In 1953, during the height of the Cold
War, the United States Air Force clandestinely evaluated the Soviet Yakovlev
Yak-23 single-seat, jet fighter. "NATO NAME: FLORA" documents the results
of that evaluation. This once classified video program reveals details of
early Soviet jet powered aircraft development in both innovative and reverse
engineering. Considerable information is presented on the British derived
RD-500 jet engine, the indigenous 23 mm cannon and the overall flight capability
and handling characteristics of the Yak-23 as a weapon system.
The Yak-23 was a contemporary of the MiG-15 and was eventually replaced
by the MiG. However, for several years in the early fifties, the Yak-23 continued
to perform as the front line fighter of several nations in the Warsaw Pact.
Although never used in combat, the Yak-23 did present a viable treat to US
and European air forces.
"NATO NAME: FLORA" is a must for those interested in Cold War Soviet military
aviation.
In 1953, during the height of the Cold
War, the United States Air Force clandestinely evaluated the Soviet Yakovlev
Yak-23 single-seat, jet fighter. "NATO NAME: FLORA" documents the results
of that evaluation. This once classified video program reveals details of
early Soviet jet powered aircraft development in both innovative and reverse
engineering. Considerable information is presented on the British derived
RD-500 jet engine, the indigenous 23 mm cannon and the overall flight capability
and handling characteristics of the Yak-23 as a weapon system.