The Soviet Yak-12A light aircraft made its first flight in 1947, and when production ended in 1958, a total of 3800 Yak-12 had been produced for the Soviet Army and civil users. Soviet Army was using Yak-12 for liaison and observation duties in direct support of ground forces. The aircraft was produced under a licensing agreement in China as Shenjang type 5 and in Poland. From 1956 to 1960 the WSK-4 Okecie (Warsaw-Poland) manufactured 1054 Yak-12M and 137 Yak-12A from Soviet license for military and civil owners. In civil service aircraft was used in pilot training, gliders bug, agricultural, courier and ambulance service. Between 1960 and 1969 WSK-4 Okecie built a 325 new improved agricultural version as PZL-101 "Gawron".