I've never been afraid of a Yak. I haven't been playing in the MA since some time before the 38G and J were added, but even in the L, Yaks were not a big problem. I respect Yaks and I also love to fly them on occasion, but they can't compete with the 38 some key areas. I treat them like slightly more nimble, slightly slower LA-7's.
The 9U's have dragster-like acceleration and good top speed, so they can generally disengage if they see an opportunity to do so. They also have good medium speed turning characteristics, about a match for a 38. Roll rate is far superior to the 38, which gives it some good defensive options. The big disadvantage for the Yak against a 38 is that it has some bad torque effects with its light airframe and powerful engine. It can't come close to hanging with the 38 in the vertical, and the 38 will zoom climb right up its butt. Also, in a sustained turn fight that degrades to very low speeds, the 38 is going to eat it. Flaps out, the 38 is a steady gun platform flying flat circles at speeds right down to 110 mph, and for short times it can pull tighter and get under 100 mph if you've got a soft touch with the rudder. The Yak is stalling out at these speeds.
