Yakovlev Yak-9U & P

This new book from Mushroom Model Publications (MMP) is in their usual 9” x 6 ½” soft-cover format.

It describes the final developments of the Yakovlev piston engined fighters, the most numerous Soviet single-seat fighter design of WWII. Building on the aerodynamic qualities of the mixed-construction Yak-9, the design bureau introduced more light alloys into the airframe, ending up with all-metal construction in the ultimate Yak-9P. The more powerful VK-107A engine was used, although this powerplant took a long time to bring into operational readiness and reliability, limiting the aircraft’s chances to prove its worth during WWII. Post war, the Yak-9U & P were supplied to the new “satellite” states of eastern Europe, and also to Red China and North Korea. In these colors the Yaks went to war, against the UN forces in Korea.

The design and development of the Yak-9U & P is fully described and illustrated, with numerous black and white and color photos. Most of these shots are taken in museums and are of the walk-around type, showing every inch of the aircraft’s anatomy. Added to this are 16 line drawings in 1/72nd scale. There are 2 drawings of the wings, with measurements on them in metric. One tech data chart is included. There is a dash-board drawing with all the instruments labeled as to what they were and also photos of it . A drawing of the engine is included also, as well as photos of it.

At the end of the book are color profiles. Three of these are two- views, 40 are just side views and 2 are four-views.

Paint schemes are shown for the following air forces:

• 3 for North Korea
• 4 for Poland
• 2 for Bulgaria
• 1 for Albania
• 1 for Red China
• 3 for Hungary
• 2 for Yugoslavia
• 1 for the U.S. (this one was captured in Korea)

The book is 112 pages long. It is a very detailed look at a little-known…but significant fighter, and will be of interest to historians, aircraft enthusiasts and modelers.

The publisher announces that the next book in the series will be on the Mig-1/Mig-3.

I want to thank Dr. Roger M. Wallsgrove, Editor-in-Chief of MMP for this review copy.