Waystin, can you please explain the excitement over the Yak-3?
Indeed much of the Yak3 V105 PF-2 performance envelope is not too dissimilar from the Yak 9U V107. Indeed peak speeds are slightly higher on the Yak9U. However...........
The Yak 3 was considerably lighter (450/500 kg)with about the same power to weight ratio the Yak 3 had slightly less wing area (14.85/17.15) due to shorter wings than allother Yaks.
The Yak3 V105PF-2 seems to not have the top speed of the Yak9U but gave better acceleration at lower speeds, better turn rate by 2 secs/360 degrees and a better overall climb rate to 5000m even than the La7.
Its visibility out the cockpit rear was marginally better than all other Yaks. Out the front is had no armoured galss panel giving an unobstructed view when taking lead shots.
IMO (in game) it will be a far better furball tool than the Yak9U