Mating the German BMW 003 engine with proven Yak-3 airframe, Yakovlev Yak-15 allowed Soviet pilots to convert to jets, but its undercarriage with the tail wheel was outdated. The Yak-17 had a nosewhell chassis configuration more suitable for the jet fighter. Both this and the development of the yak-17UTI two-seat trainer helped VVS to enter the jet age.