Yakovlev Yak-54

The Yakovlev Yak‑54 is a Russian two‑seat aerobatic trainer developed in the early 1990s by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. Intended to replace the older Yak‑52, the Yak‑54 first flew on 6 April 1993 and entered limited production in 1996, with most examples built at the Saratov Aviation Plant. Its airframe combines a metal monocoque fuselage with a low‑wing configuration, providing excellent maneuverability and structural strength for high‑g aerobatic routines. Powered by a 360 hp V‑type Vedeneyev M‑14P radial engine, the aircraft drives a wooden‑propeller and features hydraulically operated flaps, a fully castering nose wheel, and a rear‑seat flight‑control duplication, allowing an instructor to intervene instantly. Modern avionics, a fully glazed canopy, and a lightweight composite empennage contribute to a favorable power‑to‑weight ratio of roughly 6.5 kg/hp. The Yak‑54 quickly gained popularity at international air‑show circuits and aerobatic competitions, becoming a staple for Russian and foreign pilots seeking a reliable, rugged platform. Its blend of classic Soviet engineering with contemporary ergonomics cemented its reputation as a bridge between vintage trainers and modern competition aerobatics, influencing subsequent Yak designs and preserving the Yakovlev legacy in sport aviation.