Yakovlev Yak-27

Yakovlev

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1934
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union

Template:Infobox aircraft

The Yakovlev Yak-27 (designated by NATO as "Flashlight-C") represents a series of Soviet supersonic jets originating in 1958 based on the Yak-121 prototype. The tactical reconnaissance model, known as the Yak-27R (NATO codename "Mangrove"), was produced in the greatest numbers.

Design and development

Originating from the Yak-121 prototype, which was designed to succeed the Yak-25 series, the Yak-27 family comprised supersonic interceptors and tactical reconnaissance platforms. Both the Yak-27 and Yak-27K interceptor versions—equipped respectively with cannons and K-8 missiles—fulfilled or exceeded their performance goals but were ultimately outperformed by the Sukhoi Su-9. Consequently, these models did not proceed to mass production. The Yak-27V variant, a high-altitude interceptor adapted from the Yak-121 prototype, incorporated a rear fuselage-mounted 1,300 kg•f (2,866 lb•f) Dushkin S-155 rocket booster alongside Tumansky RD-9AKYe afterburning turbojets. Despite impressive trial results reaching altitudes up to 23,000 m (75,400 ft), development ceased due to maintenance challenges associated with the Dushkin S-155 rocket engine.

The specialized high-altitude photo-reconnaissance version of the Yak-27 interceptor was designated Yak-27R (NATO reporting name "Mangrove"). This model replaced the radar and radome with a glazed nose section accommodating an observer/navigator, removed the port-side Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23 cannon, and installed two cameras. It featured extended wingspan measuring 11.82 m (38 ft 9 in), utilized two Tumansky RD-9AF turbojet engines, and achieved a maximum velocity near 1,285 km/h (798 mph) at altitude. The service ceiling reached approximately 16,500 m (54,000 ft), while its operational range extended to around 2,380 km (1,480 mi) with two auxiliary wing tanks. Production totaled roughly 180 units at Plant No.292 located in Saratov.

Operational history

Entering service with the Soviet Air Force in 1960, the Yak-27R was designed to supplant the subsonic reconnaissance Ilyushin Il-28. Although it offered superior speed and altitude capabilities compared to its predecessor, it suffered from reduced operational range. Additionally, certain operational constraints limited its widespread use; only highly skilled pilots routinely operated it at supersonic speeds. The engines’ low mounting rendered them vulnerable to ingestion of debris when operating from unimproved forward airfields. As anti-aircraft missile coverage expanded across Europe, the high-flying Yak-27R often faced greater restrictions than the Il-28. By the early 1970s, this aircraft was phased out from frontline duties and succeeded by newer reconnaissance platforms such as the Yak-28R and the MiG-25R.

Variants

Yak-27

A supersonic interceptor developed from the Yak-121, equipped with two 30 mm cannons, but it never entered operational service.

Yak-27F

Modified from a Yak-27R featuring downward-facing TV cameras installed in the aft fuselage.

Yak-27K (Yak-27K-8)

Interceptor variant of the Yak-27, armed with a pair of K-8 missiles, which did not proceed to active service.

Yak-27R

The tactical reconnaissance model of the Yak-27, representing the most produced version with approximately 180 units completed.

Yak-27LSh, (lyzhnoe shassee – ski landing gear)

A conversion based on the Yak-27R, fitted with a single retractable ski beneath the center fuselage and enlarged nose wheels.

Yak-27RN

A reconnaissance variant of the Yak-27 that underwent flight trials, though no further information is available.

Yak-27V

A high-altitude interceptor prototype, converted from the Yak-121, equipped with an auxiliary rocket engine; only one was built.

Yak-121

The prototype aircraft serving as the basis for the Yak-27 series.

Operators

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• Soviet Air Force
  • 11th Independent Vitebskiy Reconnaissance Regiment (stationed at Neu-Welzow, East Germany, 1966–70)
  • 47th Independent Guards Reconnaissance Regiment (introduced first Yak-27R in May 1959; last units retired by mid-1970s, replaced by MiG-25RBs; based at Shatalovo, Moscow Military District)
  • 48th Independent Guards Nizhegorodsky Reconnaissance Regiment (operated from 1958 to 1972 at Kolomiya, western Ukraine)
  • 98th Independent Guards Vislenskiy Reconnaissance Regiment (active circa 1961–73 in Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula)
  • 164th Independent Guards Kerchensky Reconnaissance Regiment (stationed at Brzeg, Poland, 1961–73)
  • 511th Independent Yasskiy Reconnaissance Regiment (operated near Odessa at Buyalyk, 1960–65)
  • 886th Independent Stalingradskiy Reconnaissance Regiment (based in Jēkabpils, Latvia, 1966–70)

Survivors

A Yak-27R example is preserved at the Central Air Force Museum located in Monino, near Moscow, Russia.

Additionally, two other airframes are displayed in Germany: one is exhibited at the Hugo Junkers Museum Dessau and another at the Speyer Technic Museum, although the latter remains in poor condition.