VL Myrsky
Valtion lentokonetehdas · Finland · first flew 1941 · fighter
The VL Myrsky ('Storm') was Finland's only domestically designed and built fighter aircraft of the Second World War, representing a significant achievement for the Finnish state aircraft factory. Despite promising performance, it suffered persistent structural and manufacturing problems.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.35 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Finland's only indigenous WWII fighter
- Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp radial engine
- Mixed wood and metal construction
A low-wing monoplane fighter with a large radial engine, tapered wings, and a conventional tail. Without Finnish insignia, the Myrsky might be confused with American or British designs it resembles; the prominent cowl and mixed-construction finish are distinguishing details.
Specifications
- The VL Myrsky has a length of 8.35 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 530 km/h (329 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Development began in the late 1930s and the Myrsky first flew in 1941. Although Finland urgently needed fighters for the Continuation War against the Soviet Union, quality control issues plagued production and only a small number of Myrskys reached operational units, where they served alongside imported Messerschmitt Bf 109s.
Variants
Four development versions were produced (Myrsky I through IV), with successive attempts to cure the wing and skin delamination problems that afflicted earlier aircraft. The Myrsky II was the main production variant.
Where you'll see it
The Myrsky served with the Finnish Air Force in limited numbers from 1944, primarily in the home defence role. It was withdrawn from service after the war due to its unresolved structural problems.
Related aircraft
- VL Humu
- Valtion lentokonetehdas VL Pyörremyrsky
- VL Viima
- VL Tuisku
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- Brewster SB2A Buccaneer
- Curtiss P-40 E Kittyhawk
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