Issue: Russia USSR A Symbol of Soviet Aerobatic Aviation 1986 Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Stamps Denomination: 20 Kopecks
Issue Date: 1983
Issued By: Russia POST
Yak-50 A Remarkable Sports Aircraft
The Yak-50 is the main subject of this colourful Soviet postage stamp. Designed by the Yakovlev design bureau it was created as a high-performance aircraft for sports and aerobatic flying. Its compact shape and powerful engine made it well suited to demanding manoeuvres in the air.
The aircraft shown here has a clean single-seat design with a strong red and white appearance. Soviet stars can be seen on the wings and tail which give the model a distinctive national character. The bright blue background also makes the aircraft stand out clearly.
The Yak-50 became known within the world of aerobatic aviation for its impressive handling and performance. Its appearance on this issue reflects the importance given to aviation technology and competitive flying during the Soviet period.
The Yakovlev Aircraft Collection
This stamp was part of a five-stamp series released in November 1986. The collection presented several sports aircraft associated with the Yakovlev design bureau. Other aircraft included the Ya-1, UT-2, Yak-18 and Yak-55. The denominations ranged from 4 to 30 kopecks.
The series gives collectors a small visual history of Soviet sports aviation. Each design focuses on a different aircraft and presents it in a clear colourful format. The Yak-50 received the 20 kopecks value.
The artwork for the series was created by Yuri Levinovsky. The stamps were printed using gravure printing on coated paper. The Yak-50 stamp had a reported printing of about 3.1 million copies.
A Colorful Piece of Soviet Aviation History
The 1986 issue combines engineering with attractive stamp design. The aircraft is shown in flight with its propeller turning and its wings spread across the blue sky. This creates a strong feeling of movement even in the small space of a postage stamp.
For collectors this issue is interesting because it represents both the Yakovlev aircraft tradition and the history of Soviet sports flying. The five-stamp series also makes the design part of a wider aviation theme.
The 20 kopecks Yak-50 stamp is therefore a fine example of Soviet aviation philately. Its bold colours simple aircraft profile and connection with aerobatic history make it an appealing item for collectors interested in aircraft and Soviet-era postage.