New - the SP-55M The SP-55M is a redesign of the popular YAK-55M  by Slava Kondratiev, himself the original designer of the YAK 55, and subsequently of the renowned Sukhoi aerobatic aircraft. Based on the well-proven YAK 55 airframe, it incorporates a host of modifications giving considerably enhanced performance and indeed it is a genuine Unlimited level competition or airshow aircraft at well under half the price of a new Sukhoi 31.

Changes from standard Yak-55M 

1.      Redesigned and more streamlined canopy. 

2.      Raised “turtle-deck” behind the canopy, incorporating the fillets for the horizontal and vertical stabilisers. 

3.      Modified wing-tips. 

4.      Totally new aileron manufactured in composites, without the external horn balance and with a new offset compensating balance. 

5.      Similarly new elevator and rudder, with new profile, and composite skin. 

6.      Fully castoring tail-wheel with locking mechanism. 

7.      Reclining pilot seat, with adjustment giving more leg-room simultaneously with head-room. 

8.      Seat equipped for a National parachute. 

9.      Iris type cooling-gills as per Sukhoi. 

10.  Luggage compartment behind pilot. 

11.  New instrument panel, incorporating full instruments, including clock, fuel gauges etc. 

12.  New pilot harness. 

13.  Light-weight (10 Amp) electrical system with light-weight battery. 

14.  Fitted with VHF radio.  . 

15.  Stainless-steel fire-wall. 

16.  Modified lubrication system conforming to FAR part 23 (with fire protection on all flexible hoses). 

17.  Modified fuel system, incorporating electric fuel-gauges and also a low-fuel warning system. 

18.  Modified pneumatic system incorporating an on-board compressor. 

19.  Modified control stick. 

20.  Controllable oil-cooler. 

21.  Easier steps for entering the aircraft.   

22.  M14X engine (without propeller adaptor flange)  or factory new M14PF (400hp) engine 

23.  MTV9 3-blade propeller.

New SP-55M Single Seat Aerobatic Aeroplane

The SP-55M is a new aerobatic aeroplane, largely based on the very successful Yak-55M, but having been significantly redesigned and updated by Slava Kondratiev who was of course the original designer of the Yak-55 (and also the designer of the current range of Sukhoi aircraft).

The SP-55M incorporates all the design virtues of the Yak-55, including its rugged and easy to maintain structure but, in addition:

·         It has totally new carbon fibre/kevlar control surfaces which give 20% faster roll, 10% greater pitching authority and 35% greater yawing authority, all with the same control forces.

·         The rate of climb increased from under 3100 ft per minute to about 3600 ft per minute (with M14PF engine).

·         The empty weight of the aircraft is decreased.

·         It is equipped with a lightweight electrical system and a self-contained air-charging system, which incorporates a cockpit water-drain.

·         It has Sukhoi-type “iris” cooling gills for greater efficiency, as well as adjustable oil cooling.

·         It has a redesigned cockpit, which is much more comfortable and easier to use.

·         It is fully equipped, as delivered with a self-contained smoke system, radio and MTV9–260 three-blade propeller.

·         It has a large luggage compartment behind the pilot.  

·         Through re-designing the fuselage and canopy a much more attractive appearance has been achieved.

·         It has a new pilot’s seat with a greater degree of inclination, making it far more comfortable under high “G”.

We would emphasise that, although the basic design of the aircraft is very much based on all the proven strengths of the Yak-55M, the SP-55M is a totally new aircraft and examples we offer are brand new aircraft – i.e. not, in any way, modified older Yaks.

Our view is that, equipped with the 400 HP M14 PF engine, the SP-55 M will provide almost identical performance to a new Sukhoi SU-31 aircraft for under half the price.

SP-55M & YAK-55M Comparison Data 

* Control Forces are not increased