Yakovlev Yak-52 vs Nanchang CJ-6A

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

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
Nanchang CJ-6A
For sale now
3
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
1
Source marketplaces
2
Model years available
1979–2001

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)Yakovlev Yak-52Nanchang CJ-6A
All events46
Serious02
Fatal32
Fatalities34
% Fatal75%33%
View full Yakovlev Yak-52 NTSB record →View full Nanchang CJ-6A NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Yakovlev Yak-52 Nanchang CJ-6A
Yakovlev Yak-52
View 18 listings →
Median $75,659
 Nanchang CJ-6A
View 3 listings →
Median $79,900
Price Range $39,618 – $122,970 $43,540 – $187,090
Category Warbirds Warbirds
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Cruise Speed 100 kts (185 km/h) 160 kts (296 km/h)
Range 300 nm (556 km) 380 nm (704 km)
Max Gross Weight 2,877 lbs (1,305 kg) 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg)
Fuel Burn — 18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
TBO — 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $45,000
Annual Fixed — $20,000
Hourly Variable — $200
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Yakovlev Yak-52

Nanchang CJ-6A

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

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

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 Yak-52 if…

  • Budget matters — from $39,618 vs $43,540, you save ~$3,922.
  • Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1971.
  • More inventory — 18 listings vs 3.

Pick the CJ-6A if…

  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 380 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 Nanchang CJ-6A?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Yak-52 cruises at 100 kts with 300 nm range. The CJ-6A cruises at 160 kts with 380 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Yakovlev Yak-52: from $129,900. Nanchang CJ-6A: from $79,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Yakovlev Yak-52 and Nanchang CJ-6A?
Yak-52 engine: Vedeneyev M-14P. Cruise: 100 vs 160 kts. Range: 300 vs 380 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?
Yak-52: 2 seats. CJ-6A: 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?
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