Originally posted by Oleg
Some Yak-3 got VK-107A engine and they was faster than Yak-9U, but they number was low (<50)
http://www.wio.ru/tacftr/yak.htm
Agreed....Vk107 had 2 prototypes built in early 44 performance was superb but the VK107 proved very unreliable and the Yak 3 went into production with the Vk105-2.
In Spring of 45 Tblisis was tasked to take up the VK107A and begin limited production of an all metal Yak3 which was not tested until may (11th).
Only 40 such machines were completed prior to end of 45..a further 30 during the Spring of 46. Infact they were dogged with problems.......
The VK107 could not in this incarnation be run at WEP.
Manouverability was poor and in combat simulations it failed to surpass the the Vk105-2 powered yak 3 and its stick forces made it manouverability inferior to the then out dated Spit IX.
A few more were made but the whole project dropped in mid 46.
(Gordon)