Finland's VL Humu fighter

Photos

Design

The VL Humu's design work started in 1941.¹ It was decided to develop a clone of the Brewster 239 because of the inability to get replacement parts or new planes.¹ However, the VL Humu didn't perform as well as the Brewster 239.¹

The VL Humu's fuselage was made from metal and the wings were metal or wood.¹

Humu Definition

In Finnish, Humu is very abstract.¹ It can mean many different things depending on the context, but in general it could be close to speed, blur, air, and light (weight).¹

Engine

The VL Humu used the captured Shvetsov M-63, a clone of the Wright Cyclone, engine that was originally built by the Soviets.¹ Some M-63s were purchased from the Germans as well.¹

There was a difficulty in getting the engine up to full power as there was no manual available for the Shvetsov M-63.¹ This was fixed in 1943.¹

Armament

There were three 12.7 mm LKK/42 (Lentokonekivääri/1942) machines installed.¹ The one in the nose had 450 rounds, and the wings had 260 each.¹

Prototype

Production

In 1943 the Finnish Air Force ordered 90 planes to be built.¹ The first 5 were ordered to be completed by November 1944 and the rest by the autumn of 1945.¹ However, in June 1944, the Finish Air Force cancelled the order and in September 1944 all development and construction was halted.¹

• VL Humu:

Variants

• VL Humu:

Usage

Specifications

	VL Humu
Type	Fighter
Crew
Engine (Type)
Cylinders
Cooling
HP
Propeller blades
Dimensions
Span
Length
Height
Wing area
Weight
Empty
Loaded
Maximum load
Performance
Speed
Maximum cruising speed
Climb
Service ceiling
Range
Armament