The Yakovlev design bureau began work on an advanced trainer based on the successful Yak-3 fighter in mid 1944,
although the trainer was of low priority owing to the ongoing Second World War.
The first prototype of the new trainer, designated Yak-UTI or Yak-3UTI flew in late 1945.
It was based on the radial-powered Yak-3U, but with the new Shvetsov ASh-21 seven-cylinder radial replacing the ASh-82 of the Yak-3U.
It used the same all-metal wings as the Yak-3U, with a fuselage of mixed metal and wood construction.
Pilot and observer sat in tandem under a long canopy with separate sliding hoods.
A single synchronised UBS 12.7 mm machine gun and wing racks for two 100 kg (220 lb) bombs comprised the aircraft's armament.