One of the most prominent and influential Russian aviators, Alexander Yakovlev, was born on April 1, 1906. Revolutionizing the industry, the aircraft designer developed jet fighters, the first all-weather interceptor, the first Soviet vertical take-off and landing plane. His legacy is embodied in contemporary aircraft. The Yak planes made up the core of the Soviet aviation during WWII. Learn more about the legendary aircraft designer’s brainchildren in Sputnik’s gallery.
Alexander Sergeevich Yakovlev was born on April 1, 1906 in Moscow. Since his school years he displayed profound interest in aviation by crafting plane models. In 1931 he graduated from the Air Force Academy. Later he led the Soviet aviation industry to construct almost 200 types and modifications of aircraft. He retired in 1984.
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© Sputnik / Vitaliy Ankov
The idea of light and maneuvering engagement was brought to life in the Yak-3 plane. The renowned French Normandy-Niemen squadron won their battles using this vehicle.
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© Sputnik / Fedoseev
Alexander Sergeevich Yakovlev’s two sons followed in their father’s footsteps. They were surrounded by planes from early childhood. Sergei Yakovlev (pictured) even headed the development of sports planes.
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© Sputnik / Alexandr Kryazhev
Alexander Yakovlev developed the Yak-12 multipurpose transport plane at Joseph Stalin’s personal request. The aircraft passed trials in 1946 and hit the production line. It was equipped with a radio and instruments enabling flights at night and amid poor weather conditions.
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© Sputnik / Ratushenko
The famous Yak-40 rolled off the production line in 1966. It was the world’s first passenger jet manufactured for domestic flights. The vehicle was widely used by Aeroflot in the Soviet Union and sparked interest abroad.
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© Sputnik / Pavel Lisitsyn
Between 1966 and 1972 Yak-40 planes covered over 150 million kilometers and carried nearly seven million passengers to their destinations.
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© Sputnik / Lesya Polyakova
Soviet pilots often trained using the Yak-52 plane. It was manufactured between 1979 and 1998.
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© Sputnik / Vladimir Rodionov
The Soviet Navy received the new Yak-38 aircraft in 1976. It was the first deck-based vertical take-off and landing plane in the world. The vehicle also featured an automatic ejection system.
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© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Yakovlev Design Bureau managed to keep engineers and remained alive. Moreover, the bureau crafted a state-of-the-art pilot training aircraft – the Yak-130, whose characteristics made a bombastic effect in the industry.
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© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is an advanced pilot training aircraft that replicates the characteristics of 4+ generation fighters, such as the Su-30, MiG-29, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, as well as F-22, and the F-35. The plane made its maiden flight in 1996 and entered service in 2010. It can be used in real battles.
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© Sputnik / Alexey Filippov
The Yak-54 is training two-seater used by sportsmen to master aerobatics and prepare for competitions.
Above: a Ferrari 458 Italia super car and a Yak-54 training aircraft of the First Flight aerobatics team during the Boost car and air show at the Ramenskoye airport in Zhukovsky outside Moscow as part of the Engineering Technologies 2014 International Forum.
Above: a Ferrari 458 Italia super car and a Yak-54 training aircraft of the First Flight aerobatics team during the Boost car and air show at the Ramenskoye airport in Zhukovsky outside Moscow as part of the Engineering Technologies 2014 International Forum.
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© Sputnik / Alexey Fedoseev
Flight-navigation instruments in the cockpit of a Yak-58 light transport and business plane.
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© Sputnik / Tyukkel
Alexander Yakovlev bore love to light aviation throughout his entire life. The Yak-18 was touted for its reliability and simple control.
