The Yak-40 was designed as a jet replacement for the miscellany of piston types which served short range schedules in Russia in the early 1960’s, including the Antonov AN-2, Ilyushin IL-14 and the Lisunov Li-2. The type entered service with Aeroflot in 1968 and was built in a number of series, each differing in payload capacity. First series aircraft had a maximum take-off weight of 28,990lb(13,150kg) and the second series (from 1969) had a maximum take-off weight of 32,407lb(14,700kg). More than 500 Yak-40’s remain airworthy. The example illustrated below is in the markings of the Czech Air Force.

                                 0260                c/n                                    Russia  Photo: Henk Wadman

32 seat regional transport first flown in 1966

Engines: 3x 3300lb.s.t.(14.7kN) Ivchenko AI-25                                                                                Length: 66’10"(20.36m)                                                                                        Height: 21’4"(6.5m)Wingspan: 82’0"(25.0m)                                                                                               No.built: 940+ Range: 900miles(1450km)                                                              Cruising speed: 292mph(470kmh) Empty weight: 20,725lb(9400kg)                                      Maximum take-off weight: 35,275lb(16,000kg)

I-JAKA                c/n 9020409                              

Yakovlev Yak-40 Side view 1/144 scale