Yak-25

The Yakovlev Yak‑25 was a twin‑engine, all‑weather interceptor developed in the early 1950s for the Soviet Air Force. Designed by the Yakovlev design bureau as a successor to the Yak‑15 and Yak‑19, the prototype first flew on 19 November 1952 and entered service in 1955 under the NATO reporting name ‘Mandrake’. Powered by two Ivchenko AI‑26R radial engines, the aircraft could reach 970 km/h at altitude and possessed a service ceiling of 14,000 meters, giving it the ability to intercept high‑altitude bombers. Its key features included a pressurised cockpit, radar‑guided weapons system (the GSh‑6 autocannon and R‑5M air‑to‑air missiles), and folding wings for transport on naval vessels. Over 600 Yak‑25s were produced, and the type served with both the Soviet Air Defence Forces and various allied air arms. Although quickly superseded by the more advanced Yak‑27 and MiG‑25, the Yak‑25 demonstrated the transition from propeller‑driven fighters to jet‑powered all‑weather interceptors, influencing Soviet interceptor designs throughout the Cold War and establishing Yakovlev’s reputation for reliable, rugged aircraft. An upgraded Yak‑25R variant added a camera bay and extra fuel tanks, and was exported to East Germany and Czechoslovakia for reconnaissance. strategic missions.

Yakovlev

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