It is a short-range commercial feederliner. First of five prototypes flown 21 October 1966 and first production deliveries (to Aeroflot) mid-1968, the 500th example being completed on February 15, 1974. A thrust reverser introduced as standard on centre engine during 1971 when more powerful version with three 3,858 lb (1750 kg) AI-25T turbofans and increased fuel capacity announced for 1974 delivery as the Yak-40V. The uprated power plant is already installed in Yak-40s serving in the liaison role with the Soviet Air Forces.
| Country of Origin | USSR |
| Power Plant | Three 3,307 lb (1,500 kg) Ivchenko AI-25 turbofans. |
| Performance | Max speed 373 mph (600 km/h) at sea level 466 mph (750 km/h) at 17,000 ft (5,180 m) |
| Max cruise 342 mph (550 km/h) at 19,685 ft (6,000m) | |
| econ-cruise 310 mph (500 km/h) at 32,810 ft (10,000 m) | |
| range with 5,070-lb (2,300 kg) payload at econ. Cruise 620 mls (1000 km), with 3,140-lb (1,425-kg) payload and max. fuel, 920 mls (1,480 km) | |
| initial climb 2,000 ft/min (10,16m/sec) | |
| service ceiling at max. loaded weight 38,715 ft (11,800 m). | |
| Weights | Empty equipped 19,865-21,715 lb (9 010- 9 850 kg) |
| Normal take off 27,250-34,170 lb (12,360-15,500 kg) | |
| Max take off 36,375 lb (16,500 kg) | |
| Span 82 ft 0 ¼ in (25,00 m) | |
| Length 66 ft 9 ½ in (20,36 m) | |
| Height 21 ft 4 in (6.50 m) | |
| Wing area 753-473 sq ft (70 m2) |
