Yakovlev Yak-3

The Yak-3 resulted from the systematic lightening of the Yak-1 line: a smaller wing, refined aerodynamics, an oil cooler moved into the wing. With the VK-105PF2 engine the fighter weighed less than any serial single-engine counterpart and was unmatched in climb and low-altitude turns. Pilots received the machine in spring 1944 and quickly grew to trust it, choosing vertical manoeuvre combat. After the war the French volunteers of Normandie-Niemen flew their Yak-3s home to France as a gift of the Soviet government. The displayed fighter carries the summer 1944 markings of the 303rd Fighter Aviation Division. A sectioned VK-105 engine is shown beside it.