The Yakovlev Yak-130, initially known as the “Yak/AEM-130,” is an advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft that operates at subsonic speeds.
It was jointly developed by Yakovlev and Aermacchi.
In addition to its primary role as a trainer, it has been positioned as a potential light attack aircraft.
The aircraft’s development commenced in 1991, and it successfully completed its maiden flight on 25 April 1996.
In 2002, it emerged victorious in a Russian government tender for training aircraft, leading to its induction into the Russian Air Force in 2010.
The Yak-130 stands out as an advanced training aircraft capable of emulating the characteristics of various 4+ generation fighters, including the cutting-edge fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57.
Furthermore, it possesses the capability to undertake light-attack and reconnaissance missions, with a maximum combat load capacity of 3,000 kg (6,600 lb).
The Yak-130, an advanced aircraft for pilot training, possesses the capability to imitate the attributes of both Russian 4th and 5th generation fighters.
This is made achievable by employing open architecture digital avionics that adhere to a 1553 Databus, a fully digital glass cockpit, a four-channel digital Fly-By-Wire System (FBWS), and an embedded simulation with FBWS handling characteristics controlled and varied by the instructor.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with a Head-up display (HUD) and a Helmet-Mounted-Sighting-System (HMSS).
To ensure precise navigation and targeting, it incorporates a double GPS/GLONASS receiver that updates an Inertial Reference System (IRS).
The developer of the Yak-130 estimates that this aircraft can encompass approximately 80% of the comprehensive pilot flight training program.
In addition to its training function, the aircraft possesses the capability to perform light attack and reconnaissance missions.
It has the capacity to carry a combat load of 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds), which includes a variety of guided and unguided weapons, auxiliary fuel tanks, and electronic pods.
According to Konstantin Popovich, the chief designer, the plane underwent testing until December 2009, during which it was evaluated with all airborne weapons with a weight of up to 500 kg that are in service in the Russian Air Force.
The Yak-130 is equipped with nine hard points: two on the wingtips, six under the wings, and one under the fuselage.
The twin engines of the aircraft are positioned beneath extended wing roots that extend forward to the windscreen.
Two Ivchenko Progress AI-222-25 Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) engines generate a combined thrust of 49 kilonewtons (11,000 pound-force).
An upgraded “-28” engine variant is also available, which increases the thrust to 53 kN (12,000 lbf).
With a normal take-off weight of 7,250 kg (15,980 lb), the thrust-to-weight ratio is 0.70 with the “-25” engines or 0.77 with the “-28” engines.
In comparison, the BAE Systems Hawk 128 has a ratio of 0.65, while the Aero Vodochody L-159B has a ratio of 0.49.
The Yakovlev Yak-130 possesses a maximum internal fuel capacity of 1,700 kg (3,700 lb).
However, this capacity can be further augmented to 2,600 kg (5,700 lb) by utilizing two external combat fuel tanks.
In terms of speed, the aircraft is capable of achieving a maximum true airspeed of Mach 0.93 (572 knots).
Its service ceiling reaches an impressive altitude of 12,500 meters (41,000 feet).
The load factors of the Yak-130 range from −3 to +9 g, allowing it to withstand varying levels of gravitational force.
During take-off in a “clean” configuration, the typical speed and distance required are 209 km/h (113 knots) and 550 meters (1,800 feet) respectively.
Conversely, when landing, the corresponding figures are 191 km/h (103 knots) and 750 meters (2,460 feet).
The aircraft exhibits a crosswind limit of 56 km/h (30 knots).
To safeguard the Yak-130’s engines from potential damage caused by foreign objects when operating from unpaved runways and grass strips, the aircraft is equipped with FBWS controlled engine intake blanking doors.
These doors effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the engines.
The large canopies of the Yak-130 are designed to be hinged sideways, allowing for convenient access and egress.
In terms of combat training capabilities, the Yak-130 is equipped with a comprehensive combat training suite.
This suite encompasses both simulated and real firing systems, enabling pilots to practice air-to-air and air-to-surface missile engagements.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with systems for bomb dropping, gun firing, and on-board self-protection.
These features contribute to the Yak-130’s effectiveness as a combat training platform.
The inaugural flight of the initial prototype, known as Yak-130D and officially registered as RA-43130, took place on 25 April 1996 in Zhukovsky.
Subsequently, on 30 April 2004, the first pre-series Yak-130, which was manufactured at the Sokol plant in Nizhny Novgorod, successfully conducted its maiden flight.
This aircraft was publicly showcased for the first time at the Paris Air Show in June 2005.
Following this, three additional pre-series planes were produced.
After undergoing state trials in December 2009, the Yak-130 was officially approved for service within the Russian Air Force.
Notably, since at least 2020, this aircraft has been utilized in combat during the internal conflict in Myanmar.
However, its deployment has faced criticism due to substantiated evidence of military air strikes targeting civilians that surfaced online. Variants Yakovlev Yak-130D Yak-130 prototype. Yakovlev Yak-130 Basic dual-seat advanced trainer. Yakovlev Yak-131 Light attack aircraft, designed as a replacement for the Sukhoi Su-25. This version will have cockpit and engine armour, a GSh-30-1 autocannon, and either the Phazotron Kopyo radar with mechanical or electronic beam scanning, or the Tikhomirov NIIP Osa passive phased array radar. Yakovlev Yak-133 Light Strike Aircraft for LUS. The project was cancelled in the early 1990s. Yakovlev Yak-133IB Fighter-bomber. Yakovlev Yak-133PP Electronic countermeasure platform. Yakovlev Yak-133R Tactical reconnaissance variant. Yakovlev Yak-135 Four-seat VIP transport. Specifications Yak-130 Crew 2 Length 11.49 m (37 ft 8 in) Wingspan 9.84 m (32 ft 3 in) Height 4.76 m (15 ft 7 in) Wing area 23.52 m2 (253.2 sq ft) Empty weight 4,600 kg (10,141 lb) Gross weight 7,250 kg (15,984 lb) Max take-off weight 10,290 kg (22,686 lb) Powerplant 2 × Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 turbofan engines, 24.52 kN (5,510 lbf) thrust each Performance Maximum speed 1,060 km/h (660 mph, 570 kn) Cruise speed 887 km/h (551 mph, 479 kn) Stall speed 165 km/h (103 mph, 89 kn) Range 2,100 km (1,300 mi, 1,100 nmi) Combat range 555 km (345 mi, 300 nmi) Service ceiling 12,500 m (41,000 ft) G limits +8.0 −3.0 Rate of climb 65 m/s (12,800 ft/min) Wing loading 276.4 kg/m2 (56.6 lb/sq ft) Thrust/weight 0.70 Armament Guns SNPU-130 gun pod Hardpoints 9 (1 on each wingtip, 3 under each wing, and 1 under the fuselage) with a capacity of up to 3,000 kg (6,614 lb), with provisions to carry combinations of: Rockets 80mm S-8 rocket, S-25 rocket Missiles R-73 infrared-homing air-to-air missiles Bombs FAB-M62, ZB-500, KAB-500Kr Sources Yakovlev Aircraft Since 1924 – Bill Gunston & Yefim Gordon. OKB Yakovlev, A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft-Yefim Gordon, Dmitriy Komissarov & Sergey Komissarov. Soviet Aircrafts Illustrated-A.S.Yakovlev. The History of Soviet Aircraft from 1918-Vaclav Nemecek. Soviet AF Fighter Colours 1941-45-Erik Pilaeskii. Soviet Combat Aircraft of the Second World War, Vol 1, Single Engined Fighters-Yefim Gordon and Dmitri Khazanov. Early Soviet Jet Fighters, The1940s and early 50s-Yefim Gordon. Soviet Secret Projects, Fighters Since 1945-Tony Buttler & Yefim Gordon. Soviet Secret Projects, Bombers Since 1945-Tony Buttler & Yefim Gordon. Soviet Aircraft of Today-Nico Sgariato. Modern Soviet Fighters-Mike Spick.
