Yakovlev Yak-3

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Type: Single-Seat Fighter Origin: Yakovlev First Flight: Spring 1943 Service Delivery: July 1943 Final Delivery: N/A Number Produced: N/A Engine: Type: Klimov VK-105PF-2 V12 Liquid cooled Number: One Horsepower: 1,225 hp Fuel: Capacity: N/A Type: N/A Dimensions: Wing span: 30 ft. 2.25 in. (9.20m) Length: 27 ft. 10.25 in. (8.50m) Height: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39m) Wing Surface Area: 159.53 sq. ft. (14.83 m²)

Weights: Empty: 4,960 lbs. (2250 kg) Max. Take-Off: 5,864 lbs. (2660 kg) Performance: Maximum Speed: 404 mph (650 km/h) Initial climb: 4,265 ft./min. (1300 m/min) Service Ceiling: 35,450 ft. (10,800m) Range: 506 Miles (815 km) Armament: One 20mm ShVAK cannon firing through spinner     Ammunition: 120 Rounds Two 12.7mm machine guns above engine     Ammunition: 250 Rounds per gun Avionics: N/A

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Comments:
Basically a member of the Yak-1 and Yak-9 family, the Yak-3 was a stripped down airframe optimised for close-in dogfighting. First encountered by the Luftwaffe at the Battle of Kursk in the Summer of 1943, it was soon realized that the Yak-3 was a formidable opponent and by 1944 an edict had been handed down by the forbiding engagement of Yak-3's below 5,000m.