On April 1, 1906, world-renowned aeronautical engineer Alexander Yakovlev was born. He created the legendary Yakovlev military aircraft and founded the Yakovlev Design Bureau.
Alexander Yakovlev was born in Moscow where his father was an employee of the Nobel Brothers oil company. While in school, he built his first model airplane in 1922.
Above: Alexander Yakovlev at the sports "floater" airplane on Moskva-river strip.
Above: Alexander Yakovlev at the sports "floater" airplane on Moskva-river strip.
In 1924, Yakovlev built his first aircraft – the AFV-10 glider – which made its first flight on September 15, 1924. This day now marks the anniversary of the Yakovlev Design Bureau.
Above: Female pilots of the 586th fighter squad discuss a combat flight on a Yak-1 aircraft.
Above: Female pilots of the 586th fighter squad discuss a combat flight on a Yak-1 aircraft.
The Yakovlev Yak-3 (above) was the most lightweight and maneuverable fighter during World War II. The aircraft was also flown by French pilots of the Normandie-Niemen squadron.
The Yakovlev Yak-9 (above) was a single-engine fighter used by the USSR in World War II and after. The Yak-9 was the most mass-produced Soviet fighter of all time.
In 1927, Yakovlev was admitted to the Zhukovsky Air Force Military Engineering Academy, and graduated in 1931. Then he was assigned to the Moscow Aviation Plant №39 where the first design bureau of lightweight aviation was formed in 1932.
Above: The Yak-21 is one of the sports models designed by Alexander Yakovlev.
Above: The Yak-21 is one of the sports models designed by Alexander Yakovlev.
The Yakovlev Design Bureau was formed in 1934 as OKB-115. Yakovlev became the main designer in 1935, and then the chief-designer (1956-1984).
Above: Indigenous residents of Siberia watching a Yak-12 aircraft landing at the Salekhard Airport.
Above: Indigenous residents of Siberia watching a Yak-12 aircraft landing at the Salekhard Airport.
The Yakovlev Yak-36 (above) was the first Soviet combat aircraft with a vertical take-off and landing system (VTOL). It made its maiden flight on January 9, 1963.
By the early 1960s, the Soviet carrier Aeroflot needed a modern aircraft to be the backbone of its local operations. The Yakovlev Bureau developed the Yakovlev Yak-40 airliner (above) which was introduced in September 1968, with Aeroflot.
The first of five Yak-40 prototypes made its maiden flight on October 21, 1966. Production was launched at the Saratov Aviation Plant in 1967.
Above: The assembling of Yakovlev Yak-40 airliners at the Saratov Aircraft Plant.
Above: The assembling of Yakovlev Yak-40 airliners at the Saratov Aircraft Plant.
The Yak-40 was produced from 1967-1981. By the time production ended in 1981, the Saratov plant produced 1,011 aircraft. A total of 130 planes were exported to a wide range of countries.
Above: Yak-40 passenger airliners at Sheremetyevo Airport.
Above: Yak-40 passenger airliners at Sheremetyevo Airport.
The Yakovlev Yak-28 was a turbojet-powered combat aircraft used by the Soviet Air Force. It was initially produced as a bomber, but it also had reconnaissance, electronic warfare, an interceptor, and trainer versions. The Yak-28 was in service in the USSR/Russia from 1960 to 1992.
The Yakovlev Yak-24 twin engine transport helicopter was produced under the USSR program of catching up to the US in post-World War II helicopter development. It was first presented to the public in July 1955. On December 17, 1955, the helicopter set two new world payload records, lifting a 2,000 kilogram load 5,082 meters, as well as a 4,000 kilograms load.
The Yakovlev Yak-38 was the Soviet Naval Aviation’s operational VTOL fighter aircraft. It was also its first operational carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft. It was designed especially for the Kiev-class aircraft carriers.
Above: An Ilyushin Il-78 refueling aircraft, a Sukhoi Su-24 jet fighter and a Yakovlev Yak-130 jet flying over Moscow's Red Square during rehearsal for a May 9 Victory Parade air show.
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© AP Photo / Misha Japaridze
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a subsonic two-seat jet trainer/attack aircraft developed by the Yakovlev Bureau and Aermacchi. Development of the aircraft began in 1991, and in 1996, its maiden flight was conducted.
In 2002, the Yak-130 won a Russian government tender for training aircraft, and in 2009, it entered service in the Russian Air Force.
The Yak-130 is able to replicate the characteristics of Russian 4th and 5th generation fighters for training purposes. The aircraft can also perform light attacks and reconnaissance duties. It is capable of carrying a combat load of 3,000 kilograms.
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© AP Photo / Aijaz Rahi
Above: The Yakovlevs, a UK-based aerobatic team flying Yak aircraft, make a formation in the shape of a heart from a trail of smoke during the third day of the Aero India 2015 at the Yelahanka air base in Bangalore, India.
