Posted on 12/26/2013 2:53:41 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
IRKUTSK, December 26 (RIA Novosti) The Russian air force is planning to order an additional batch of new Yak-130 combat trainers because demand for the aircraft is growing, the air forces top commander said Wednesday.
The current contract with Russias Irkut aircraft corporation stipulates the delivery of 55 Yak-130s to the air force. A total of 42 aircraft have been delivered so far.
It is certain that we will sign a new contract [on additional Yak-130 deliveries], Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said during a visit to the Irkutsk aircraft manufacturing plant, which makes Yak-130 trainers.
Bondarev confirmed that the Russian air force would soon form a new aerobatics team flying Yak-130s.
The Yak-130 Mitten jet trainer/light attack aircraft is a subsonic two-seat aircraft developed by the Yakovlev design bureau.
The plane has been chosen as a basic aircraft for Russian air force pilot training. The first deliveries of the aircraft started in 2009.
Looks like a good small fighter for many lands who do not need a supersonic high priced jet. It looks like it could knock down drones with ease.
How can it fly with that hardware hanging off the wings?
I thought a yak was am animal the size of a cow.
am assuming gravel runway capable?
Its CUTE!
A chibi fighter trainer!
It probably won’t ever be configured as such, that picture is probably to illustrate what it can carry. That plane looks kind of comical with the oversized canopy, would love to get a look at one up close.
Looking at what appears to be air intakes, those engines must be really small.
Heck, I want one of those RC copies.
Beautiful little airplane. Very nice lines.
Sorta reminds me of the alpha jet.
A-4.
stepped elevons like the Harrier.
Reminds me of the Aermacchi M-346 Master, which the US is considering as a replacement for the T-38
In 1990s Yakovlev company was nearly bankrupt and selling plans and technologies to other companies.
That is how Yak-141 ended up in L&M as F-35 (thus dramatically rebuilt around better powerplant + stealth features) and Aermacchi got Yak-130 (and kept an airframe without any serious upgrades).
The clever part about the YAK-130 is that while its primary mission is as a trainer, in a pinch it is combat ready.
Trainers should be dual-use like that.
No one should judge the YAK-130 versus front line fighters or ground attack bombers...it should be judged as a trainer that just happens to be able to fill in if front line fighters and bombers are suddenly in short supply.
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