the North-Western front, where they proved highly successful both in air-to-air combat and ground attack. Variants Ya-27 two-seat prototype converted from a pre-serial I-26 Yak-7UTI initial two-seat communication/trainer version, 186 built in 1941 Yak-7V (vyvoznoy) two-seat trainer; 510 built in 1942/43 + 87 converted from Yak-7B Yak-7 single-seat fighter version, based on the Yak-7UTI, armor + more guns added, small number built 1941/42 Yak-7-37After trials in April–May 1942, a small batch of 22 Yak-7-37s was authorised, fitted with a MPSh-37 cannon, (MPSh - motornaya pushka Shpital'novo - engine mounted Shpital'nyy cannon), mounted between the engine cylinder blocks, firing through the propeller spinner. Two UBS machine guns were also fitted in the forward fuselage firing above the engine. Yak-7A improved Yak-7, about 300 built in early 1942 Yak-7B upgraded version of Yak-7A (reduced wingspan, simplified landing gear, better equipment), about 5,000 were built. Yak-7D long range prototype, development basis for the Yak-7DI/Yak-9. Yak-7K courier VIP transport version. converted from Yak-7B, 1944. Yak-7U Mark Yak-7PVRD experimental - had two DM-4 ramjet under wings, top speed: . Two were built. Yak-7DI long range fighter, redesignated Yak-9. Yak-7 M-82 - new (M-82) engine version. tested in 1941. Yak-7R Jet project with one liquid fuel jet and two ramjets. 1942. Yak-7R purported jet version of Yak-7 with Jumo 004 engine. Said to have been built in Tbilisi to fly over Red Square at the parade in 1947. Yak-7R Yak-3 with Jumo 004 turbojet. Development started not later than 1945. First flown in 1946? Yak-7T two aircraft for testing engine mounted heavy cannons (NS-37 and NS-45 and calibre respectively). Operators Albanian Air Force 1945 operated 20 Yak-7V two-seat trainer. And 30 Yak-7A improved Yak-7 single-seat fighter enter service. Total 50. Free French Air Force operated some in the Normandie-Niemen squadron Bulgarian Air Force operated three Yak-7V. Hungarian Air Force operated one Yak-7V for familiarization with the Yak-9 fighter. Mongolian People's Air Force operated some aircraft as trainers The Polish Air Force in Soviet Union operated a few Yak-7Bs for training in the 1st Fighter Regiment "Warszawa". Several Yak-7Vs were used for training and courier duties. Yak-7s were operated by the Polish Air Force between September 1943 till September 23, 1946. Soviet Air Force SFR Yugoslav Air Force operated two Yak-7V. Specifications (Yak-7A M-105PA) See also References Notes Bibliography Gordon, Yefim and Dmitri Khazanov. Soviet Combat Aircraft of the Second World War, Volume One: Single-Engined Fighters. Earl