On 28.10.2025 in Kyiv State Aviation Museum was completed First Stage of Yak-40 Reconstruction - Yak-40 cockpit complete restoration with the power supply which allowed the indicator backlight and some of the flight instruments to be revived.

Yak-40 USSR-87683 is one of three aircraft of the first series and the oldest surviving representative of this type in Ukraine from which the history of the Yak-40 began. A total of 60 series were produced and 1013 aircraft of this type were built but only a few have survived in such an early version.

This aircraft has structural and layout differences from most serial Yak-40s and bears a unique early Aeroflot livery.

It made its first flight in 1968 and was later operated at the Kirovograd School of Higher Flight Training. Since 1971 it has served as a teaching aid at the KAI autopolygon in Kyiv helping students learn about aviation technology.

In 2020 the aircraft was transported to Oleg Antonov State Aviation Museum where its gradual restoration began. Over the decades of training service the Yak-40 lost many structural elements and the interior and cockpit suffered significant damage.

This project was the first restoration of this level for the aviation museum and a true joint achievement of experienced specialists of the restoration department. It created a powerful reserve for future work on the restoration of other cockpits and passenger cabins.

There is still a lot of work ahead, the restoration of passenger seats and other parts of the interior and later the final painting of the aircraft. But the restorers already see the finish line and are waiting for the moment when the Yak-40 USSR-87683 will once again shine in its historical beauty and meet museum visitors.

The restoration is being carried out within the framework of the grant program "Culture Unites: Museums of Japan to Museums of Ukraine" which is implemented by ICOM Ukraine with the financial support of ICOM Japan and the Japan Museum Association.

Welcome to Oleg Antonov State Aviation Museum when it will open its doors and hope it will be in the near future!

Organizers of First Stage of Yak-40 Reconstruction

Aircraft Restoration Department
Oleg Antonov State Aviation Museum
Kyiv, Ukraine

Pavel Korsun
Tour Guide
Ukraine tours and Kiev tours

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