Yakovlev Yak-10

The Yakovlev Yak‑10 was a light, single‑engine utility aircraft designed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau in the closing years of the pre‑war Soviet era. First flown in early 1940, it emerged from a program aimed at creating a versatile liaison and trainer to replace older biplanes in the Red Army’s inventory. Constructed of mixed wood and fabric with a modest 120 hp Shvetsov M-11 radial engine, the Yak‑10 featured a high‑wing layout, fixed tailwheel undercarriage and a spacious cabin that could accommodate a pilot, co‑pilot and two passengers or a modest cargo load. Its simple, rugged design allowed operation from unprepared fields, making it valuable for reconnaissance, courier duties and basic flight instruction. Though only a handful entered service, the aircraft demonstrated Yakovlev’s ability to produce economical, low‑maintenance machines and directly influenced the more successful Yak‑12 series that followed. In aviation history the Yak‑10 serves as a transitional model, illustrating the shift from biplane tradition to modern monoplane utility aircraft and reinforcing Yakovlev’s reputation for adaptable, cost‑effective designs that supported Soviet air operations throughout World War II.

Yakovlev

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