VL Humu
Valtion lentokonetehdas · Finland · first flew 1944 · fighter
The VL Humu was a Finnish single-seat fighter prototype developed by the state aircraft factory (Valtion lentokonetehdas) during World War II as an emergency measure to boost Finland's fighter production.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.03 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Finnish single-seat fighter prototype based on Hawk 75 layout
- Low-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage
- Finnish state factory wartime emergency design
A conventional low-wing monoplane fighter resembling the Curtiss Hawk 75 in general layout, with a radial engine and retractable undercarriage; Finnish markings and construction details distinguish it.
Specifications
- The VL Humu has a length of 8.03 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.67 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 430 km/h (267 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
With Finland unable to obtain sufficient aircraft from abroad due to wartime conditions, VL designed the Humu largely based on the Curtiss Hawk 75 with locally available components. First flown in 1944, it was underpowered compared to contemporary fighters and the programme was not taken into production as the war situation changed.
Variants
Only a single prototype was completed; the type did not enter production.
Where you'll see it
Never entered front-line service with the Finnish Air Force.
Related aircraft
- Valtion lentokonetehdas VL Pyörremyrsky
- VL Myrsky
- VL Viima
- VL Tuisku
- Arado E.580
- Bell XP-77
- Blohm & Voss BV 155
- Curtiss SC Seahawk
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