Legendary Soviet Trainers and Fighters: The Backbone of WWII Air Combat The Soviet air effort relied on rugged machines like the Polikarpov Po-2 trainer, built in 1928, which reached 94 mph and famously served as a "Night Witch" bomber. For high-speed combat, the Yakovlev Yak-1, introduced in 1940, hit 367 mph, providing the maneuverability needed to challenge the Luftwaffe. Later, the Lavochkin La-7 (1944) reached a blistering 411 mph. These versatile aircraft, produced in tens of thousands, fo

The Yakovlev Yak-7 NATO reporting name (Mark) was developed from the earlier Yak-1 fighter, initially as a trainer but converted into a fighter. As both a fighter and later reverting to its original training role, the Yak-7 proved to be a capable aircraft and was well-liked by aircrews. The Yak-7 was simpler, tougher, and generally better than the Yak-1. | Palm Springs Air Museum

Yakovlev Yak-11 flight Demonstration at Albstadt-Degerfeld / Germany. Engine start, display flight, low pass and landing in one Video. | Warbirds