Finland's VL Myrsky, Myrsky fighter
Translation: "Storm"
Photos
VL Myrsky II1: |
Design
Design of the VL Myrsky first started in the middle of 1939 / 19412.1,2 E. Wegeluis was the designer of the Myrsky.2
There were many initial problems that had to be ironed out before the Myrsky II was produced.1,2
The wing of the Myrsky was made of wood and the fuselage steel tubing.1,2 These were then covered with duraluminum and fabric.1,2
Engine
The Swedes built the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engine.1
Prototype
The Myrsky prototype was first flown on December 23, 1941 / 19422.1,2 Problems were discovered in the design and three more prototypes / pre production aircraft were constructed.1 These underwent structural and other changes.1 The first to fly was in April 1943 and it crashed three weeks later.1 The second did a wheels up landing, but crashed after repairs.1 The third's wings detached during a dive.1
Forty six of the improved Myrsky IIs were ordered.2
Production
- Prototypes and pre production: 41
- Myrsky II: 471
- Total: 511
- Manufacturer: Valtion Lentokonetehdas (National Air Industry)2
Variants
- Prototypes:
- Myrsky II: Production version.1 Stronger undercarriage and redesigned wing.1
Usage
Finland was the only country to use the VL Myrsky.1
The Myrsky II entered service in 1944.2
Continuation War
The Myrsky IIs were used in reconnaissance squadrons of the Ilmavoimat (Finnish Air Force) against the Soviets in the Continuation War.1
Fighting Germany
The Myrsky was used against the Germans in Lapland.1,2 The Myrsky was used as close support against German ground forces.1
Post World War II
The Myrsky was in Finnish service until May 1947 when additional structural failures turned up forcing the Myrsky to be grounded.1
Specifications
| VL Myrsky1 | VL Myrsky II1, Myrsky II2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Fighter1 | Fighter2 |
| Crew | 11 | 12 |
| Engine (Type) | Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SC3G Twin Wasp (SFA built)1 | SFA-Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp2 |
| Cylinders | Radial 141 | Radial 142 |
| Cooling | Air2 | |
| HP | 1,0651 | 1,0652 |
| Propeller blades | 31 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Span | 36' 1"1,2 11 m1 |
|
| Length | 27' 4.75"1, 27' 5"2 8.35 m1 |
|
| Height | 9' 10"1,2 3 m1 |
|
| Wing area | ||
| Weight | ||
| Empty | 5,152 lb1 2,337 kg1 |
|
| Loaded | 6,504 lb1,2 2,950 kg1 |
|
| Maximum load | 7,083 lb1 3,213 kg1 |
|
| Performance | ||
| Speed @ sea level | 292 mph1 470 kph1 |
|
| Speed @ 10,665' | 329 mph2 | |
| Speed @ 11,155' / 3,400 m |
333 mph1 536 kph1 |
|
| Maximum cruising speed | 260 mph1 418 kph1 |
|
| Climb to 9,840' / 3,000 m |
3.5 minutes1 | |
| Service ceiling | 29,530'1,2 9,000 m1 |
|
| Range | 310 miles1, 311 miles2 500 km1 |
|
| Armament | ||
| Upper cowling | 4: MG2 4: 12.7 mm MG1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
