description Yakovlev Yak-50 Overview
The Yakovlev Yak-50 is a Soviet monoplane designed for aerobatic displays. Built between 1975 and 1986, it was one of the most popular competitive acrobatic aircraft globally. Its lightweight design and responsive handling made it favored by pilots seeking high performance in maneuvers. It’s primarily used by amateur and professional aerobatic teams and individuals involved in airshows and competitive flying.
insights Why this score
Yakovlev Yak-50 ranks #39 of 706 in the Acrobatics ranking, behind X-Pole X-STAGE Lite, ahead of MX Aircraft MXS-R.
Well-regarded single-seat Soviet aerobat with strong performance, robust construction, and lasting warbird-aerobatic appeal.
help Yakovlev Yak-50 FAQ
Is the Yakovlev Yak-50 the same aircraft as the Yak-52?
No. The Yak-50 is a single-seat competition aerobatic aircraft, while the later Yak-52 has two seats and became widely used as a military and civilian trainer.
What engine does the Yak-50 normally use?
The standard aircraft uses a Vedeneyev M-14P nine-cylinder radial engine producing about 360 horsepower. Its radial engine and conventional tailwheel layout give the Yak-50 a distinctly different character from modern composite aerobatic aircraft.
Why was the Yak-50 important in competition aerobatics?
The type appeared in the mid-1970s and immediately proved successful at world-level aerobatic competition. Its power-to-weight ratio and responsive controls suited the large, flowing figures favored during that era.
How does the Yak-50 differ from the Sukhoi Su-26?
The Yak-50 is an all-metal design from the 1970s, while the Su-26 arrived in the 1980s with a more modern configuration aimed at increasingly aggressive aerobatic figures. Both commonly use versions of the M-14 radial engine.
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