History
The Yak-9 embodied the Soviet approach to fighter design in the Second World
War. Innovation and elegance were discarded entirely in favor of durability and
ease of production, as Russia was forced into compensating through sheer numbers
what she lacked in first rate materials and experienced pilots. Nonetheless,
the Yak-9 was a formidable fighter, and gave its chief Luftwaffe opponent - the
Messerschmitt Bf109 - a good deal of trouble, especially at low altitudes.
The Yak-9 in Air Warrior
Yak attacks are rare in Air Warrior and seldom conducted with the level of
seriousness typical of most missions. The best reason to fly the Yak is for an
odd sort of fun; if you kill an opponent with your Yak, you have embarrassed
him, but if he kills you he has not accomplished anything to boast about. If
you're new to Air Warrior, avoid this plane entirely.
The Yak-9 may not be formidable, but at the moment it is one of only two Russian
World War II fighters available in the game. As such, its use is generally
confined to historical, Russian Front scenarios that exclude or limit the number
of Air Warrior's more deadly aircraft.
If you fly the Yak and have any aspiration to survive the experience, choose
opponents at far lower altitudes than yourself. The Yak will turn capably for
short periods of time, but it bleeds energy quickly. Thus, even against a lower
or slower foe, if you make a mistake you will likely die.
The Yak-9 in Full Realism
Use standard stall and spin recovery procedures when flying in a real arena in a
Yak. Data on the Yak's distinctive low and high speed qualities are scarce and
the plane's behavior is less individualized than it is for many of the other Air
Warrior fighters.
Veteran players have had good success with the Yak, relying on its tight turning
circle, particularly in half loop maneuvers. You can drive a Spitfire or 109
driver nuts evading his attacks until he makes a mistake, often out of sheer
frustration.
The Yak in Scenarios
Whenever the Yak is employed in scenarios, it usually outnumbers its opponents
significantly. Thus many pilots have amassed impressive records flying the Yak
in special events. It must be due to skill, as well as numbers, because the Yak
has short legs, is terrible above 25k, and has an unspectacular ammo load.\
Munitions
Armament Ammo Load Payload
2-13mm Machine Guns 600 rounds 1-550 lb. bombs
1-20mm Cannon 400 shells -
Performance
| Armament | Ammo Load | Payload |
| 2-13mm Machine Guns | 600 rounds | 1-550 lb. bombs |
| 1-20mm Cannon | 400 shells | - |