YAK 3 Designed in 1943 by the A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau, it was a single engine, single pilot fighter plane. It was robustly built with high power to weight ratio which made it a formidable fighter and was loved by pilot and ground crews as well. Some would claim it was superior to the P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire. Built in many variants including a radial engine version, the YAK 3 stayed in production until 1952.