Russians have converted a Yak-52 training aircraft to counter drones

The Russians have converted the Yak-52 training aircraft into a light fighter, the Yak-52B2, to counter long-range kamikaze drones.

Russian propaganda military correspondents reported on this.

“One of the Russian research and design bureaus specializing in aircraft construction has performed a major upgrade of the Yak-52 training aircraft, modifying it into the Yak-52B2, an aircraft designed to counter UAVs. The modernization was based on the experience of creating the Yak-52B light attack aircraft during the Afghan War,” the report stated.

It is claimed that following the upgrade, the aircraft can carry a payload of 90 kg under each wing. The payload consists of an omnidirectional radar and a semi-automatic 12-gauge carbine for shooting down drones.

With this set, the light-engine Yak-52B2 can supposedly strike Ukrainian An-196 UAVs and light-engine aircraft in unmanned mode.

However, it should be noted that no radar is visible on the modernized aircraft in the published photos. Instead, OSINT researchers have identified a PEGRAM S400 surveillance system. In addition, the use of a 12-gauge carbine as onboard weaponry raises legitimate questions about its ability to counter large UAVs and the safety of shooting down kamikaze drones from extremely close range.

Also, the published photos from the cockpit do not show any sighting equipment or screens for displaying information from optical stations or radar. Only an electronic auto stabilizer has been added.

In addition, the statement that the experience of creating the Yak-52B light attack aircraft during the Afghan war was used as a basis for the modernization raises certain questions. This experience showed that the Yak-52 was unsuitable for creating a light attack aircraft. The recoil of machine guns and automatic cannons proved too strong for this aircraft, and attempts to install unguided air-to-air missiles made the aircraft dangerous to fly during launch attempts.

Cockpit of the Yak-52B2. Photo credits: @mag_vodograyIt has been announced that the Yak-52B2 already has a certificate of airworthiness and is undergoing testing to fine-tune its onboard equipment.

Despite the rather strange Russian modernization option, the Yak-52 is well suited for countering drones, as it has a low stall speed of 100–140 kilometers per hour.

This allows the aircraft’s pilot to effectively match the drone’s speed, providing sufficient time to fire.

Thus, the Ukrainian Defense Forces used aircraft of this type to intercept reconnaissance drones in the Odesa region. The pilot matched the Russian drone’s speed, while the second crew member shot it down with small arms.