Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.
A rare Yak-1 project “with an incredible combat history” is currently available for sale.
According to the listing, the aircraft (G-BTZD S/N 1342, 485 Fighter Regiment) landed on Polonets Lake in the Demlansk area of northern Russia in December 1942 after suffering damage caused by German fighter fire. The lake was frozen at the time and it is believed that the pilot, Flying Officer Michael Kudrjashov, escaped and returned to Russian lines. The machine sank in the spring thaw and settled in 18 meters of water, where it remained until being recovered in October 1990.
The aircraft was acquired by HAC in 1991, and restoration started soon after. The aircraft was of simple design, but had an all-wood wing and other flying surfaces. The glue had deteriorated during the long immersion and the decision was made to manufacture a new wing, incorporating as many of the metal fittings as possible. The airframe is being restored to the original specifications, including its original guns (de-activated) and ammunition boxes. Much of the airframe and equipment was re-usable thanks to the very cold fresh water that the aircraft was under for so many years.
The engine was in an amazing condition, with no corrosion – except on the steel data plate. Even the oil inside was clean and fresh, as were all the internal steel parts. The magnesium castings had dissolved and so an additional engine was sourced from the Musee de l’Air in Paris, by way of an exchange. In the meantime the original engine is being worked on as it is hoped that enough spare parts can be found to restore it…
The wing section, undercarriage, fuselage have been meticulously restored. The Kilmov V12 engine has been overhauled and run on a test rig. Some £1,500,000 has been spent so far on this restoration.
Pricing is available upon application. Click here to check out the complete listing.
(Photo: Unknown Author / Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)
