In the incident captured on video, a Yak-52 can be seen hovering over a falling drone, which it shot down with a precision shot.
Originally designed as a sport and training aircraft, the Yak-52 lacks conventional armament and sighting systems. However, the second crew member of the aircraft, armed only with a rifle, showed great skill in accurately targeting and destroying the spy drone.
With a top speed of 470km/h and a flight endurance of up to 2.5 hours, the Yak-52 is a very agile and durable aircraft, perfect for intercepting and tracking drones flying at relatively low speeds. Despite the Yak-52’s primary role as a training platform, its versatility and maneuverability have been of great use in combating air threats.
Designed using design elements from early Soviet postwar fighters, including a tandem cockpit and tricycle landing gear, the Yak-52 has a fuel and lubrication system capable of sustaining a “legs-up” flight of up to two minutes. Thanks to these features, as well as a solid structure and an efficient engine, the Yak-52 can easily fly in a variety of operational conditions, according to the Defense Blog.
