Summary
- Russia’s air force receives new Yak-130 trainer jets for pilot training and potential combat use.
- The Yak-130 is a versatile aircraft equipped for training on advanced Russian combat jets.
- Manufacturer Irkutsk Aviation Plant focuses on supplying fighters and trainers to enhance pilot training.
The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) has inducted a new tranche of advanced Yakovlev Yak-130 trainer aircraft, the first new batch to arrive this year. The jets offer both basic and advanced training for pilots and are phasing out the country’s older Soviet-era trainers.
Russia receives more Yak-130 trainers
As per a report by MilitaryLeak, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), delivered the trainer jets to the VKS this month. As is standard practice, the exact number of Yak-130s has not been disclosed, but they will undoubtedly improve Russia’s ability to train its pilots for front-line operations.
Russia’s air force last received a new batch of Yak-130s in December, along with Su-30SM2 fighter-bomber aircraft. With the country suffering considerable air losses during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the Yak-130 will prove invaluable in training new pilots and can also be utilized on the front line.
About the Yak-130
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is an advanced, two-seater trainer aircraft used to train pilots on 4th and 5th generation Russian combat jets, such as the Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-57. The versatile aircraft can be equipped with a range of weapon systems, including air-to-air and ground weaponry, as well as advanced avionics to replicate the experience of flying a modern combat jet.
|
Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
2 x Progress AI-222-25 turbofan engines |
|
Maximum Speed |
1,060 km/h (652 mph, 570 knots) |
|
Thrust |
5,500 lbf (each engine) |
|
Crew |
2 (pilot and instructor) |
|
Length |
11.5 meters (37.7 feet) |
|
Wingspan |
9.72 meters (31.9 feet) |
|
Height |
4.76 meters (15.6 feet) |
|
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) |
10,300 kg (22,708 lbs) |
|
Range |
2,100 km (1,300 miles) |
|
Service Ceiling |
41,000 feet |
|
Rate of Climb |
65 meters per second (10,000 feet per minute) |
|
Payload Capacity |
Up to 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) |
Photo: Fasttailwind | Shutterstock
The trainer jet completed its maiden flight in 1996 but wouldn’t enter service until 2010. On top of its training capabilities, the jet can be utilized for combat as a light attack aircraft or on reconnaissance missions. It has also benefited from upgraded engines which, according to UAC, will enhance its power by 20% and double the jet’s service life.
Manufacturer Irkutsk Aviation Plant is closing in on its 90th anniversary and has built over 7,000 aircraft since its inception. Yuri Slyusar, General Director of UAC, commented,
“At the current stage, significant resources of the plant are also focused on fulfilling the tasks of supplying Su-30SM fighters and Yak-130 combat trainers for the needs of the army and navy. The Yak-130, produced in Irkutsk, today plays an important role in the practical training of pilots of the Aerospace Forces.”
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