Difference between revisions of "Yak-9"

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{{Specs-Card|code=yak-9}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = Russian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Yak-9 (Family)
 
| link = Yak-9 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=yak-9
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
 +
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_Yak-9.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Yakovlev Yak-9''' is the first variant of the [[Yak-9 (Family)|Yak-9 fighter aircraft family]]. Inspired by the [[Yak-7B|Yak-7]], the Yak-9 family remains a combination of wood and metal alloy construction. Designed around the same time as the [[Yak-3]], the Yak-9 would prove to be the most important Soviet fighter aircraft family, seeing massive production and evolving into many variants. Alexander Sergeevich Yakovlev built the Yak-9 around a powerful set of Klimov engines that would serve as the foundation of later Yak-9 variants in the lineage. A single 20 mm ShVAK cannon with 120 rounds and a 12.7 mm Berezin UB heavy machine gun with 200 rounds were standard armaments. This weaponry combination made it a formidable opponent, capable of defeating almost anything in the skies. The visibility was excellent throughout, and the airframe proved to be sturdy and configurable to some extent. Some airframes were modified to become night fighters, long-range, and "pure" interceptors, as well as anti-tank and bomber escort variants. The combat experiences gained by Soviet pilots in the Yak-7 influenced the creation of the Yak-9. The aircraft entered service in October 1942 and were manufactured from 1942 to 1946.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''Yak-9''' is a Rank II Soviet fighter with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB) and 3.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.43.  
 
  
−
Since the Yak-1B, the Yak-9 is the next notable "Upgrade". While retaining the same great 20 mm cannon, as well as the 12.7 mm MG, the Yak-9 gained a number of minor upgrades such as:
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.43]], the Yak-9 was the workhorse of the Soviet Air Force during World War II, and it is the standard base variant that gives rise to a huge family of variants. The Yak-9 is a well-rounded plane that is proficient in all areas. However, steep dives should still be avoided because the wings are still constructed of wood rather than metal alloy. Despite its decent turn-fighting capabilities, prolonged turning engagements or other manoeuvres will progressively drain the Yak-9's energy. Since the plane has a limited ammunition load, it is important to use trigger discipline during engagements. Given their centre alignment on the nose of the Yak-9, there is no need to adjust for gun convergence, making hitting enemies much easier for players.
−
* Rebalanced wing and cockpit placement by a slight amount.
 
−
* Slightly improved rearward visibility compared to previous models.
 
−
* New metal alloy used to construct the fuselage, meaning a lighter plane = better flight characteristics.
 
−
* Reworked fuel tanks, engine parts, and other internals.
 
−
All of this translates in-game to an even better version of the excellent Yak-1 series. The Yak-9 is the first of a number of modifications (the [[Yak-9T|T]] and [[Yak-9K|K]] variants are also in-game). While tactics and methods deviate little from the previous Yaks, this plane is like being used to flying a Bf 109 E and then suddenly being given a Bf 109 F... not much, but experienced Yak pilots can feel the difference!
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
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<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
====Stat card====
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
 
−
|-
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 560 || 545 || 10,500 || 19.8 || 20.3 || 13.5 || 13.4 || 350
+
! Stock
 +
| 559 || 544 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.8 || 20.3 || 13.5 || 13.4 || rowspan="2" | 350
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 594 || 577 || 18.3 || 19.0 || 18.7 || 16.0
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 594 || 577 || 10,500 || 18.5 || 19.0 || 18.6 || 16.0 || 350
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || X || ✓ || X || X
+
| X || X || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 683 || 320 || N/A || ~22 || ~16
+
| 683 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~13 || ~10
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 270
+
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 340
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
−
! colspan="2" | 100% Engine power
+
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 700 m || colspan="2" | 1,260 hp  
+
| 700 m || 1,260 hp || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
−
! colspan="2" | 100% Engine power
+
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 2,900 m || colspan="2" | 1,175 hp  
+
| 2,900 m || 1,175 hp || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="1" | Cooling
 
! colspan="1" | Cooling
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | 600 kg || Inline || Water
+
| colspan="2" | 600 kg || Inline || Water + Oil
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Stock)
 
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Stock)
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front and rear.
 
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front and rear.
 
* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
Focus on cooling and engine modifications first! Once the coolant systems and engine is upgraded, flying at 90% power will never overheat the engine! Then focusing on ammo belts can benefit greatly, since the default ammo belt is rather lacklustre. After that, the modifications for new guns should also be considered for firing the guns longer without jamming. Past that, it is pilot preference.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)}}
  
−
The Yak-9 is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm [[ShVAK (20 mm)|ShVAK]] cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm [[Berezin UB (12.7 mm)|Berezin UB]] machine gun, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
+
* 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
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<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Both ''Universal'' and ''Stealth'' ammo belts for the cannon are effective against all planes, and the ''Ground Attack'' belt gives the most HE rounds for most targets. The cannon's ''Ground Attack'' belt is also capable of defeating up to light tanks if player hits them in the rear. Low gun ammo along with no other ordnance of any kind (no rockets and bombs of any kind) make this plane weak against even soft unarmored ground targets.
+
Both "Universal" and "Stealth" ammo belts for the cannon are effective against all planes, and the "Ground Targets" belt gives the most HE rounds for most targets. The cannon's "Ground Targets" belt is also capable of penetrating light tanks if the player hits them in the rear. Low gun ammo along with no other ordnance of any kind (no rockets and bombs of any kind) make this plane weak against even soft unarmoured ground targets.
  
 
===Arcade battles===
 
===Arcade battles===
−
In '''Arcade Battles''', the basics of Yak fighting from the previous iterations continue. Unlike Realistic or Simulator battle modes, there is no need to worry about the wooden wings ripping off, engine overheating, or being in the air without ammunition for long, which gives the Yak more liberty in its mode of attack.
+
In Arcade Battles, the basics of Yak fighting from the previous iterations continue. Unlike Realistic or Simulator battle modes, there is no need to worry about the wooden wings ripping off, engine overheating, or being in the air without ammunition for long, which gives the Yak more liberty in its mode of attack.
  
−
Fly at full speed and pump the engine to 110% (WEP) when possible and gain altitude as soon as entering the battlefield. It is recommended to climb to 3,000 m as this will allow the Yak to have a altitude advantage over many opponents who will head towards the ground while playing into the Yak's preference for low-altitude fighting.
+
It is recommended to climb to 3,000 m as this will allow the Yak to have a altitude advantage over many opponents who will head towards the ground while playing into the Yak's preference for low-altitude fighting. Mind your engine temperature and use WEP sparingly while doing this.
  
−
Though a full liberty of targets can be chosen from anything below the Yak, try to pick either large aircraft like attackers or bombers, or fighters that are unaware of the Yak's presence. Dive down and gain speed while conducting a Boom-N-Zoom attack. The center-mounted 20 mm and 12.7 mm guns acting together when fired is good enough to sufficiently damage an aircraft with a burst on a pass. The Yak is free to climb again and regain the altitude advantage, or turn and reengage the enemy with another pass as the Yak's turning ability is quite good in high energy, at the expense of the pilot's G-force resistance and stamina.
+
Though a full liberty of targets can be chosen from anything below the Yak, try to pick opponents that are unaware of the Yak's presence. Dive down and gain speed while conducting a Boom-N-Zoom attack. The center-mounted 20 mm and 12.7 mm guns acting together when fired is good enough to sufficiently damage most aircraft with a single a pass. The Yak is free to climb again and regain the altitude advantage, or turn and re-engage the enemy with another pass as the Yak's turning ability is quite good in high energy, at the expense of the pilot's G-force resistance and stamina.
  
−
Use trigger discipline when firing the 20 mm and 12.7 mm guns as there is a relatively small ammunition load for the two. However, due to their center-alignment on the Yak's nose, there is no need to adjust for convergence, making fire adjustments much easier for the pilot. Once the crosshair is sighted right onto target, most shots on an fully upgraded gun will hit the mark. It is recommended to hit for the weaker structural parts of enemy aircraft such as the wings as the ammunition can rip them apart in a good prolonged burst.
+
Use trigger discipline when firing the 20 mm and 12.7 mm guns as there is a relatively small ammunition load for the two. However, due to their center-alignment on the Yak's nose, there is no need to adjust for convergence, making fire adjustments much easier for the pilot. Once the crosshair is sighted right onto target, most shots on an fully upgraded gun will hit the mark. It is recommended to hit for the weaker structural parts of enemy aircraft such as the wings, as the ammunition can rip them apart in a good burst.
  
−
However, all these require the Yak to have an energy advantage over an opponent. Prolonged turning engagements or other maneuvre will gradually drain the Yak of its energy and slow it to a crawl. In this state, the Yak is in its most vulnerable to enemy fighters. Once this lower speed is noticed, quickly withdraw from the combat and try to gain speed and altitude, the former especially if an enemy fighter suddenly starts to attack. All in all, energy is important in aerial combat when piloting Yak aircraft.
+
However, all these require the Yak to have an energy advantage over an opponent. Prolonged turning engagements or other manoeuvres will gradually drain the Yak of its energy and slow it to a crawl. In this state, the Yak is in its most vulnerable to enemy fighters. Once this lower speed is noticed, quickly withdraw from the combat and try to gain speed and altitude, the former especially if an enemy fighter suddenly starts to attack. Where previous Yaks were good multipurpose turn-fighters, the Yak-9 also makes excellent use of energy-fighting tactics, so keep this in mind.
  
 
===Realistic/Simulator battles===
 
===Realistic/Simulator battles===
−
Stay low, watch your ammo, and watch your engine temp. Avoid excessive diving, since the wings are ''still'' made of wood!
+
Stay low, watch your ammo, and watch your engine temperature. Avoid excessive diving, since the wings are still made of wood!
  
−
Very accurate center mounted guns are easy to master for the player comparing to planes with wing mounted armament. Sadly this benefit is overshadowed with low ammo load that most of the time enforces strict trigger discipline (especially for the cannon). Long range attempts can be carry out by 12.7 HMG, but rather as a means of luring fleeing enemies into evasive maneuvers rather than taking it out.
+
Very accurate center-mounted guns are easy to master for the player compared to planes with wing mounted armament. Sadly this benefit is overshadowed by the low ammo load that most of the time enforces strict trigger discipline (especially for the cannon). Long range attempts can be carried out by the 12.7 mm HMG, but rather as a means of luring fleeing enemies into evasive manoeuvres rather than taking it out.
  
 
===Specific enemies worth noting===
 
===Specific enemies worth noting===
 
The Yak-9 has some vehicles it needs to consider when engaging.
 
The Yak-9 has some vehicles it needs to consider when engaging.
−
* Japanese turning fighters - Japanese fighters like their Zeroes and Ki-43 can possess a threat as these planes can turn faster than the Yak could ever dream, so don't get suckered into turning against a Zero. Not to mention, Japanese planes are typically slower than most of its contemporaries, so a Yak trying to get a bead on one after passing through will often try to turn constantly around for another pass at these slow aircraft. Continued turns and passes will cause the Yak to lose energy and sacrifice aerial performance. This can lead other enemy aircraft or the very same Japanese aircraft the Yak was trying to strafe to coming around the slow Yak and shoot it out of the air. It is best to simply pass by a Japanese aircraft with a Boom-&-Zoom and then just climbing away to altitude away from the fighter so it couldn't try to attack. Once in a sufficient altitude, dive back down again to regain the energy during the next pass.
 
−
* Biplanes - Sure, if able to destroy them in the first pass, the biplane is not really the biggest threat out there. However, it is the indicator of an easy, slow target that are biplanes like the Swordfish that can cost the Yak pilot the plane. If missed, there may be an urge to quickly turn back for another quick pass against the biplane for another chance, while the biplane continues evasive manuvres. If this continues on as the Yak keeps turning for an "easy" kill, it would sacrifice much of its energy against a rather nonthreatening target. As emphasized previously, a slow Yak is an easier target to enemies and even if the biplane won't be able to dent the Yak, another enemy may swoop down an annihilate the Yak with ease. Don't waste energy trying to manuvre against a biplane, simply attack in a Boom-&-Zoom fashion.
 
  
−
===Modules===
+
* Japanese turn fighters - Japanese fighters like their Zeroes and Ki-43 can possess a threat as these planes can turn faster than the Yak could ever dream, so don't get suckered into turning against a Zero. Not to mention, Japanese planes are typically slower than most of its contemporaries, so a Yak trying to get a bead on one after passing through will often try to turn constantly around for another pass at these slow aircraft. Continued turns and passes will cause the Yak to lose energy and sacrifice aerial performance. This can lead other enemy aircraft or the very same Japanese aircraft the Yak was trying to strafe to coming around the slow Yak and shoot it out of the air. It is best to simply pass by a Japanese aircraft with a Boom-&-Zoom and then just climbing away to altitude away from the fighter so it couldn't try to attack. Once in a sufficient altitude, dive back down again to regain the energy during the next pass.
−
Focus on cooling and engine modifications first! Once the coolant systems and engine is upgraded, flying at 90% power will never overheat the engine! Then focusing on ammo belts can benefit greatly, since the default ammo belt is rather lackluster. After that, the ''New'' modifications for the gun should also be considered for longer firing of the guns without jamming. Past that, it is pilot preference.
+
* Biplanes - Sure, if able to destroy them in the first pass, the biplane is not really the biggest threat out there. However, it is the indicator of an easy, slow target that are biplanes like the Swordfish that can cost the Yak pilot the plane. If missed, there may be an urge to quickly turn back for another quick pass against the biplane for another chance, while the biplane continues evasive manoeuvres. If this continues on as the Yak keeps turning for an "easy" kill, it would sacrifice much of its energy against a rather nonthreatening target. As emphasized previously, a slow Yak is an easier target to enemies and even if the biplane won't be able to dent the Yak, another enemy may swoop down an annihilate the Yak with ease. Don't waste energy trying to manoeuvre against a biplane, simply attack in a Boom-&-Zoom fashion.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>No automatic pitch || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Center mounted armament that is very accurate even at longer distances.
+
 
 +
* Centre-mounted armament that is very accurate even at longer distances.
 
* 20 mm supplemented with a 12.7 mm can do decent damage against enemy planes.
 
* 20 mm supplemented with a 12.7 mm can do decent damage against enemy planes.
 
* Relatively small aircraft profile makes it a small target.
 
* Relatively small aircraft profile makes it a small target.
Line 246: Line 224:
 
* Experience with the Yak-1 and Yak-1B carry over to this plane.
 
* Experience with the Yak-1 and Yak-1B carry over to this plane.
 
* Slightly better engine than predecessors.
 
* Slightly better engine than predecessors.
 +
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Armaments have limited ammunition, stresses on firing accuracy and discipline to make the most out of a belt.
 
* Armaments have limited ammunition, stresses on firing accuracy and discipline to make the most out of a belt.
 
* Low maximum dive speed.
 
* Low maximum dive speed.
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== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
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The Yak-9 was a Soviet single-engine fighter of the WWII era. It was the first combat aircraft designed by Alexander Yakovlev's construction bureau. The most mass-produced Soviet fighter of the war, it remained in production from October 1942 to December 1948, with a total of 16,769 built.
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The Yak-9 was a further modification of the Yak-1 and Yak-7. In its core design, it was a redesign of the Yak-7. With few external differences, Yak-9 was at the same time much more advanced internally. This is not unexpected, as almost two years of design and combat experience of the Yak series went into the Yak-9. Also, at the time aluminium was in much greater supply than it had been two years previously at the start of the war. Amongst other things, the use of metal allowed the plane's weight to be significantly reduced, meaning that more fuel could be stored and that the aircraft could be equipped with more powerful armament and more specialized equipment.
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-9 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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{{Youtube-gallery|fANStBZqcOo|'''Yak-9 Stalin's UFO''' - ''TheDon''|9b43GpJcrEk|'''Just Another Yak - Yak-9''' - ''Aether_Tartarus''}}
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== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
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== Read also ==
 
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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''ETC.''
 
  
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== Sources ==
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== External links ==
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/179343-yakovlev-yak-9/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
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{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}
 
{{USSR fighters}}

Latest revision as of 02:12, 1 September 2024

This page is about the Soviet fighter Yak-9. For other versions, see Yak-9 (Family).
Yak-9
yak-9.png
GarageImage Yak-9.jpg
Yak-9
USSR flag.png USSR
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Yakovlev Yak-9 is the first variant of the Yak-9 fighter aircraft family. Inspired by the Yak-7, the Yak-9 family remains a combination of wood and metal alloy construction. Designed around the same time as the Yak-3, the Yak-9 would prove to be the most important Soviet fighter aircraft family, seeing massive production and evolving into many variants. Alexander Sergeevich Yakovlev built the Yak-9 around a powerful set of Klimov engines that would serve as the foundation of later Yak-9 variants in the lineage. A single 20 mm ShVAK cannon with 120 rounds and a 12.7 mm Berezin UB heavy machine gun with 200 rounds were standard armaments. This weaponry combination made it a formidable opponent, capable of defeating almost anything in the skies. The visibility was excellent throughout, and the airframe proved to be sturdy and configurable to some extent. Some airframes were modified to become night fighters, long-range, and "pure" interceptors, as well as anti-tank and bomber escort variants. The combat experiences gained by Soviet pilots in the Yak-7 influenced the creation of the Yak-9. The aircraft entered service in October 1942 and were manufactured from 1942 to 1946.

Introduced in Update 1.43, the Yak-9 was the workhorse of the Soviet Air Force during World War II, and it is the standard base variant that gives rise to a huge family of variants. The Yak-9 is a well-rounded plane that is proficient in all areas. However, steep dives should still be avoided because the wings are still constructed of wood rather than metal alloy. Despite its decent turn-fighting capabilities, prolonged turning engagements or other manoeuvres will progressively drain the Yak-9's energy. Since the plane has a limited ammunition load, it is important to use trigger discipline during engagements. Given their centre alignment on the nose of the Yak-9, there is no need to adjust for gun convergence, making hitting enemies much easier for players.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 900 m577 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineKlimov VK-105PF
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight3 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,900 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 559 544 10500 19.8 20.3 13.5 13.4 350
Upgraded 594 577 18.3 19.0 18.7 16.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
683 320 N/A N/A 280 ~13 ~10
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 380 < 420 < 490 > 340
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
700 m 1,260 hp N/A
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,900 m 1,175 hp N/A

Engine performance

Engine
Engine Name Number present
Klimov VK-105PF 12-cylinder 1
Engine characteristics
Weight (each) Type Cooling
600 kg Inline Water + Oil
Engine power (Stock)
Mode Take-off
Arcade 1,153 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,142 hp
Engine power (Upgraded)
Mode Take-off
Arcade 1,271 hp
Realistic/Simulator 1,210 hp
WEP Duration
Arcade Realistic/Simulator
25 seconds N/A

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear320 km/h
  • 64 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front and rear.
  • 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB660 → 827 Sl icon.png
RB1 336 → 1 675 Sl icon.png
SB1 853 → 2 323 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 420 Rp icon.png
13 730 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 100 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ub_belt_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
910 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ub_new_gun
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
shvak_belt_pack
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 200 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
shvak_new_gun
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png

Focus on cooling and engine modifications first! Once the coolant systems and engine is upgraded, flying at 90% power will never overheat the engine! Then focusing on ammo belts can benefit greatly, since the default ammo belt is rather lacklustre. After that, the modifications for new guns should also be considered for firing the guns longer without jamming. Past that, it is pilot preference.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 120 mm ShVAK cannon
Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate800 shots/min
Weapon 212.7 mm Berezin UBS machine gun
Ammunition200 rounds
Fire rate996 shots/min
Main articles: ShVAK (20 mm), Berezin UB (12.7 mm)

The Yak-9 is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm ShVAK cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, nose-mounted (200 rpg)

Usage in battles

Both "Universal" and "Stealth" ammo belts for the cannon are effective against all planes, and the "Ground Targets" belt gives the most HE rounds for most targets. The cannon's "Ground Targets" belt is also capable of penetrating light tanks if the player hits them in the rear. Low gun ammo along with no other ordnance of any kind (no rockets and bombs of any kind) make this plane weak against even soft unarmoured ground targets.

Arcade battles

In Arcade Battles, the basics of Yak fighting from the previous iterations continue. Unlike Realistic or Simulator battle modes, there is no need to worry about the wooden wings ripping off, engine overheating, or being in the air without ammunition for long, which gives the Yak more liberty in its mode of attack.

It is recommended to climb to 3,000 m as this will allow the Yak to have a altitude advantage over many opponents who will head towards the ground while playing into the Yak's preference for low-altitude fighting. Mind your engine temperature and use WEP sparingly while doing this.

Though a full liberty of targets can be chosen from anything below the Yak, try to pick opponents that are unaware of the Yak's presence. Dive down and gain speed while conducting a Boom-N-Zoom attack. The center-mounted 20 mm and 12.7 mm guns acting together when fired is good enough to sufficiently damage most aircraft with a single a pass. The Yak is free to climb again and regain the altitude advantage, or turn and re-engage the enemy with another pass as the Yak's turning ability is quite good in high energy, at the expense of the pilot's G-force resistance and stamina.

Use trigger discipline when firing the 20 mm and 12.7 mm guns as there is a relatively small ammunition load for the two. However, due to their center-alignment on the Yak's nose, there is no need to adjust for convergence, making fire adjustments much easier for the pilot. Once the crosshair is sighted right onto target, most shots on an fully upgraded gun will hit the mark. It is recommended to hit for the weaker structural parts of enemy aircraft such as the wings, as the ammunition can rip them apart in a good burst.

However, all these require the Yak to have an energy advantage over an opponent. Prolonged turning engagements or other manoeuvres will gradually drain the Yak of its energy and slow it to a crawl. In this state, the Yak is in its most vulnerable to enemy fighters. Once this lower speed is noticed, quickly withdraw from the combat and try to gain speed and altitude, the former especially if an enemy fighter suddenly starts to attack. Where previous Yaks were good multipurpose turn-fighters, the Yak-9 also makes excellent use of energy-fighting tactics, so keep this in mind.

Realistic/Simulator battles

Stay low, watch your ammo, and watch your engine temperature. Avoid excessive diving, since the wings are still made of wood!

Very accurate center-mounted guns are easy to master for the player compared to planes with wing mounted armament. Sadly this benefit is overshadowed by the low ammo load that most of the time enforces strict trigger discipline (especially for the cannon). Long range attempts can be carried out by the 12.7 mm HMG, but rather as a means of luring fleeing enemies into evasive manoeuvres rather than taking it out.

Specific enemies worth noting

The Yak-9 has some vehicles it needs to consider when engaging.

  • Japanese turn fighters - Japanese fighters like their Zeroes and Ki-43 can possess a threat as these planes can turn faster than the Yak could ever dream, so don't get suckered into turning against a Zero. Not to mention, Japanese planes are typically slower than most of its contemporaries, so a Yak trying to get a bead on one after passing through will often try to turn constantly around for another pass at these slow aircraft. Continued turns and passes will cause the Yak to lose energy and sacrifice aerial performance. This can lead other enemy aircraft or the very same Japanese aircraft the Yak was trying to strafe to coming around the slow Yak and shoot it out of the air. It is best to simply pass by a Japanese aircraft with a Boom-&-Zoom and then just climbing away to altitude away from the fighter so it couldn't try to attack. Once in a sufficient altitude, dive back down again to regain the energy during the next pass.
  • Biplanes - Sure, if able to destroy them in the first pass, the biplane is not really the biggest threat out there. However, it is the indicator of an easy, slow target that are biplanes like the Swordfish that can cost the Yak pilot the plane. If missed, there may be an urge to quickly turn back for another quick pass against the biplane for another chance, while the biplane continues evasive manoeuvres. If this continues on as the Yak keeps turning for an "easy" kill, it would sacrifice much of its energy against a rather nonthreatening target. As emphasized previously, a slow Yak is an easier target to enemies and even if the biplane won't be able to dent the Yak, another enemy may swoop down an annihilate the Yak with ease. Don't waste energy trying to manoeuvre against a biplane, simply attack in a Boom-&-Zoom fashion.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Centre-mounted armament that is very accurate even at longer distances.
  • 20 mm supplemented with a 12.7 mm can do decent damage against enemy planes.
  • Relatively small aircraft profile makes it a small target.
  • Fast and agile at altitudes up to 3 km.
  • Great turning ability when in high energy.
  • Experience with the Yak-1 and Yak-1B carry over to this plane.
  • Slightly better engine than predecessors.

Cons:

  • Armaments have limited ammunition, stresses on firing accuracy and discipline to make the most out of a belt.
  • Low maximum dive speed.
  • Very bad high alt performance.
  • Once speed and energy is lost, the Yak-9 performance drops significantly.
  • Engine overheats sometimes in RB/SB.
  • No WEP in RB/SB.

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Yak-9 was a Soviet single-engine fighter of the WWII era. It was the first combat aircraft designed by Alexander Yakovlev's construction bureau. The most mass-produced Soviet fighter of the war, it remained in production from October 1942 to December 1948, with a total of 16,769 built.

The Yak-9 was a further modification of the Yak-1 and Yak-7. In its core design, it was a redesign of the Yak-7. With few external differences, Yak-9 was at the same time much more advanced internally. This is not unexpected, as almost two years of design and combat experience of the Yak series went into the Yak-9. Also, at the time aluminium was in much greater supply than it had been two years previously at the start of the war. Amongst other things, the use of metal allowed the plane's weight to be significantly reduced, meaning that more fuel could be stored and that the aircraft could be equipped with more powerful armament and more specialized equipment.


Media

Skins
Videos
Yak-9 Stalin's UFO - TheDon
Just Another Yak - Yak-9 - Aether_Tartarus

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau (Яковлев Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Fighters 
Yak-1  Yak-1 · Yak-1B
Yak-3  Yak-3 · Eremin's Yak-3(e) · Yak-3 (VK-107) · Yak-3P · Yak-3T · Yak-3U
Yak-7  Yak-7B
Yak-9  Yak-9 · Yak-9B · Yak-9K · Golovachev's Yak-9M · Yak-9P · Yak-9T · Yak-9U · Yak-9UT
Twin-engine fighters  I-29
Jet fighters 
Yak-15  Yak-15P · Yak-15
Yak-17  Yak-17
Yak-23  Yak-23
Yak-30  Yak-30D
Yak-141  Yak-141
Strike aircraft 
Yak-2  Yak-2 KABB
Yak-38  Yak-38 · Yak-38M
Bombers  Yak-4
Jet bombers  Yak-28B
Foreign use  ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · ◔Yak-9P
Captured  ▀Yak-1B

USSR fighters
I-15  I-15 WR · I-15 M-22 · I-15 M-25 · I-15bis · Krasnolutsky's I-15bis
  I-153 M-62 · Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 · I-153P
I-16  I-16 type 5 · I-16 type 10 · I-16 type 18 · I-16 type 24 · I-16 type 27 · I-16 type 28 · I-180S
I-29  I-29
I-185  I-185 (M-71) · I-185 (M-82)
I-225  I-225
ITP  ITP (M-1)
MiG-3  MiG-3-15 · MiG-3-15 (BK) · MiG-3-34
LaGG  I-301 · LaGG-3-4 · LaGG-3-8 · LaGG-3-11 · LaGG-3-23 · LaGG-3-34 · LaGG-3-35 · LaGG-3-66
La  La-5 · La-5F · La-5FN · La-7 · Dolgushin's La-7 · La-7B-20 · La-9 · La-11
Yak-1/7  Yak-1 · Yak-1B · Yak-7B
Yak-3  Yak-3 · Eremin's Yak-3(e) · Yak-3P · Yak-3T · Yak-3U · Yak-3 (VK-107)
Yak-9  Yak-9 · Yak-9B · Golovachev's Yak-9M · Yak-9T · Yak-9K · Yak-9U · Yak-9UT · Yak-9P
Other countries  ▂P-40E-1 · ▂P-47D-27 · ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Fw 190 D-9 · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc
P-39  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15
P-63  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5

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