Yakovlev Yak-152

Yakovlev Design Bureau
Company type	Design bureau
Industry	Aerospace
Headquarters	Irkutsk, Russia
Parent	Irkut Corporation

Yakovlev Yak-152

The Yakovlev Yak-152 represents a Russian primary trainer aircraft developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, which operates under the Irkut Corporation. Its initial prototype took to the skies on 29 September 2016, equipped with a RED A03 diesel powerplant delivering approximately 500 shp. This model is intended to succeed the older Yakovlev Yak-52 trainers within the Russian Aerospace Forces' fleet. Production of the Yak-152 is currently underway in Irkutsk.

Development

The development process began in the 1990s alongside the creation of a more sophisticated turbojet trainer, the YAK-130, which was derived from the successful YAK-54 model. Both aircraft were designed to feature comparable cockpit layouts, facilitating an easy transition from the lighter YAK-152 to the larger YAK-130. By 2001, this new model was chosen to serve as the primary basic trainer for the air force. However, progress during the early 2000s was hindered by insufficient funding. In 2006, investment from Chinese partners enabled further advancement, leading to the development of a variant known as the Hongdu Yakovlev CJ-7, powered by the Russian Vedeneyev M14X radial piston engine.

The Yakovlev Design Bureau (also known as Irkut) selected the German RED A03 diesel V-type engine, designed by Vladimir Raikhlin, an automotive engineer who had relocated from Russia where he previously worked at VAZ. Production of this engine took place in Adenau, Germany, with funding provided by the Russian FINAM group. Nevertheless, due to escalating international sanctions on Russia that obstructed engine imports, Yakovlev reverted to domestic powerplant options such as the VMZ M-9F piston engine or the Klimov VK-800 turboshaft engine, although these alternatives require significant modifications.

In 2016, the Russian Ministry of Defence declared plans to acquire a minimum of 150 units once mass production commenced. By January 2024, military flight testing had been successfully concluded.

Beyond its military application, this aircraft was also intended for use in general aviation. The Russian DOSAAF planned an order for 105 units aimed at training civilian pilots, and similar interest was expressed by the Belarusian DOSAAF.