Yakovlev Yak-3 World War II-era Soviet Fighter Aircraft

In 2017, New Zealand owner/pilot Graeme Frew became the first person in history to qualify for the Gold race at their first Reno Championship Air Races (Nevada, USA). The Yakovlev Yak-3 is a World War II-era Soviet fighter aircraft that became the scourge of Germany’s Luftwaffe when the type entered service in 1944 – its top speed is over 400mph.

This Yak had raced at Reno previously, but was seriously damaged in an accident during take-off in 1999. Frew bought the remains of the aircraft and had it rebuilt at Omaka in New Zealand.

Reno is one of the few remaining places where air racing (known as the world’s fastest motorsport) is still undertaken. Most aircraft in the Unimited classes are ex-WW2 era fighters .

This aircraft which is now dubbed ‘Full Noise’, is one of the few Reno racers that you can ride in. If you’re keen on an adrenaline pumping flight in this aircraft see: http://www.fighterflights.co.nz

‘Full Noise’ is shown here during a flight at held at Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim, New Zealand.

Source: YouTube