Yakovlev Yak-152

The Yakovlev Yak-152 is a Russian primary trainer aircraft from the Yakovlev Design Bureau, part of the Irkut Corporation. The prototype Yak-152 first flew on 29 September 2016, powered by a RED A03 diesel engine, rated at 500 shp. The aircraft has been ordered by the Russian Aerospace Forces to replace aging Yakovlev Yak-52 trainers. Currently being manufactured in Irkutsk.

Development
Development started in 1990-ties, simultaneously with a more advanced turbojet trainer YAK-130, based on the successful YAK-54 design. Both were supposed to have similar cockpits to allow for easy changeover from a lighter YAK-152 to bigger YAK-130. By 2001 the new type was selected as the future main primary air force trainer. During early 2000-ties the progress of the project was limited due to lack of funding. In 2006 the Chinese investors financed further development of the project, creating their own offspring Hongdu Yakovlev CJ-7, equipped with the Russian Vedeneyev M14X radial piston engine

Yakovlev Design Bureau (a.k.a. Irkut) chose Russian-German RED A03 diesel V-type engine created by Vladimir Raikhlin, who moved to Germany from Russia where he worked as automotive engineer at VAZ. Engine manufacturing in Adenau, Germany was financed by Russian FINAM holding. However, as international sanctions against Russia mounted making engines imports impossible, Yakovlev Bureau Russian reverted to domestic alternatives, like the VMZ M-9F piston or Klimov VK-800 turboshaft engines, although these will require large adaptations.

In 2016 the Russian Ministry of Defence announced their intention to purchase at least 150 units once they are into mass production. In January 2024 the flight tests for the military were completed.

Besides of the military use the aircraft was projected also for the general aviation. Order of 105 units was planned by Russian DOSAAF for civil pilots' training, also Belarusian DOSAAF expressed their interest to purchase the aircraft.

Operators

 * Russian Aerospace Forces – 150 on order
 * Russian Aerospace Forces – 150 on order