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Yak-55

Yakovlev · Aerobatic aircraft · Soviet Union · Cold War (1970–1991)

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The Yakovlev Yak-55 is a Soviet single-seat aerobatic aircraft — Alexander Yakovlev's principal competition aerobatic design + a regular participant in World Aerobatic Championship competition through the 1980s-2000s. Yakovlev designed the Yak-55 in 1981; first flight in 1981. About 230 Yak-55s + refined Yak-55M variants have been built between 1982 and 2000. The aircraft served Soviet DOSAAF + Russian Air Force aerobatic teams + international competition pilots.

The Yak-55M used a Vedeneyev M-14P 9-cylinder radial piston engine (360 hp). Maximum speed 320 km/h, range 615 km, service ceiling 4,000 m. The aircraft is a single-seat low-wing monoplane with symmetric wing airfoil — specifically designed for unlimited-aerobatic flight including inverted manoeuvres + tumbling figures + competitive aerobatic compulsory + free programmes.

Yak-55 service was concentrated in Soviet + Russian aerobatic competition + Russian Air Force training. Soviet pilots flying Yak-55s achieved multiple World Aerobatic Championship victories 1982-1992; the type's combination of light weight + powerful engine + responsive controls made it competitive with Western aerobatic designs (Pitts S-2, Sukhoi Su-26). About 80+ Yak-55s remain in active service in 2026 across competition + private operators worldwide.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Yakovlev Yak-55 is a small aerobatic aircraft from the Soviet Union. It was designed by Alexander Yakovlev in 1981. The first plane flew that same year. It was built to do amazing tricks in the sky.

About 230 Yak-55 planes were made between 1982 and 2000. The plane has only one seat. It has a special wing shape that works the same right-side up and upside down. This lets pilots fly inverted and do wild tumbling moves.

The Yak-55 used a nine-cylinder engine with 360 horsepower. That is a very powerful engine for such a small plane. It could reach speeds of about 320 kilometers per hour. It is smaller than a school bus but packed with power.

Soviet pilots flew the Yak-55 in the World Aerobatic Championship many times. They won multiple times between 1982 and 1992. The plane was used by Soviet and Russian air teams and training programs. It competed against other top aerobatic planes from around the world.

Today, about 80 Yak-55 planes are still active around the world. Pilots still love flying it for aerobatic contests. It is a true champion of the sky.

Fun Facts

The Yak-55 was designed and first flown in just one year — 1981!
Soviet pilots won multiple World Aerobatic Championship titles flying the Yak-55.
The Yak-55 is smaller than a school bus but can do full upside-down flight.
Its special wing shape works exactly the same whether the plane is right-side up or inverted.
About 230 Yak-55 planes were built over nearly 20 years.
The plane can fly as high as 4,000 meters — about the height of a tall mountain.
Around 80 Yak-55 aircraft are still flying today all over the world.
The Yak-55 could travel over 600 kilometers on a single tank of fuel.

Kids’ Questions

What makes the Yak-55 good at doing tricks?

The Yak-55 has a special wing that works the same upside down as right-side up. It also has a very powerful engine and easy-to-use controls. This lets pilots spin, tumble, and fly inverted with ease.

Who flew the Yak-55 in competitions?

Soviet and Russian pilots flew the Yak-55 in the World Aerobatic Championship. They won many times between 1982 and 1992. Russian Air Force aerobatic teams also used the plane for training.

Is the Yak-55 still flying today?

Yes! About 80 Yak-55 planes are still active around the world. Pilots enjoy flying it in aerobatic contests even now. It is a beloved plane with a long history.

Variants

Yak-55 (basic): Original production. ~100 built.
Yak-55M (refined): Improved version with refined aerodynamics + Vedeneyev M-14P engine. ~130 built.

Notable Operators

Soviet DOSAAF + Russian Air Force aerobatic teams: Principal user.
International competition + private: ~80+ active worldwide in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yak-55 still competitive?

Yes — actively flown in international aerobatic competition through 2026. The Yak-55M remains competitive with modern Sukhoi Su-26 + Su-31 + Western Extra 300L. World Aerobatic Championship rules favour airframes capable of unlimited aerobatic flight — Yak-55M meets these requirements + costs notably less than newer designs. Russian + Eastern European pilots particularly favour the type.

Sources

Wikipedia — Yakovlev Yak-55