Yak-9P

[Theodor]

Unfortunately I do not know those things. The Il-2 is planned for partial restoration, most likely in 2009. Fixing external damages, repainting, sealing, etc. Not a major restoration, but for sure will make it look better and not deteriorate further at least for a decade. A group of local enthusiasts does it with their own money and hands, here is their work on a Mig-17 in the Museum. For sure the work on the Il-2 is much more, but will be done, too! They plan to restore first a couple of Yak-23 and a few more birds and then will come the turn of the Il-2.

Here, Before /it was even worse than seen on the photo/ and After:

[kurlannaiskos]

Thank You , Theodor
do you have any idea how to get in contact with this museum and/or this restoration team?
the problem here is that I only read/write/speak English.

[Theodor]

The museum - difficult!

But the aviation enthusiasts - you can register and write here: http://airgroup2000.com/forum/index.php?f=4

You can write in English, many people speak it.

If you can't read how to register, you an send me by PM a username and some password, also maybe your Email address - and I can complete the registration.

[Franek Grabowski]

I think that there were full metal Yak-9Us and it depended on production batch/block. Theodor, could you verify if the MiG is actually a Polish built LiM-5P? I know that some Polish built aircraft were delivered to Bulgaria.
By the way, do you know where to ask about agent drops and aerial incursions into Bulgaria during the Cold War?

[kurlannaiskos]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

I think that there were full metal Yak-9Us and it depended on production batch/block.

NO !
much of the Yak-9U program was 'stolen' from the Yak-3.
this means wooden skins for the wings and a rear fuselage made mostly from wood.
(both the skin and the structural stringers)

the Yak-9P has a wing with metal spars and skins.
the first 29 or 30 (one serial number is repeated(?)) Yak-9P's has wooden rear fuselages, the ex-Bulgarian machine currently on display at Monino is one of these.
the wooden rear fuselage confuses a lot of people and they often mis-label it a Yak-9U.

[Theodor]

Originally Posted by Franek Grabowski

I think that there were full metal Yak-9Us and it depended on production batch/block. Theodor, could you verify if the MiG is actually a Polish built LiM-5P? I know that some Polish built aircraft were delivered to Bulgaria.
By the way, do you know where to ask about agent drops and aerial incursions into Bulgaria during the Cold War?

I do not know /have very little interest in postwar kites/, but will ask and tell here. As for the Cold War, I will start a thread about that and see if will get any reaction. If get information I will translate and put here.

[Theodor]

Moderators please excuse me for dragging the thread in non-Yak direction, but anyway the Yak discussion was an old one

The guys are helpful, gave information about the 17 - this one is Soviet. And there are at least 3 examples of lim-5 preserved in the country - one in the same Aviation museum, one at the entrance of the Besmer af base and one in Bresovo /it is on the photo here:/

http://pic.bgspotters.net/?id=5961

[Franek Grabowski]

Indeed it looks Yak-9Us were plywood covered, but longerons were metal in all Yak-9s and fuselage's structure was always steel, 30HGSA alloy I believe.

[Franek Grabowski]

Thanks for both. The LiM looks a little bit sad, but it has a very interesting markings!

[Theodor]

I think the markings are all wrong. After 1990 on many monument and museum aircraft the red star was replaced with the 3-color roundel. No matter of the bad feelings I have about the red stars, I think the aircraft must have the stars and nothing else, after all it was the official AF emblem when the aircraft flew.

The condition is not bad. With some work and care will shine like new. This is sad:

http://pic.bgspotters.net/?id=13923

And this is sad: http://pic.bgspotters.net/?id=13919

a shame what became of those old birds! Those two MIGs had the bad luck to be monuments in some wild villages /where some commie partisan or pilot was born, most likely/ and this is the result.