Yakovlev Yak-52 vs North American T-6 Texan

The North American T-6 Texan (Harvard) and Yakovlev Yak-52 are the two most popular radial warbird trainers — the T-6 the big American WWII advanced trainer, the Yak-52 the accessible Soviet aerobatic trainer.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Yakovlev Yak-52
For sale now
21
Median asking
$75,659
Range
$39,618–$122,970
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
7
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1980–2001
North American T-6 Texan
For sale now
20
Median asking
$259,000
Range
$135,940–$352,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
8
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1940–1958

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)Yakovlev Yak-52North American T-6 Texan
All events4
Serious0
Fatal3
Fatalities3
% Fatal75%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Yakovlev Yak-52 North American T-6 TEXAN
Yakovlev Yak-52
View 18 listings →
Median $75,659
North American T-6 Texan
View 1 listings →
Median $259,000
Price Range $39,618 – $122,970 $135,940 – $352,000
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 2
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 126 kts (233 km/h)
Range 300 nm (556 km) 630 nm (1,167 km)
Max Gross Weight 2,877 lbs (1,305 kg) 5,617 lbs (2,548 kg)
Engines 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Yakovlev Yak-52 or North American T-6 Texan?

Bottom line: Choose the T-6 Texan for WWII heritage, a big radial and the warbird-airshow standard; choose the Yak-52 for lower acquisition/operating cost, aerobatic agility and easier ownership. T-6 = heritage/presence; Yak-52 = accessible/aerobatic.

Pick the Yak-52 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,618 vs $135,940, you save ~$96,322.
  • More inventory — 18 listings vs 1.

Pick the T-6 Texan if…

  • Faster cruise — 126 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 630 nm vs 300 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Yakovlev Yak-52 or North American T-6 TEXAN?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Yak-52 cruises at 100 kts with 300 nm range. The T-6 TEXAN cruises at 126 kts with 630 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Yakovlev Yak-52: from $129,900. North American T-6 TEXAN: from $289,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Yakovlev Yak-52 and North American T-6 Texan?
Yak-52 engine: Vedeneyev M-14P. Cruise: 100 vs 126 kts. Range: 300 vs 630 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?
Yak-52: 2 seats. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data