Yak-40 is one of the best aircraft for short flights

Pilots were often dismissive of this aircraft. He had a number of derogatory nicknames, such as "The Cigarette Butt". But this aircraft is unique in its kind. The Yak-40, and the conversation is about him, is a jet airliner designed for local airlines.


However, you can understand the pilots. They aspired to full-fledged aviation, since they could not get into the military. And they are palming off such a surrogate, albeit a reactive one! But local airlines also need to be served by someone. Yes, and it would not hurt to gain experience before risking transcontinental airliners.

The Yak-40 was suitable as a "training desk" for beginners. An ultra-reliable aircraft capable of taking off with one engine failure. Moreover, it can continue horizontal flight even on a single functioning motor.


An aircraft (LA) does not really need a modern runway. If the need arises, he will land on the ground or grass, of course, subject to the relative evenness of the site.

The Yak-40 is still in operation in Russia and is not going to retire, although there are few of them left, literally single copies. But now there is a process of modernization and return of the aircraft, which are on conservation, to local airlines. It is about this aircraft that our today's article is about.

Short story

The Soviet Union diligently developed local air travel. Progress is especially noticeable after the end of the Great Patriotic War. The country not only revived the economy, but also tried to simplify the life of its citizens.


Already in the 50s, flights became available to everyone. Local airlines connected the most remote republics with each other. That's just the planes were mostly piston.
Almost the entire fleet of aircraft of local airlines consisted of:

✅ Li-2
✅ IL-12
✅ IL-14

The first model on the list has been in operation since 1940. It was decided to replace obsolete piston aircraft that did not correspond to the status of the country with jet ones.

Design Bureau Yakovlev was entrusted to make a new model in 1965. What is noteworthy is that before that no one had dealt with passenger and civilian models in general. They worked exclusively for the military. Most likely, it was for this reason that the Yak-40 appeared in record time. The prototype took to the skies in 1966.


The aircraft was intended for flights up to 500 km maximum. Although by that time most of the airfields were concreted, the creators of the Yak-40 provided for the operation of their offspring on unpaved surfaces.

Modifications

Yakovlev Design Bureau was distinguished by a serious approach to the creation of its aircraft. Therefore, even experienced Yak-40s were built in six copies. They were tested in different conditions and improved.

Yak-40 of the 1st series received a number of improvements. The air intake was on the ridge. Salon for 24 passengers.

Aircraft of the 2nd series received a reverse-braking device. Several additional seats appeared in the cabin - up to 27.

The Yak-40 of the 3rd series is outwardly distinguished by shortened engine nacelles of the first and third power units. There were already 32 people inside.


Yak-40 "Salon" is a premium version of the popular Soviet aircraft. Yakovlev Design Bureau even produced aircraft of this class. In the first case, the cabin is divided into two passenger compartments - for 6 and 5 people. In the second class, the aircraft is designed for 16 people. In the first, passengers had a wardrobe, a bathroom and even a full kitchen.

Rare modifications:

✅ Yak-40D. Special aircraft for long routes
✅ Yak-40 Aqua. Tailored for Scientists
✅ Yak-40DTS. Military modification designed for the transport of goods. Could quickly convert to an evacuation point
✅ Varieties of flying laboratories

In general, the aircraft turned out to be universal. In case of need, any modification of the passenger aircraft could be converted for military use.

Cab and salon

The crew is traditionally placed in front of the aircraft. In the cab, two seats are equipped with a complete set of controls. If necessary, a second person will take control. There is an autopilot system that could be used in long flights or emergency situations.


Between the cabin and the cabin there is a special compartment for additional crew members. Most likely, this is a nod to the military. If necessary, the aircraft could be converted into a transport or even a bomber.

Passenger compartment in the middle. It is difficult to call it comfortable, but we must not forget that the aircraft is intended mainly for short flights. But there is ventilation and a heating system - it's warm inside. There are overhead luggage racks. For bulky items, a special compartment is provided in the aft.

Engines

The Yak-40 has three turbojet engines. They are similar - this is AI-25. The power units provide takeoff thrust of 4,5 tons, that is, 1,5 tons each. The motors are mounted at the rear. A couple in gondolas, the third in the tail.


There is an additional AI-9 power unit. It is used to supply air when starting engines. The same motor is used to heat the cabin.

The tricycle chassis has a soft cushioning system. This is what allows the Yak-40 to land even on unpaved airfields. Three engines give out a cruising speed of 510 km / h.

Exploitation

The Yak-40 made its debut flight in 1966. A couple of years later, aircraft of this model were already actively operated on local airlines. To understand the scale, it is enough to mention that in 1980 there were more than 660 regular routes on which this aircraft was used.


How reliable the aircraft was can be judged by the fact that this particular model was operated on regular flights to Tajikistan. But there you had to fly through the mountains, interspersed with valleys. Experienced pilots know how difficult it is.

The Yak-40 was also in demand abroad. Aircraft were delivered to 18 different states, including capitalist countries. In just 10 years, from 1970 to 1980, more than 100 Yak-40s were sold for export. Aircraft of this model were delivered even to Cuba.

They stopped producing the Yak-40 in 1981. The model was abandoned due to the fact that Aeroflot no longer needed them. And they didn’t want to actively sell them abroad.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, private companies from the United States turned to the Saratov plant with a request to sell several hundred new Yak-40s. The deal was supposed to be grandiose, and for dollars. Unfortunately, the company was in a deep financial crisis. Yes, and the Yak-40 has not been produced for more than 10 years. Therefore, I had to refuse a profitable order.


Later, Austrian and Canadian companies contacted the leadership of the aviation plant. They needed at least "naked" Yak-40 gliders, and they were supposed to install engines and avionics from well-known Western companies. But even here the contracts broke down. By the way, the Saratov plant went bankrupt in 2012.

But even now, the Yak-40 continues to be used, however, having gone through a global modernization. Old planes that are on conservation have been reworked for several years. This process is still going on now - aircraft are getting new, more economical power units. Most likely, the Yak-40 will be operated for more than a dozen years.