Strapping two airframes together to create an entirely new airplane has actually been done quite a few times in aviation history. You may know about the famous F-82 'Twin' Mustang, but have you ever heard about the Yak 110 some guys are building?
It looks crazy! Using two Yak 55's, the team assembled this hybrid that includes dual controls from either cockpit. Recently the aircraft made its first flight after a year of construction and three years of planning.
Test Flown by Len Fox, an experienced test pilot with over 54 experimental types under his belt, the patchwork Yak performed almost flawlessly. You can watch the video of the story up to these first flight here.
However, that's not where the story ends - these 'Fat Tire Cowboys' (as the team like to be known) have even bigger plans than merely strapping two aerobatic aircraft together. Namely, they want to add another engine to make it a tri-motor. 'But how?' I hear you ask. Well, turns out the plan was to slap a jet engine on the underside of this thing. Does anyone know if David Windestål or Peter Sripol have been seen wandering around this hangar?
The artist's impression of how the finished bird will look gives a good indication of the uniqueness of this project. This, however, is nothing on actually seeing and hearing the results for yourself.
This project was conceptualised by display pilot Jeff Boerboon. Now the third engine has been installed, the Yak will be gearing up to perform at airshows in 2018 in the hands of Jeff himself. What with the noise of not only the two radial engines but a turbojet as well, the spectacle should be quite something to say the least.
Let us know what you think in the comments!
Article by James Whomsley
Editor of FliteTest.com
Log In to reply
Log In to reply
Log In to reply
Log In to reply
Log In to reply