Monday, December 29, 2008

Taildragger Yak

Went to Pauanui on Saturday (27th Dec) and Kevin Jane had his new Yak-52TW there. Registered (appropriately) ZK-YTW. Didn't manage to cadge a ride but had a sit in the cockpit and a look around. There are quite a few differences that would probably take some getting used to.

One of the biggest changes is that it has hydraulic toe-brakes instead of the pneumatics on our yak.
The landing gear also fully retracts inboard but Kevin hasn't fitted the gear doors as yet.
The instrument panel is also significantly more "western" than a standard yak. With electric fuel pumps and four tanks, fuel management is more complex than before. Kevin also has a full set of lights fitted for night-flying.

With a three-bladed prop and 400hp engine as well as being less "draggy" than a standard YK52, it does go a bit faster and climbs a bit quicker than usual.

I think Kevin will be concentrating on solo displays for the foreseeable future as the performance differences may take a bit of getting used to in multi-ship formations.JP sitting in the rear 'pit hoping to get a turn in the front...

That big boxy oil cooler under the fuselage is a bit ugly and draggy. Apparently the next series of YK-52TW has it mounted in the starboard wing root. Much nicer. Maybe there is a conversion kit.