by ANN Correspondent John Dorcey

The history of this aircraft design is as full of intrigue and mystery as a Russian spy novel. First, the original attempt at the design failed in 1941 due to a shortage of materials and a reliable engine. The second attempt proved successful with test flights beginning in October 1943. Then, as we learned today, the aircraft was still being produced as late as 1991.

The YAK-3 is an upgraded variant of the YAK-1; which first flew in 1939. YAK models included the -1; -3; -7, and the -9. More than 8,700 aircraft were built of all models. The YAK was a successful dog fighter and won the respect of Luftwaffe pilots on the Eastern Front.

Shortly after being manufactured in 1991, this aircraft participated in the 1992 May Day celebration in Moscow. It was also on display during the 1992 Paris Airshow. The airplane was imported to the United States through the efforts of David Price of the Museum of Flying located in Santa Monica (CA).

After two other owners, Jim McKinstry of Mead (CO) now holds the registration certificate. Jim is a retired manager of fleet operations for United Airlines. Jim flew just about everything in the United livery from the DC-6 on up. McKinstry reports that he has attended AirVenture since the early Rockford days. "I've missed just one or two," he admitted.

The YAK-3 has an empty weight of 4,641 pounds and a full up weight of 5,864.The aircraft had a limited range of 485 nautical miles, typical for its day. The 1,300 horsepower Klimov V-12 M105PF engine gave the airplane a top speed of 355 knots. Armament included a single 20mm ShVAK cannon and a single 12.7mm Berczin cannon.

FMI: www.airventure.org