-1 MPVO