@ Nellis AFB, NV
November 2007
The Yakovlev Yak-52 is a Soviet primary trainer aircraft that first flew in 1976. The louvers in the front of the cowling act as cowl flaps and are a uniquely Soviet design. The aircraft has inverted fuel and oil systems permitting inverted flight for as long as two minutes. The Yak-52 is responsive and very capable as an aerobatic aircraft and has been popular in international aerobatic competitions. Stressed to +7 and –5 Gs, the Yak-52 rolls (to the right) at 180 deg/sec. Nikon D70 w/28-85mm.