Yakovlev
Yakovlev Pchela
The Yakovlev Pchela (Russian for “Bee”) is a light, single‑engine, high‑wing utility aircraft built by the Yakovlev Design Bureau in the early 1990s. Development began in 1990 as a response to Soviet demand for a rugged, low‑cost platform that could operate from unprepared fields, agricultural airstrips, and remote bush environments. The prototype flew on 12 May 1991 and entered limited production in 1993, with a total of 72 units delivered to civil operators, regional air services, and several Eastern‑European flight schools.
Key features include a fabric‑covered steel tube fuselage, a 180 hp Vedeneyev M14P radial engine, and fixed tricycle landing gear that simplifies maintenance. Its high wing and generous wing area give stall speeds below 30 kt, allowing short take‑offs and land‑offs on grass, sand, or snow. The cabin seats up to four people in a simple layout, and the aircraft can be equipped with spray bars for crop‑dusting, floats for water operations, or a cargo pod for freight.
The Pchela’s significance lies in its embodiment of Yakovlev’s tradition of rugged, affordable aircraft that bridge the gap between classic Soviet ruggedness and modern general‑aviation needs, influencing later designs such as the Yak‑52 trainer and various utility variants.
Key features include a fabric‑covered steel tube fuselage, a 180 hp Vedeneyev M14P radial engine, and fixed tricycle landing gear that simplifies maintenance. Its high wing and generous wing area give stall speeds below 30 kt, allowing short take‑offs and land‑offs on grass, sand, or snow. The cabin seats up to four people in a simple layout, and the aircraft can be equipped with spray bars for crop‑dusting, floats for water operations, or a cargo pod for freight.
The Pchela’s significance lies in its embodiment of Yakovlev’s tradition of rugged, affordable aircraft that bridge the gap between classic Soviet ruggedness and modern general‑aviation needs, influencing later designs such as the Yak‑52 trainer and various utility variants.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1990
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Yakovlev
- Developer
- Yakovlev
- Operator
-
Russian Armed Forces
- Wikidata ID
- Q1051720