Yakowlew Yak-23

Yakowlew Yak-23

The Yak-23 was the first modern soviet jet aircraft, but manufactured in few quantities and not used in combat. Designed as a replacement for the Yak-15 and Yak-17 fighters, the Yak-23 made its maiden flight on June 1947. When production ended in 1950, a total of 318 of the two versions had been built. On October 1953 one Yak-23 was tested in Wright Patterson AFB after secret action US intelligence.
Polish Air Forces was using 100 Yak-23 since the Jan 1951 to 1959 year.
Between 1956 and 1961 Aeronautical Institute in Warsaw (Poland) was using Yak-23 as flying laboratory. On September 14, 1957 this aircraft with pilot Andrzej Ablamowicz break a two world records of vertical speed at 3,000 m and 6,000 m.

Museum Example

Manufacturer: Air Works No.51, Tbilisi (Georgia, former USSR).
Manufacture Date: ?
Serial #: 807
Last Registration #: 06

History

?, To 1st Fighter Squadron.
Nov (Dec?) 1951, To 40th Fighter Squadron, Mierzecice.
?
July 1953, 39th Fighter Squadron.
?
September 1, 1959, 61th Trainer Squadron, wfu.

After service in the Polish Air Force, it was transferred to the Gliwice Aeroclub as monument. This Aeroclub presented the aircraft to the Museum on September 20, 1990.

Technical data

Wingspan: 8.70 m
Length: 8.10 m
Height: 3.30 m
Empty Weight: 1,980 kg
Operational Weight: 3,036 kg
Maximum Speed: 913 kph
Cruising Speed:
Service Ceiling: 14,800 m
Range: 1,030 km
Powerplant: RD-500 of 1,590 kg thrust (copy of Rolls-Royce "Dervent" V engine)
Armament (fixed): two 23 mm cannons in the lower nose
Armament (disposable): two 60 kg bombs or 190 l fuel drop tanks

Plastic Models

1/72 Yak-23 - KoPro