Fargo Air Museum Adds Historic Yak-52 To Its Collection

The Russians have invaded North Dakota — or at least the Fargo Air Museum.

A Soviet Cold War-era airplane, a Yakovlev Yak-52W, is now on display at the museum, which is at Hector International Airport (KFAR) in Fargo, North Dakota.

Built from 1978-1998 in Romania by Aerostar, these planes were used as trainers for the Eastern bloc air forces and beyond, according to museum officials.

The Yak-52, designed to survive the harsh weather in the Soviet Union, uses a pneumatic system to start the engine and power other vital parts. Why? Because air doesn’t freeze like hydraulic fluid does, museum officials relate.

The Fargo Air Museum, which was founded in 2001 with the mission of promoting aviation through education, preservation, and restoration, has aircraft from all eras on display.

For more information: FargoAirMuseum.org