The Yakovlev Yak-55 and Yak-55M (short wing version) are aerobatic aircraft designed in 1980 by V.P. Kondratiev and D.K. Drach. The project director was S.A. Yakovlev.

The aircraft design had almost nothing in common with the preceding Yakovlev Yak-50 except the 360 horsepower (270 kW) Vedeneyev M14P engine and V-530TA-D35 propeller. The Yak-55 has a thick (18 percent) mid-mounted symmetrical wing with one main spar. The aircraft is of a conventional semi-monocoque all-metal construction. The cockpit is positioned above the trailing edge of the wing, and is covered with a sliding teardrop canopy. The seat is positioned below wing level. The undercarriage is fixed with titanium sprung main gear and tailwheel.

Series production was planned to begin in 1982. A serious delay occurred when the wing was found to suffer from structural failure. This forced a redesign, resulting in a thinner but stronger wing. Series production finally began in 1986 at Arsenyev, with 108 aircraft being delivered by 1991.

The prototype Yak-55 first flew in May 1981 and was shown to the West at the World Aerobatic Championships in 1982. Unfortunately, structural failures in the wing slowed the aircraft's introduction to competition. The Soviet aerobatic team first used the aircraft in 1984 when they won the World Aerobatic Championship. That same year the Soviet woman's aerobatic team took first place flying the Yak-55, Kh. Makagonova winning individual gold.

The aircraft has been relatively free of Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives and has proved exceedingly effective in competition at all levels. The obvious capabilities of the aircraft and its success in use, together with the relatively large numbers built (some 250) have meant that owners make relatively few modifications and that few are needed. The cockpit is roomy (but a bit short in leg length) and the aircraft is a delight to fly although some say it is difficult to land neatly. Thus affectionately nicknamed the crop duster.