Яковлев Як-7: от учебно-тренировочного к истребителю

The Yakovlev Yak 7 (Яковлев Як 7; NATO reporting name: Mark) was developed from the earlier Yak 1 fighter, initially as a trainer but converted into a fighter. As both a fighter and later reverting to its original training role, the Yak 7 proved to be a capable aircraft and was well liked by air crews. The Yak 7 was simpler, tougher and generally better than the Yak 1.

In 1939, Alexander Yakovlev designed a tandem seat advanced trainer, originally designated "I 27" and then "UTI 26", offered along with the original I 26 proposal that became the Yak 1. The "UTI" (Uchebno Trenirovochnyi Istrebitel, translated as: Training Fighter) was intended to give pilots in training experience on a high performance aircraft before transitioning to a fighter. With development work started in 1940, the UTI 26 differed from its predecessor in its larger span wing being placed farther back for balance as well as having two cockpits with dual controls and a rudimentary communication system. It was armed with a single ShKAS machine gun in the cowling, mainly for use in training, but Yakovlev envisioned a multi purpose aircraft that could also undertake courier and light transport duties at the front. The first production aircraft known as Yak 7UTIs retained a retractable main landing gear, but beginning in the summer of 1941, a fixed landing gear variant, the Yak 7V (Vyvozoni for Familiarization) was substituted. The factory reasoned that production would be simplified and that reduced performance would not be detrimental for a trainer. Yak 7UTIs and Yak 7Vs were also equipped with skis for winter operations. A factory team from N° 301, headed by K. A. Sinelshchikov, was detached from the Yakovlev OKB to supervise production of Yak 7UTI. One of these aircraft (serial number 04 11) was fitted with an armored backrest plate over the rear position, self sealing fuel tanks which filled with inert gas as they emptied, three "RO" rocket launchers under each wing for as many RS 82 rockets, an axial motornaya pushka mount ShVAK cannon firing through the propeller spinner, with 120 rounds, and two 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns under the cowling, each with 750 rounds. The rear cockpit position was retained, allowing it to accommodate a second seat (without controls) for fast courier and transport duties or a fuel tank for extended range. The additional space could also house bombs or other gear. The engine was an M 105P and the model was designated Yak 7/M 105P. Sinelshchikov did not inform Yakovlev about the conversion and when he learned about it, Yakovlev remained sceptical of the need for the changes. The Yak 7 was introduced into the production line and the first batch of 60 reached operational squadrons by the end of 1941. Another important variant was the Yak 7/M 105PA. On this model, the two ShKAS on the cowling had been replaced by two UBS machine guns with 400 rounds (260 for the left and 160 for the right). It was powered by an M 105PA engine with an axial ShVAK cannon with 120 rounds. Oil and glycol radiators had been widened and refined and slightly tilted downward. The insulation of the airframe was improved, the tail wheel was totally retractable; joints and skin were more carefully made; the panels on the engine cowling fitted better; the propeller reduction gear worked better; an electro pneumatic reloading system was installed; the canopy frame was reinforced. The Yak 7B made 27 tests flights in January and February 1942. The reports noted that while the aircraft "was not inferior to the LaGG 3 and MiG 3 and to foreign fighters in service in the USSR", it was more stable and had better flight characteristics. Subsequently, the GKO authorised production at Factory N° 153 in place of the Yak 7A, from April 1942 and 261 machines were built until July. After 20 May, the aircraft were equipped with a tank behind the pilot's seat, but the pilots that used the Yak 7 on Stalingrad and on the Kuban removed it as it was not protected and affected the flight characteristics. Generally, the Yak 7B pleased its pilots. They reported that it was easy to fly at all altitudes, stable and easy to maintain and although it did not climb as quickly as a Messerschmitt Bf 109, it was as manoeuvrable and fast, except in the vertical plane. But defects were also noted: there was too much drag from the radiators, the canopy glass was of bad quality; the pilot was not protected enough, taking off and landing distances were too long and, above all, it was underpowered. Yakovlev suggested to Klimov, the engine builder, some modifications that resulted in the M 105PF which was more powerful. With this modified engine, the Yak 7B top speed was of , it climbed much faster up to and it was more manoeuvrable both in the horizontal and the vertical planes. But because the rear tank was removed, its range was reduced and the center of gravity was moved too far forward, while M 105 defects (glycol and oil overheating, oil leaks etc.) persisted. Among the engine and armament options was the Yak 7 37 fitted with a MPSh 37 cannon, (MPSh motornaya pushka Shpital'novo engine mounted Shpital'nyy cannon), mounted between the engine cylinder blocks, firing through the propeller spinner.

The Yak 7 proved to be an effective close support fighter although the first two seaters were considered nose heavy, consequently, the factory introduced a rear cockpit fuel tank. Pilots complained about the fuel tank's vulnerability since it was unarmored, and it was usually removed in the field. There were constant changes to the design based on combat observations including a definitive single seat variant, the Yak 7B, which was produced in large numbers. After the war, some Yak 7V trainers were provided to the Poles and a single Yak 7V was delivered to the Hungarians for familiarization with the Yak 9 fighter. After trials in April–May 1942, a small batch of 22 Yak 7 37s was authorised, all of which were issued to the 42nd Fighter Aviation Regiment (IAP) at the North Western front, where they proved highly successful both in air to air combat and ground attack.