MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax-AVN) - The first upgraded YAK-52M will begin flight tests in December, a competent source in the Yakovlev Design Bureau told Interfax-Military News Agency Monday.
"Airing of the first modernized YAK-52M is scheduled for December at the airfield of the Ivanovo aircraft repairs plant," the source said.
He said that if the maiden flight was successful the state flight tests would begin in December. These tests will last for four months, he said.
According to the source, two YAK-52s could be upgraded into the YAK-52M version next year.
The YAK-52M is being designed to meet the requirements of the Air Force. It has a maximal range of 900km and better flight performances than the baseline aircraft. About 30 percent of onboard equipment have been replaced, for example the gyro horizon, friend-or-foe transponder, directional system, and radio station. In addition, the derivative has jettisonable canopy and SKS-94MYa ejection seats, and several other systems. The upgrade is worth about USD85,000.
The YAK-52 trainer used to be made under license by Romanian Aerostar aircraft repairs plant. About 1,800 aircraft were made in 1979-1998.