Ukrainian Yak‑52 downs Russian drone using WWII-era tactics

Russians showed a photo depicting the interception of their Zala drone. The Ukrainians used a Soviet-manufactured aircraft for this purpose, the Yak-52. Let's revisit the capabilities of both designs.

Although the photo shared on the platform X by the profile @front_ukrainian may seem unique, it is not the first incident in which a Russian-made Yak-52 has engaged a Russian drone. At the end of April this year, a similar image appeared online, also featuring the Yak-52 used by the Ukrainians. In the photo, upon closer inspection, you can see stickers indicating that the aircraft has already destroyed at least eight drones.

This time, the photo comes from a camera mounted on the Zala drone, designed for surveillance or artillery fire control. In the 421 version, the Zala drone is powered by a single electric motor, allowing it to reach speeds of 93 mph. Its maximum range is about 9 miles, while the altitude at which it can operate and observe is approximately 11,800 feet.

Compared to the aforementioned Russian drone, the Yak-52 is a more intriguing design. It is a Soviet-manufactured trainer aircraft, first flown in 1976. Initially, it served as a training aircraft for Soviet DOSAAF pilots, who trained as civilian or military pilots.

The Yak-52 is often used as an aerobatic aircraft due to its properties, including its ability to withstand g-forces of +7/-5 G and rotate at a speed of 180 degrees per second. The dry weight of the Yak-52, which is only 2,200 lbs, is also crucial for its aerobatic capabilities. With a wingspan of about 30.5 feet and a length of just under 25.6 feet, it can accelerate to nearly 149 mph. Its ceiling is 13,100 feet, and its range on a full tank is 311 miles.

It is also worth highlighting a relatively unique solution implemented by the Yakovlev design bureau in the Yak-52 aircraft. The pneumatic system is used to start the engine, control the landing gear, brake, and operate all the control surfaces (including the rudder). Additionally, the Yak-52's landing gear, although fully retractable, leaves the wheels protruding from the fuselage. This feature allows the aircraft to make an emergency landing if the pneumatic system fails.