JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The Aerostars are a precision aerobatic demo team whose aerial ballet captivates air show audiences large and small with a combination of graceful aerobatics flown in tight formation, spectacular breakaways followed by breath-taking opposing passes and awe-inspiring inverted maneuvers.
The team performs in the Yak 52 TW, a former Soviet designed, Romanian built, WWII-type aerobatic trainer. The YAK 52 TW is a tail wheel derivative of the famous Russian designed Yak 52 aerobatic training aircraft. Developed by the Yakolev Design Bureau, the Yak 52 quickly assumed its role as the standard trainer for most of the former Eastern Block countries. Although Russian designed, construction of the Yak 52 was sub-contracted to a Romanian aerospace manufacturer, SC Aerostar SA. More than 1800 Yak 52s have been built. The deep roar of their 400 horsepower, supercharged, nine-cylinder radial engines singing in harmony is a true crowd pleaser.
Specifications:
Powerplant: M-14PF-XDK supercharged nine cylinder air-cooled radial, 620 cubic inch displacement, 400 horsepower.
Propeller: Constant speed three bladed, 94 in. diameter
Length: 26 ft. 10 in.
Wing Span: 32 ft. 10 in.
Height: 8 Ft. 11 in.
Total Fuel Capacity: 72 U.S. gallons
Aerobatic Fuel Capacity: 41 U.S. gallons