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The four-place 18T is actually derived from the military two seat tandem Yak-18 which is perhaps better known in Australia in its Chinese Nanchang CJ-6A guise. Of rather agricultural design compared with its Western equivalents, the 18T also exhibits a fuel burn of monstrous proportions for an aircraft that flight plans generally at around 110kts. Despite this the type is surprisingly stable in addition to being aerobatic, testifying to its rugged construction where weight saving appears to be well and truly a secondary design consideration. (Bill Lines & Keith Myers)
Flight lmpresslons-Yak-18T
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Yakovlev 18T
In early November last year I was asked by John Sherrington, on behalf of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, “Would I be available to guide the visiting Russian aviation goodwill expedition around Australia during December?” After a lot of arm-twisting and persuasion (I think it took as long as half a second in all), I agreed.
After considerable delays the Russians finally arrived in Darwin on December 16 with seven Yakovlev 18T light tourers and an Antonov An-2 Colt (its former NATO code name) as a support aircraft. Not being shy, I quickly put it to them that I should fly their aircraft so as to be able to fully appreciate the capabilities and limitations of each type. They were more than willing, so I launched myself in a Yak-18T accompanied by Victor Zabalotski, who in real life is one of Russia’s leading test pilots, having been actively involved with the Buran space shuttle programme before his Australian odyssey.
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