Airfix 1:72 YAK-9D (A50086)

[Johni044]

Airfix 1:72 YAK-9D (A50086)
“White 31” of Soviet Air Force, 1944
2014#5



In the USSR in 1938, the UV-VS (Upravlenie Voenno-vozdushnikh Sily – Administration of the Air Force) called for single seat “frontal” and high altitude fighters. Aleksandra Yakolev’s OKB. The submission for the “frontal” version was the I-26 which entered production in 1940 and had it’s designation changed to the YAK-1.
The Yak-1 was of mixed construction but was both overweight and underpowered and was subsequently given a more powerful engine and weight reduction program introduced which resulted in the oble-chenny or “lightweight” YAK-1 which first flew on 25th June 1941.

The fighter was redesigned as an all metal aircraft which became the YAK-3 (released by Airfix in 1990 as kit 02091 a reissue of Heller kit 250). The YAK 7 followed which was originally designed as a two seat trainer based on the original I-26, however when it displayed superior handling characteristics an analogous production line was established with the space occupied by the second cockpit being utilised for a 22 imp gal fuel tank which could be readily removable, it’s bay covered by a plywood panel to enable the transportation of urgent freight or a ground crew member.

The YAK-9 was derived from this YAK-7DI with deeper radiator bath, refined oil cooler intake, modified ruder and external tabs on control surfaces. The YAK-9D (D-dal’ny or “long” distance) which is the subject of this Airfix kit had two additional fuel tanks in the outer wing panels and an optional tank under the cockpit. Debuting in May 1943.

YAK-9D data with the M-105PF-3 engine rated at 1,360hp at 2,650 feet.
Max Speed. 332mph (535km/h)at sea level. 374mph (602km/h) at 10,170 feet.
Max range. 870 miles (1,400 km)
Armament
1 x 20mm engine-mounted ShVAK cannon
1 x 12.7mm machine gun

This kit was originally released in 1963 and to honest is now showing it’s age, the mouldings being somewhat less than crisp with quite a bit of flash.

I find I’m in two minds about Airfix releasing kits of this age and quality as starter kits for the novice. On one hand I think it could potentially damage it’s future customer base, on the other hand these are the types of kits I clagged (Geordie term, stuck together without care or attention) together as a kid and I still enjoy making them 50 years later.

[Daishi12]

MrsModeller and I had exactly the same issues with her Yak 9D. I think that even when this was released in '63 it wasn't a particularly good kit, as there wasn't much information coming out of the USSR. Personally, I would re-mould the kit to modern specification and release as a "Then - Now" twin kit.