The Yakovlev UT-1 was developed by a design team led by K.V. Singlecikov as a single seat light aircraft for training fighter pilots in basic combat tactics. Although the prototype was powered by a 100 hp. M.11 5 cylinder radial engine, production models had the more powerful 115 hp. M-11G and later the 150 hp. M.11E engine. Production began in 1936, and a total of 1241 of all variants was produced.

Most UT-1’s were delivered directly to fighter pilot schools, although the airplane’s performance, (It must have been a lot of fun to fly) led to its acquisition by various high level unit commanders as a “hack” airplane. During the war, the Naval Air School Technical Workshops converted approximately 25 tol armed interdiction aircraft, with two ShKas 7.62 mm. machine guns mounted above the wings, and rails for four RS082 rocket missiles under the wings, These were designated UT-1b, and were used by the 23^rd and 46^th Air Wings of the Black Sea Fleet for night interdiction and nuisance attacks during the summer of 1942. Later, the Yakovlev OKB built an armed version which had a longer fuselage, a larger vertical stabilizer, and one or two ShKas machine guns mounted in the nose. One of these enlarged UT-1’s survived the war , and is preserved in the Yakovlev Museum. This aircraft can be built from the kit, using the alternate fuselage provided.

Pavla does a fine job of providing excellent instructions and assembly drawings for this kit. The instructions consist of four standard sheets containing a good historical sketch in Polish and English. A useful sprue diagram, 6 pages of assembly drawings, and six sheets of four view drawings for camouflage and marking information. Decals are provided for four aircraft, including;

1. UT-1b, #47025, White 10, flown by Sgt. V>V> Prozer, 46^th Air Wing, Gaidvic Airfield, used for night attack, 1942 through 1944.

2. UT-1b White 4, Tested on skis by 23^rd Air wing, 1942.

3. UT-1.02 Prototype. Rebuilt and exhibited at Yakovlev OKB Museum.

4. UT-1. Red 2. Used by high ranking officers of Western Aviation Region, probably 1940 Unarmed, but ij brilliant white and red scheme and wheel pants.

The kit consists of 31 injection molded parts, (not all will be used), one vacuform canopy (two types), and 12 resin parts. Surface detail is light but very realistic, and there is some flash to be trimmed, but nothing a moderately skilled modeler can’t handle. Extra parts are easily identified, and drawings show which parts are to be used on each specific variant. A few small items need to be scratchbuilt, and some struts must be fabricated from plastic rod or strip, although instructions are clearly given, with dimensions provides in mm. The kit appears to be very accurate, although I am using only the kit instructions for reference. I assume that they used the museum airplane for reference.