Douglas AD-4 Skyraider vs Yakovlev Yak-52
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
- For sale now
- 2
- Model years available
- 1951–1952
Yakovlev Yak-52
- For sale now
- 22
- Median asking
- $75,280
- Range
- $49,200–$125,490
- Model years available
- 1980–2001
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Douglas AD-4 Skyraider | Yakovlev Yak-52 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 4 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 3 |
| % Fatal | — | 75% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Douglas AD-4 Skyraider | Yakovlev YAK-52 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $819,514 | $49,200 – $125,490 |
| Category | Warbirds | Warbirds |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 2,700 HP | 360 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 172 kts (319 km/h) | 100 kts (185 km/h) |
| Range | 1,144 nm (2,119 km) | 300 nm (556 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 28,000 ft (8,534 m) | 13,100 ft (3,993 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg) | 2,877 lbs (1,305 kg) |
| Useful Load | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 800 lbs (363 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 100.0 GPH (378 L/h) | 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Douglas AD-4 Skyraider or Yakovlev Yak-52?
Pick the AD-4 Skyraider if…
- Faster cruise — 172 kts vs 100 kts.
- Longer range — 1144 nm vs 300 nm.
Pick the Yak-52 if…
- Budget matters — from $49,200 vs $819,514, you save ~$770,314.
- More seats — 2 vs 1.
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1951.
- More inventory — 19 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Douglas AD-4 Skyraider or Yakovlev YAK-52?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The AD-4 Skyraider cruises at 172 kts with 1,144 nm range.
The YAK-52 cruises at 100 kts with 300 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Yakovlev YAK-52: from $57,046.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Douglas AD-4 Skyraider and Yakovlev Yak-52?
AD-4 Skyraider engine: Wright R-3350-26W (2700 hp).
Yak-52 engine: Vedeneyev M-14P (360 hp).
Seats: 1 vs 2.
Cruise: 172 vs 100 kts.
Range: 1144 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
AD-4 Skyraider: 1 seats / 4,000 lb useful load.
Yak-52: 2 seats / 800 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data