VL Viima
Valtion lentokonetehdas · Finland · first flew 1936 · light aircraft
The VL Viima was a two-seat biplane primary trainer designed and produced by Valtion lentokonetehdas, the Finnish state aircraft factory, in the mid-1930s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.35 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Finnish two-seat biplane trainer
- Open tandem cockpits
- Designed and built at Finnish state aircraft factory
A compact biplane of conventional layout with open tandem cockpits, a radial engine, and the clean lines typical of Finnish state-factory designs of the 1930s.
Specifications
- The VL Viima has a length of 7.35 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.2 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 186 km/h (116 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Viima was developed to provide the Finnish Air Force with a domestically produced primary trainer rather than relying on foreign imports. It entered service in 1936 and trained Finnish pilots through the Winter War and Continuation War periods. A small number were built at the state factory in Tampere.
Variants
The Viima II was an improved version with a more powerful engine; production of both marks was limited.
Where you'll see it
The Viima served with the Finnish Air Force flying training organisation through the Second World War, retiring in the late 1940s.
Related aircraft
- VL Tuisku
- VL Myrsky
- VL Kotka
- Valtion lentokonetehdas VL Sääski
- Beneš-Mráz Be-250
- Beneš-Mráz Be-500 Bíbi
- British Aircraft Double Eagle
- Caudron C.680
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