Yakovlev Yak-40

The compact trijet built for rugged regional operations.

Overview

Yakovlev Russia ICAO: YK40 1967–1981 Active $1 million (1972)

The Yakovlev Yak-40 is a small three-engine regional jet introduced in the late 1960s. Designed for operation from short and unprepared runways, it became one of the earliest regional jets in service. The aircraft was widely used across the Soviet Union.

Live Fleet Activity (YK40)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
3 × Ivchenko AI-25
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
3 × 3,300 lbf · 15 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
32
Crew
—
Cabin width
7 ft 1 in  ·  2.15 m
Cabin height
6 ft 1 in  ·  1.85 m
Cabin length
25 ft 3 in  ·  7.70 m
Exterior length
66 ft 10 in  ·  20.36 m
Tail height
21 ft 4 in  ·  6.50 m
Fuselage diameter
7 ft 5 in  ·  2.25 m
Wing span
82 ft 0 in  ·  25.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
35,300 lb  ·  16,000 kg
Max landing weight
34,200 lb  ·  15,500 kg
Max payload
5,950 lb  ·  2,700 kg
Fuel capacity
1,030 gal · 3,900 L · 3,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
300 kt  ·  345 mph  ·  556 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
120 kt  ·  138 mph  ·  222 km/h
Range
970 nm  ·  1,120 mi  ·  1,800 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
26,000 ft  ·  7,900 m
Rate of climb
1,575 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,300 ft  ·  1,000 m
Landing distance
2,100 ft  ·  640 m
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‘RA-88236’ Belogorye Yakovlev Yak-40

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Operational Context

Yakovlev Yak-40 — short-range regional trijet

The Yak-40 first flew in 1966 and entered service in 1968. It features a straight wing and three rear-mounted turbofan engines. The aircraft was designed to connect remote communities with limited airport infrastructure.

Powered by three Ivchenko AI-25 turbofan engines producing approximately 3,300 pounds of thrust (14.7 kN) each, the Yak-40 cruises at around 300 knots (555 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 35,000 pounds (15,875 kg). Seating typically ranges from 27 to 32 passengers.

The Yak-40 proved durable and adaptable, serving in passenger and special mission roles. Production continued into the 1980s. The aircraft remains an important early example of regional jet development.