Nanchang CJ-6A vs Yakovlev Yak-52

The Nanchang CJ-6 and Yakovlev Yak-52 are the two classic affordable radial-engined ex-military trainers — the CJ-6 a Chinese tandem trainer, the Yak-52 a more aerobatic Soviet design with a larger flying fleet in the West.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Nanchang CJ-6A
For sale now
3
Model years available
1979–2001
Yakovlev Yak-52
For sale now
21
Median asking
$75,659
Range
$39,618–$122,970
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)Nanchang CJ-6AYakovlev Yak-52
All events64
Serious20
Fatal23
Fatalities43
% Fatal33%75%
View full Nanchang CJ-6A NTSB record →View full Yakovlev Yak-52 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Nanchang CJ-6A Yakovlev YAK-52
Nanchang CJ-6A
View 2 listings →
Median $79,900
 Yakovlev Yak-52
View 21 listings →
Median $75,659
Price Range $43,540 – $187,090 $39,618 – $122,970
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 285 HP 360 HP
Cruise Speed 160 kts (296 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 380 nm (704 km) 300 nm (556 km)
Service Ceiling 22,000 ft (6,706 m) 13,100 ft (3,993 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) 2,877 lbs (1,305 kg)
Useful Load 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 800 lbs (363 kg)
Fuel Burn 18.0 GPH (68 L/h) 14.0 GPH (53 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $45,000 —
Annual Fixed $20,000 —
Hourly Variable $200 —
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Nanchang CJ-6A

Fuel$99/hr
Variable$200/hr
Annual Fixed$20,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $60,000/yr

Yakovlev YAK-52

Fuel$77/hr

Which Should You Buy: Nanchang CJ-6A or Yakovlev Yak-52?

Bottom line: Choose the Yak-52 for stronger aerobatic capability and a bigger Western support/parts base; choose the CJ-6 for relaxed radial character, comfort and often lower cost. Yak-52 = aerobatic/support; CJ-6 = relaxed/value.

Pick the CJ-6A if…

  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 380 nm vs 300 nm.

Pick the Yak-52 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,618 vs $43,540, you save ~$3,922.
  • Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1971.
  • More inventory — 21 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, Nanchang CJ-6A or Yakovlev YAK-52?
It depends on your mission and budget. The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 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?
Nanchang CJ-6A: from $199,000. Yakovlev YAK-52: from $57,826. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Nanchang CJ-6A and Yakovlev Yak-52?
Yak-52 engine: Vedeneyev M-14P (360 hp). Cruise: 160 vs 100 kts. Range: 380 vs 300 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
CJ-6A: about $200/hr variable cost. 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?
CJ-6A: 2 seats / 1,000 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?
CJ-6A: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$45,000. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data