| Yak-18T (Як-18T) | |
|---|---|
| Yak-18T (1999 example) | |
| Role | Training aircraft |
| Designer | Yakovlev |
| First flight | 1967 |
| Introduction | 1967 |
| Primary users | Aeroflot Soviet Air Force |
| Number built | 750+ |
| Variants | Technoavia SM-94 |
The Yakovlev Yak-18T is a four-place, fully aerobatic utility aircraft. Introduced to train Aeroflot pilots, it has recently gained some popularity as a sportplane both inside and outside the former USSR. It is powered by a 268-298 kW (360-400 hp) Vedeneyev M14P radial engine, and is designed for stresses of +6.4/-3.2 g.
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All the Yak-18 and Yak-18T have in common is the model number, the Yak-18T is a unique design, despite its nomenclature.
The 18T was designed in the late 60's, as a civilian aircraft. The aircraft has a nosewheel, is a 4 (or 5) seater, and has a 9-cylinder 360 hp radial. The Yak-18T shares systems with the Yak-50/52 family. These aircraft all have the 265 kW (355 hp) Vedneyev M14 nine cylinder radial engine as well as the same underlying compressed-air system for engine starting, brakes and flaps. The propeller, avionics and other parts are also shared. The Yak-18T, like all Russian aircraft used for training, is aerobatic.
Compared with other four-seat light aircraft such as the Cessna 172 or the Piper PA-28, the Yak-18T is only a little wider and longer but it is much heavier and is equipped with a considerably more powerful engine. The Yak-18T is perhaps better compared with the Piper Saratoga which has two extra seats but which has a similar maximum weight, together with a retractable undercarriage and a similarly powerful engine. The Yak-18T is, however, distinguished by its strong construction, aerobatic capability and docile yet responsive handling characteristics.
The Yak-18T prototype had its first flight in mid-1967 and subsequently the type was placed in series production in Smolensk.
The Yak-18T went on to become the standard basic trainer with Aeroflot flight schools, while small numbers also entered service with the Soviet Air Force as liaison and communications aircraft. After approximately 700 were built, many for Aeroflot, production ceased in the late 1980s, to be resumed in 1993 [1]. No current production.
Technoavia has marketed the SM94, its own development of the Yak-18T featuring curved front glass, larger capacity fuel tanks and choice of avionics package, but production is dependent on orders being placed.[1]
Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Yakovlev - designer and manufacturer of the Yak-18T.
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