picture 170871

The Yakovlev Yak-9M prop fighter saw intense service with the VVS in both the front-line and training role. In the former, it was augmented by the more modern Yak-9P, delivered second-hand in 1950, mainly used as night-fighters to counter the sharply increased violations of Bulgarian airspace from Greece and Turkey. The Bulgarian air arm reported no fewer than seven fatal accidents with the Yak-9M/D/P while two more pilots managed to bail out safely with parachutes during the type’s nine years of service. In addition, at least ten more aircraft were damaged beyond repair in hard landings. This aircraft wears the Soviet-style national insignia, adopted in late 1949.