TYPE: Aerobatic two-seat sportplane.

PROGRAMME: Yak-54 announced 1992; prototype at 1993 Paris Air Show; first flown 23 December 1993; third prototype at Paris in 1995. In production from 1995 at Saratov Aviation Plant (SAZ), with maximum capacity of more than 100 per year. However, production suspended in 1998; to resume after certification achieved, early 2002; initial batch of five funded (and to be marketed) by ZAO Gorki Yu-2 company, including two for Promety (Prometheus) aerobatic group (representing total 2002 production) and one for export to Australia; a Slovakian customer has also been mentioned. However, in February 2002, SAZ again suspended production, having built only one aircraft (in 2001), this then due to receive Russian certification at end of 2002 (confirmation not yet received), following improvements to aerodynamics aimed at enhancing basic handling qualities and aerobatic capability.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Yak-54: As described.
Yak-56: Primary trainer derivative; also designated Yak-54M; redesignated Yak-152 in late 2000 (although Yak-54M designation was still being used in 2001); 294 kW (394 hp) M-14PF, retractable tricycle landing gear and SKS-94 crew ejection system. Prototype under construction in 1999. Wing span 8.80 m (28 ft 10½ in); length overall 7.30 m (23 ft 11½ in); height overall 2.80 m (9 ft 2¼ in); empty weight 950 kg (2,094 lb); fuel weight 200 kg (441 lb); maximum take-off weight 1,300 kg (2,866 lb); max level speed 202 kt (375 km/h; 233 mph) manoeuvring speed 243 kt (450 km/h; 280 mph); stalling speed 54 kt (100 km/h; 63 mph); maximum range 540 n miles (1,000 km; 621 miles); g limits +9/-7.
In October 2001, Yak-152 was unsuccessful in competition against Sukhoi Su-49 to provide new equipment for ROSTO (successor to DOSAAF) paramilitary training organisation. Despite this, prototype intended to fly in 2003 and type to enter production at Saratov (SAZ). Commitment reconfirmed by Yakovlev's chairman in April 2002, but engine reverted to 265 kw (355 hp) M-14Kh and MTOW 1,320 kg (2,910 lb).
Yak-57: Single-seat sportplane; under development by 1999.

CUSTOMERS: Total 48 Yak-54s ordered in January 1997 by Northwest Aerobatic Center, Ephrata, Washington, USA, and Dancing Bear air show team; 15 built up to 1998 suspension of production; five (of six exported) flying in USA, plus one (second-hand) delivered to Australia during 1999. In March 2002, Yak-54 fleet stated to be four in Russia, five in US, plus two destroyed in accidents. US marketing by Yakovlev Aircraft USA, Scotts Mills, Oregon; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COSTS: Yak-152 programme US$2 million to US$3 million (2002). Yak-54 US$150,000 to US$170,000 (2002); Yak-152 US$160,000 to US$170,000 (2002).

DESIGN FEATURES: Optimised for aerobatics; derived from Yak-55. Conventional mid-wing configuration; symmetrical section; no dihedral, anhedral or incidence; almost full-span ailerons, elevators and rudder all horn-balanced; each aileron has large suspended balance tab. Designed on basis of systems and units of Yak-55M.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Ailerons occupy 90 per cent of wing trailing-edge and have both horn balance and suspended tab; horn-balanced tail surfaces.

STRUCTURE: All-metal; two-spar wings; semi-monocoque fuselage; conventional tail unit.

LANDING GEAR: Non-retractable tailwheel type, with titanium spring cantilever main legs and small wheels, tyre size 400x150; tailwheel tyre size 200x80.

POWER PLANT: One 265 kW (355 hp) VOKBM M-14P nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engine; MTV-9 three-blade variable-pitch propeller.

ACCOMMODATION: Two seats in tandem under continuous transparent canopy, hinged to starboard.