Valmet PIK-23 Towmaster
Valmet · Finland · first flew 1982 · light aircraft
The Valmet PIK-23 Towmaster, also known as Suhinu, is a Finnish two-seat glider-towing and primary trainer aircraft built entirely of composite materials in the early 1980s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.19 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Low-wing monoplane built entirely of composite materials
- Two-seat glider tug and trainer
- Single Lycoming O-360 piston engine
A two-seat composite aircraft powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360, 7.19 m long on a 10 m span.
Specifications
- The Valmet PIK-23 Towmaster has a length of 7.19 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Finnish technology students aviation club (PIK) suggested in the 1970s that a new glider tug should be developed, improving on the earlier PIK-19 Muhinu. The Helsinki University of Technology and Valmet Oy joined the project, and the first aircraft, OH-TOW, made its maiden flight on 22 March 1982 flown by Mikko Järvi.
Variants
Two aircraft were manufactured, one at Valmet and one at the Helsinki University of Technology. The second, OH-TUG, flew the following year.
Where you'll see it
Valmet marketed the aircraft intensively but no orders followed. In its intended role as a glider tug the PIK-23 has been quite successful.
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