During World War II, the Soviet Union was given license production rights to the legendary DC-3 airliner and military transport where it was known as the Lisunov Li-2 of which thousands were built. Its repalcement was the Ilyushin Il-14 'Crate', designed for both military and civil use and which went on to be the first mass produced Soviet transport of the post-war era. Features included a long cigar-shaped fuselage and low-mounted wings making it not unlike the aircraft it was designed to replace although it was fitted with a nosewheel undercarriage. Perhaps its most valuable asset was its ability to operate from unprepared airstrips something which undoubtedly contributed to its enormous export success to about 25 foreign operators which included most Warsaw Pact and Soviet client states many of which continued to fly the Il-14 until the 1990s. Local production was additionally undertaken in China (mostly unlicensed), Czechoslovakia, and East Germany.

Based on the earlier Il-12 which first flew at the end of World War II, the Il-14 had its maiden flight sometime in 1950 entering service during the middle of the decade. Foreign-built versions included the Czech Avia 14, and the Chinese Y-6 trainer.