Warbird Information Exchange

Anybody know if Wild Blue Aviation is still doing those custom ordered CJs? That'd be nice!

Also, anyone have any good Round Engine books they can recommend?

Hi there
Get in touch with the cold war air museum in lancaster. Pay a few bucks to go down there and fly the CJ and the Yak-52 and decide for yourself which one you like better. You can do pretty much anything you want to do with the standard 285 hp Huosai engine with a little proper energy management.

See cj acro here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt16_i_IcOQ

I know of several -52 owners who have traded in for CJ's. I don't know of anyone who has sold a CJ and bought a -52. Fuel flow is 14 gph or less when leaned. PM if I can answer any questions.

-Robert
Nanchang CJ-6A N8016Q

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All I did was press this red button here...

I own one of each. In fairness, I have a tenth share of a -52 and half a CJ. They are comparable aircraft to a certain degree but very different in a lot of respects.

The -52 is an aerobatic trainer. The CJ is a basic trainer. As such, they are quite different although they both stem from the same lineage. The wing is the key as the -52 has a straight wing with ailerons which cover just short of half the span (you need some rudder to get a decent rate of roll though). The CJ has a gull wing with a lower roll rate but it is much more forgiving.

The -52 has the big engine as standard so has an impressive climb rate, although the rivets and the semi-retractable gear mean it won't cruise comfortably at more than about 125kts. At an equivalent power setting, the CJ will do 140-145kts, although it doesn't have the climb rate. Interestingly, Vne on the -52 is 40kts faster and the G-limits are greater than the CJ, provided it has had the spar mod. If you want to tumble and fly for 30 minutes at a go, buy a -52. If you want to do big-sky warbird aeros and tour a bit, buy a CJ.

Unfortunately in my part of the world, we are (currently) banned from putting the M14P in the front of a CJ, so we have to stick with 285hp. Certain mods are approved (western plugs and electronic ignition) which will boost it to about 300hp but that's our lot (seriously, does anyone know where I can source a 400hp HS-6K?). That said, I feel it is much better harmonised than the -52 although nominally it is less capable as an aerobatic machine. My six minute display routine works out energy neutral. Believe me, it covers the ground significantly more quickly than a -52 though.

I like them both but I can see the -52 share being sold at some point. The CJ is a keeper (I can't afford a P-51).

The spar strap is added to increase the max G load from 5+ -3 to 7+,-5. As for the engine their is no set TBO, The Russians rebuilt the engine at 500 hours but that is by no means necessary. As for fuel burn its around 9GPH at cruise. The Yak is a great plane and a blast to fly. Been flying one since 2008.