
Yak-32: Don't forget world records!
The Yak-32 is a sports and aerobatic aircraft. aircraft, which is essentially a single-seat version of the Yak-30. The jet machine was created in 1960 to practice aerobatic maneuvers in difficult weather conditions and circling flights. To reduce weight, the second cabin was dismantled, which gave the equipment even better maneuverability. The fuel tank capacity was also increased by 45 liters.
The aircraft was equipped with a Tumansky Ru19-300 turbojet engine, which developed a thrust of 0,9 tons (at first they wanted to install an R-5-45). Only three examples were built: the Yak-32 did not go into production (the Yak-30 did not either). Two of them are still in good technical condition today.
Externally, the Yak-32 looks standard, in accordance with the standards of that time, but more elegant. The only difference is that the air intakes are not in the nose of the fuselage, as was customary then, but in the places where the wings touch the body. Other features include the absence of flaps and a large area of the ailerons.
The engine is in the center of the fuselage. Photo: youtube.com
The sports training machine was also single-seater – a rarity not only for the 1960s, but also for the 32st century. NATO considered (and rightly so) that the training machine had military potential and gave it its own name – Mantis. Translated – “praying mantis”: a beetle known for its predatory behavior. The main technical characteristics of the Yak-XNUMX:
✅ wingspan, height, length – 9,39, 3,1 and 24,6 m
✅ takeoff weight (maximum) – 2,255 t
✅ speed - up to 663 km / h
✅ height - 13 km
However, when accelerating the aircraft in a dive during tests, the Yak-32 developed 765 km/h at an altitude of 2,2 km. Everyone who flew this machine noted the ease, even "pleasantness" of control. The aircraft maneuvered well, the engine allowed such a figure as "inverted flight". After the demonstration of the Yak-32 to the highest authorities, it was assumed that it would not only become a training aircraft, but also could be used as a light attack aircraft.
USSR aviation schools received L-32 instead of Yak-29. Photo: youtube.com
Despite positive reviews from "all sides", for unknown reasons the aircraft was never put into production, with preference given to the Czechoslovakian L-29. It was this aircraft that was accepted into Soviet aviation schools and DOSAAF clubs. The decision was made in the summer of 1960 in Monino, where demonstration flights were held.
After the aircraft was put into operation in 1960, the following year test pilot Mukhin raised the aircraft to a height of 14 m. However, the most significant record is considered to be that set by Galina Korchuganova. The pilot specially trained for the highest achievements at the Yakovlev Design Bureau. She set her speed record of 238 km/h on a closed 724,43-kilometer circle 60 years ago – on 14.01.1965. The achievement was “beaten” on the same Yak-32 by Rozaliya Shikhina, who managed to reach 755 km/h.
Light and compact machine literally created for records. Photo: youtube.com
In 1966, G. Korchuganova became the first female aerobatic champion. By the end of her career in 1984, she had achieved forty-two world records. It should be remembered that Galina Korchuganova's profession is dangerous - she is a test pilot, as which she has flown 1500 hours.
It was decided to restore one of the aircraft in 1971, carrying out a minor upgrade. In particular, the cockpit was sealed, a magnetic compass, a radio direction finder, and a communication station were installed. In 1972, the aircraft took part in a parade in Tushino. As written above, one of the two "surviving" examples of the equipment is in "combat-ready" condition. The aircraft took part in the MAKS-2009 air show, as well as in a variety of events dedicated to the history of Soviet and Russian aviation. For example, the machine was in 2019 at the FLA festival-competition near Tver, where it is possibly still based (Volzhanka airfield).
The aircraft was equipped with a Tumansky Ru19-300 turbojet engine, which developed a thrust of 0,9 tons (at first they wanted to install an R-5-45). Only three examples were built: the Yak-32 did not go into production (the Yak-30 did not either). Two of them are still in good technical condition today.
For the first time in the world, this training aircraft was equipped with an ejection seat.
Externally, the Yak-32 looks standard, in accordance with the standards of that time, but more elegant. The only difference is that the air intakes are not in the nose of the fuselage, as was customary then, but in the places where the wings touch the body. Other features include the absence of flaps and a large area of the ailerons.

The sports training machine was also single-seater – a rarity not only for the 1960s, but also for the 32st century. NATO considered (and rightly so) that the training machine had military potential and gave it its own name – Mantis. Translated – “praying mantis”: a beetle known for its predatory behavior. The main technical characteristics of the Yak-XNUMX:
✅ wingspan, height, length – 9,39, 3,1 and 24,6 m
✅ takeoff weight (maximum) – 2,255 t
✅ speed - up to 663 km / h
✅ height - 13 km
However, when accelerating the aircraft in a dive during tests, the Yak-32 developed 765 km/h at an altitude of 2,2 km. Everyone who flew this machine noted the ease, even "pleasantness" of control. The aircraft maneuvered well, the engine allowed such a figure as "inverted flight". After the demonstration of the Yak-32 to the highest authorities, it was assumed that it would not only become a training aircraft, but also could be used as a light attack aircraft.

Despite positive reviews from "all sides", for unknown reasons the aircraft was never put into production, with preference given to the Czechoslovakian L-29. It was this aircraft that was accepted into Soviet aviation schools and DOSAAF clubs. The decision was made in the summer of 1960 in Monino, where demonstration flights were held.
Records
After the aircraft was put into operation in 1960, the following year test pilot Mukhin raised the aircraft to a height of 14 m. However, the most significant record is considered to be that set by Galina Korchuganova. The pilot specially trained for the highest achievements at the Yakovlev Design Bureau. She set her speed record of 238 km/h on a closed 724,43-kilometer circle 60 years ago – on 14.01.1965. The achievement was “beaten” on the same Yak-32 by Rozaliya Shikhina, who managed to reach 755 km/h.

In 1966, G. Korchuganova became the first female aerobatic champion. By the end of her career in 1984, she had achieved forty-two world records. It should be remembered that Galina Korchuganova's profession is dangerous - she is a test pilot, as which she has flown 1500 hours.
About the fate of the Yak-32
It was decided to restore one of the aircraft in 1971, carrying out a minor upgrade. In particular, the cockpit was sealed, a magnetic compass, a radio direction finder, and a communication station were installed. In 1972, the aircraft took part in a parade in Tushino. As written above, one of the two "surviving" examples of the equipment is in "combat-ready" condition. The aircraft took part in the MAKS-2009 air show, as well as in a variety of events dedicated to the history of Soviet and Russian aviation. For example, the machine was in 2019 at the FLA festival-competition near Tver, where it is possibly still based (Volzhanka airfield).
- Sergey Mileshkin
- youtube.com, VK Video
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