A Ukrainian Yak-52 two-seat main coach plane intercepted and safely shot down a Russian Orlan reconnaissance drone over the southern area of Ukraine, Militarnyi reported.
The incident, captured on video, showcases the Yak-52 circling above the descending drone after it introduced it down with precision marksmanship.
The Yak-52, initially designed as a sport and coaching plane, lacks typical armaments and sighting programs. But, armed with nothing greater than a rifle, the plane’s second crew member demonstrated exceptional ability in precisely focusing on and disabling the spy drone.
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With a most velocity of 470 kilometers per hour and a flight endurance of as much as 2.5 hours, the Yak-52 combines agility and endurance, making it well-suited for intercepting and monitoring drones at comparatively low speeds. Regardless of its main function as a coaching platform, the Yak-52’s versatility and maneuverability proved instrumental in countering aerial threats.
Developed with design parts paying homage to early Soviet postwar fighters, together with a tandem cockpit format and tricycle touchdown gear, the Yak-52 boasts a gas and oil system able to sustaining inverted flight for as much as two minutes. These options, mixed with its sturdy development and environment friendly propulsion system, allow the Yak-52 to navigate numerous operational environments with ease.
Whereas initially conceived as a coaching plane, the Yak-52’s adaptability and fight effectiveness have been demonstrated in varied roles, exemplified by its latest interception of the Russian spy drone.