Yak40NATO

The Yakovlev Yak-40, known by its NATO reporting name "Codlen," is a three-engine regional jet airliner developed by the Soviet Union's Yakovlev design bureau. First flown in 1966, it was designed to operate from unpaved and short runways, making it suitable for servicing smaller airfields across the vast Soviet Union. Its primary role was as a short-haul passenger transport, but it also found use in various other capacities, including VIP transport, cargo, and even as a platform for aerial surveying and meteorological research.

The Yak-40 is characterized by its distinctive three turbofan engines mounted on the rear fuselage, with two on either side and a central one above. This engine configuration contributed to its ability to operate from less developed airstrips. It has a capacity of around 32 passengers. Despite its age, the Yak-40 has been produced in significant numbers and has seen service with numerous airlines and air forces worldwide, particularly in Eastern Bloc countries and many developing nations. While newer aircraft have largely replaced it in many commercial roles, some Yak-40s remain in operation, a testament to their robust design and operational flexibility.