A relatively new fighter aircraft on the New Zealand Warbird scene will make its Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow debut this Easter (April 15-17).

The Yakovlev-3, known as ‘Steadfast’ was bought in 2019 by Blenheim-based owners Mark O’Sullivan and Ronan Harvey from Australian owners.

The Yak-3 was one of the most feared WWII fighter aircraft due to its high speed and manoeuvrability, making it ideal in dogfights.

Co-owner Mark O’Sullivan said he was rapt to have the aircraft in New Zealand and can’t wait to show her off at Wānaka.   

Wing tip flames from ‘Steadfast’ PHOTO: Gavin Conroy

“This aircraft has it all, with her beautiful lines betraying what can be brutal performance. The addition of a great smoke system means this aircraft will be something of a show-stopper at Wānaka,” he said.

In the early 2000s brand new Yak-3s were built based on the original prototype, but this time fitted with powerful Pratt and Whitney R-2000 radial engines. The new aircraft were built in Romania and were snapped up by eager Warbird aircraft owners around the world.

‘Steadfast’ was exported to the United States in the mid-2000s and embarked on an illustrious career at the famous Reno Air Races.  

During that time the aircraft picked up nine world speed and climbing records including reaching 669km/h over a three kilometre course in Utah. In 2013 the aircraft moved to Australia before moving across the Tasman.

‘Steadfast’ will be one of two Yak-3s performing at Wānaka. Graeme Frew’s Russian fighter ‘Full Noise 35’ has been a regular at Wānaka since 2012 and is one of several Warbird aircraft which will be available for joy rides over the Easter weekend.

Find more information about the airshow here.