Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten: Versatile Light Combat Aircraft and Advanced Jet Trainer

The Yakovlev Yak-130, also known as the NATO reporting name “Mitten,” is a supersonic twin-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Yakovlev and manufactured by the Russian companies Yakovlev and Irkut as the “Yak/AEM-130.” It has also been recognized as a potential light attack aircraft. The development of this aircraft began in 1991, and the maiden flight was conducted on April 25, 1996. In 2002, it was selected by the Russian government as the primary trainer for combat pilots, and in 2010, it entered service with the Russian Air Force.

As an advanced trainer aircraft, the Yak-130 is capable of replicating the characteristics of several 4+ generation fighter aircraft, including the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57. It can also perform light-attack and reconnaissance duties, carrying a combat load of up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds).

The Yakovlev Yak-130 is equipped with advanced avionics, including a 1553 Data Bus, a full digital glass cockpit, a four-channel digital fly-by-wire system, and Instructor Control System (ICS) with variable FBW handling characteristics and embedded simulation. It features a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a Helmet-Mounted-Sighting System (HMSS) with a double GPS/GLONASS receiver updating and Inertial Reference System (IRS) for highly accurate navigation and precision targeting. The developer estimates that the plane can cover up to 80% of the syllabus for combat pilot training.

The combat training capabilities of the Yakovlev Yak-130 include simulated and real firing systems with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bomb dropping, gun firing, and onboard self-protection systems. In addition to its training role, the Yak-130 is capable of fulfilling Light Attack and Reconnaissance duties, carrying a combat load of 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds), consisting of various guided and unguided weapons.

The maximum internal fuel capacity is 1,700 kilograms (3,700 pounds), which can be extended to 2,600 kilograms (5,700 pounds) with two external fuel tanks. It has a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.93 (572 knots), a service ceiling of 12,500 meters (41,000 feet), and G-force tolerance from -3 to +9 G. Typical Take-Off Field Speed and Distance (TOFSD) specified for a “clean” configuration are 209 km/h (113 knots) and 550 meters (1,800 feet), respectively, while landing figures are 191 km/h (103 knots) and 750 meters (2,460 feet). The crosswind limit is 56 km/h (30 knots).

The Yakovlev Yak-130’s twin engines are mounted under extended wing roots, which also serve as fairings for the main landing gear. It is powered by two Ivchenko Progress AI-222-25 Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) turbofan engines, producing a total of 49 kilonewtons (11,000 pounds-force) of thrust.

In summary, the Yakovlev Yak-130 Mittеn is an advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft that serves multiple roles, from pilot training to light attack and reconnaissance missions, making it a versatile addition to any air force’s inventory.

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