1952 Yakovlev Yak-11: A Show Warbird Classic in Pristine Condition

The 1952 Yakovlev Yak-11, registration number N2124X, is an exceptional representation of post-war military aviation — a Show Warbird that blends striking ramp presence with historical value and operational reliability. With its gleaming black livery, red lightning bolt, and Cold War-era Soviet insignia, this aircraft doesn’t just fly — it makes a statement. Built under license as part of the Yakovlev/HALEY collaboration, this Yak-11 is a clean, mechanically sound warbird with deep roots in military training history and a long-standing reputation for rugged performance and impressive speed. It will be offered at auction from July 30 to August 6, 2025, with a starting bid of $170,000, 5% buyer premium, and a $5,000 deposit required.

History of the Yak-11: Cold War Trainer Turned Collector Icon

The Yak-11, developed by the Soviet Yakovlev Design Bureau, was born out of wartime necessity and postwar evolution. Originally conceived as an advanced trainer, it was a direct development of the Yak-3, one of the Soviet Union’s most celebrated WWII fighters. Introduced in 1946, the Yak-11 retained the agile airframe characteristics of its predecessor while substituting a more economical and reliable Shvetsov radial engine in place of the Yak-3’s inline powerplant. This design shift made the aircraft ideal for training and aerobatic instruction while still providing the feel of a front-line combat machine.

More than 3,800 Yak-11s were produced by the Soviet Union and its satellite nations, including Czechoslovakia, where many were designated as C-11s. These aircraft became a staple in Warsaw Pact air forces, NATO intelligence briefings, and eventually, the warbird and airshow circuits of the Western world. Surviving examples today are highly sought-after for their rare combination of historical relevance, impressive handling, and ramp appeal.

The Yakovlev Design Bureau: A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1934 by Alexander Yakovlev, the Yakovlev Design Bureau became one of the Soviet Union’s most prolific military aircraft manufacturers. Best known for its legendary fighters like the Yak-1, Yak-3, and Yak-9, Yakovlev was instrumental in the Soviet war effort during World War II. The Bureau continued to innovate into the Cold War era, producing aircraft for both combat and training purposes.

The Yak-11 marked a significant post-war milestone for Yakovlev: it was the first aircraft to bridge WWII combat experience with Cold War-era pilot training. Its adaptability and reliability earned it recognition in over 20 countries. Today, Yakovlev’s designs are celebrated among warbird collectors and historians, and the Yak-11 remains one of the few trainer aircraft to command the reverence of a fighter.

The Show Warbird: Not Just a Warbird — A Statement

This particular Yak-11 stands out not only for its heritage but also for its pristine condition and striking ramp presence. Described as a “Show Warbird”, it exemplifies the ideal balance between historical authenticity and mechanical excellence. With only 78 hours since major overhaul (SMOH) on the engine and 198 hours since overhaul on the propeller, this aircraft is more than just a museum piece — it’s airworthy, clean, and ready to fly.

A fresh condition inspection completed in June 2025 confirms its airworthiness. It has been housed in a hangar continuously, eliminating exposure to elements and corrosion. The second owner has cared for it meticulously over the past 24 years, ensuring every detail is preserved to high standards.

Airframe

The airframe, serial number 102146, has 5,446 total hours, a testament to its long service life and structural durability. The aircraft is classified as Experimental Exhibition, appropriate for its historical status and modern use in airshows and special events. It boasts internal outboard tanks with approximately 120 gallons of usable fuel, providing a range of 500 statute miles (434 nautical miles). The useful load is 1,146 pounds, and performance specs include a cruise speed between 200–275 mph and stall speeds of 100 mph clean, 90 mph with flaps.

Its design retains the original feel of a WWII fighter while offering increased reliability and manageable handling, ideal for experienced warbird pilots.

Engine

Powering this Yak-11 is a Pratt & Whitney R-2000-4 radial engine, producing 1,450 hp at 2700 rpm, with 1,600 hp at 2800 rpm in high-performance applications. This engine, serial number BP-701766, has only 78 hours SMOH, with a total case time of 6,848 hours. The last overhaul was completed on December 3, 2013, ensuring the engine is both recent and reliable. The R-2000 is a proven powerplant known for its ruggedness and smooth operation — ideal for airshow performance and cross-country reliability.

Propeller

The aircraft features a Hamilton Standard 43D50 three-blade, constant-speed aluminum propeller. This unit, serial number 204679, is matched with blades numbered N693879, N693880, and N693881, all using the 6915A-16 design. With only 198 hours since overhaul, completed by A.C. Propeller Service, Inc. on August 17, 2001, the propeller provides smooth and efficient power delivery. It complements the R-2000 perfectly, offering excellent performance across the entire flight envelope.

Avionics

The aircraft is equipped with a dual-seat instrument panel setup for pilot and rear-seat passenger or instructor. The front seat features:

• Bendix King KX-155 NAV/COM
  
• Bendix King KT-76A Transponder
  
• BendixKing VOR/LOC
  
• Garmin GDL (ADS-B Out)
  
• Classic six-pack: RPM gauge, airspeed, attitude indicator, altimeter, vertical speed, turn coordinator, heading indicator
  
• Manifold pressure, oil pressure/temperature, and fuel pressure gauges
  

The rear seat mirrors essential instrumentation, enabling dual-control operation:

• Airspeed, attitude, and heading indicators
  
• Altimeter, vertical speed, RPM, manifold pressure
  
• Combination gauge for oil temperature, oil pressure, and fuel pressure
  
• Turn coordinator
  

This configuration supports both solo display flights and instructional/tandem operations, making it flexible for owners who wish to train others or share the experience.

Exterior

Visually, the aircraft is a standout on any ramp or in any hangar. The black base coat is broken by a bold red lightning bolt with yellow trim on both sides of the fuselage, evoking speed and power. Red stars with yellow outlines adorn both fuselage sides and the upper/lower wings, harkening back to its Soviet military heritage. The attention to detail in the livery and paint condition reinforces its status as a true Show Warbird — an aircraft built to impress, both in the sky and on the ground.

Interior

The interior features gray cockpit walls with black seats, maintaining a utilitarian military aesthetic. It’s a working warbird cockpit: simple, rugged, and focused on function. The cockpit’s two-seat tandem configuration is ideal for demonstration flights, dual instruction, or simply sharing the thrill of vintage flight with a guest.

Additional Features

This Yak-11 comes equipped with a long list of extra features, spare parts, and tools — reinforcing its value as both a flyable warbird and a collector’s piece:

• High-pressure air/nitrogen system for gear and flap operation
  
• Cleveland King Air hydraulic brakes
  
• Triple head Cornelius air pump
  
• Marine glass mat long-life 24V batteries
  
• Engine pre-oiler
  
• Electric retractable tailwheel
  
• Onboard oxygen system for PIC
  
• Tow bar, jack stands, parachute, fire extinguisher
  
• Spare nitrogen steel bottle, spare tail wheel, and two spare main tires
  
• Fuel pump with overhauled electric motor
  
• Spare piston and cylinder assembly for the R-2000 engine
  
• New spare overhauled starter
  
• Container of gaskets and small engine parts
  
• Half barrel of Aeroshell 120W with dispenser
  
• Airshow collateral and documentation
  

Importantly, there are no incident dates, missing logbooks, or known corrosion, a testament to the aircraft’s long-term storage in a hangar and meticulous care.

Auction Details

This aircraft will be sold through Airspace Auctions during a dedicated event running from July 30 to August 6, 2025. The starting bid is $170,000, and a 5% buyer’s premium applies. A $5,000 deposit is required to register for bidding. With only two owners and nearly 25 years of dedicated care by the current owner, N2124X is positioned to be one of the most attractive warbirds available this auction season.

Final Approach: Why This Yak-11 Is the Ultimate Show Warbird

If you’re looking for a warbird that combines ramp appeal, historical value, and mechanical excellence, this 1952 Yakovlev Yak-11 delivers. It’s clean, airworthy, and ready for airshow circuits, private warbird collections, or personal flying enjoyment. With a powerful radial engine, recent inspections, and no corrosion, it’s a turnkey solution for any warbird enthusiast or collector.

The Yak-11 is more than just a vintage aircraft — it’s a flying piece of history. And this example, N2124X, is ready for its next mission. Whether that’s a museum, an airshow circuit, or a personal hangar is up to the winning bidder.

Bid confidently. Fly proudly. Own a Show Warbird that commands attention.

Specifications and/or descriptions are provided as introductory information only and do not constitute representations or warranties. Verification of specifications remain the sole responsibility of purchaser.