ebooks Mosques of Cochin by Patricia Tusa Fels in History

Description

Founded in 1927; the design bureau headed by Aleksandr S. Yakovlev started out with light aircraft but soon became a "fighter maker" when the prospect of war loomed large. Originally designated I-26; Yakovlev's simple but rugged fighter; first flew in 1940 and entered production at the end of the year as the Yak-1. The Yak-9 followed in 1942 and brought a greater proportion of metal to the airframe design leading to the development of the long-range Yak-9D; the up-gunned tank buster versions (Yak-9-37; Yak-9T; Yak-9K etc.) and the Yak-9B light bomber. Later flown by the French pilots of the Normandie-Niemen squadron of the Soviet Air Force the Yak-3 introduced in 1943 came to be recognized as one of the best fighters of WW II. This detailed history is richly illustrated with unit badges; nose art; scale drawings; color side views and three-views. Previously unreleased photos and personal stories from pilots in the Great Patriotic War ensure Yakovlev Fighters of World War II is a detailed reference source for modelers; enthusiasts and historians alike.