Designed in the early 1960s as a feederliner to replace Lisunov Li-2s (Soviet-built DC-3s), the Yakovlev Yak-40 was required to operate from grass airfields or semi-prepared strips. The resulting aircraft has high-lift lightly-loaded wings and, for added safety, three- rather than two-engined powerplant. In configuration, the Yak-40 is a cantilever low-wing monoplane with retractable tricycle landing gear, rear-mounted engines and with accommodation for a flight crew of two or three and up to 32 passengers. The provision of a ventral rear door with airstair makes it possible to operate the Yak-40 from airfields with minimum facilities, and an onboard auxiliary power unit makes the type independent of ground equipment for engine starting and the maintenance of cabin heating and air-conditioning. The first flight of the prototype was made on 21 October 1966, the type entering revenue service with Aeroflot on 30 September 1968. When production ended in 1976 over 800 had been built. The majority of these are still in service in 1993, with both military and civilian operators. The type has the NATO reporting name 'Codling'.

3-View

A three-view drawing (882 x 1398)