Yakovlev Yak-1b

Design of the Yakovlev Yak-1 medium altitude interceptor fighter began in November 1938 and from it evolved a series of remarkable aircraft (produced in large numbers) which made an important mark in the history of aviation. Known initially as the I-26 the type had a wooden wing combined with with a fuselage of mixed construction. The main landing gear units retracted inwards into the underside of the wing. The I-26 looked a thoroughbred and was dubbed "Beauty" by its design team.

Flown initially on January 13, 1940, the first prototype was soon lost in a fatal accident. But the development program was continued without any break by the second prototype which incorporated some improvements. A pre-production batch of Yak-1s was flying by the end of the year and 64 initial series machines had also been completed by then. Changes were introduced during the course of production and many aircraft of the main variants were completed in early 1942 with increased wingspan and a more pointed wing. A new canopy and a cut down rear fuselage were introduced on the Yak-1B and reduction in overall weight was achieved with the Yak-1M. The plane of choice for many leading Soviet fighter pilots the Yak-1 equipped a high proportion of fighter 'Eskadrilli' from 1942 onwards. The type was phased out of production in mid 1943. A total of 8,721 of this aircraft of all versions had been completed.

The Yak-1B originated as a field modification with an all around vision cockpit canopy and cut down rear fuselage decking. Accepted officially in July 1942 and in full production by early 1943. Some planes of this version had a more pointed wing.