VL Pyry

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VL Pyry was a Finnish low-winged, two-seated fighter trainer aircraft, built by the State Aircraft Factory (Valtion lentokonetehdas) for use with the Finnish Air Force. The Pyry was in use from the beginning of the 1940s to the end of the 1960s. The aircraft was a mixed construction of wood, steel, fabric, and duraluminium.

[edit] History

The Finnish Air Force ordered a prototype of the aircraft in 1937. It was to be called VL Pyry I and carried the identification number PY-1.

The chief designer was Arvo Ylinen, and the other persons of the design team were Martti Vainio, Torsti Verkkola, and Edward Wegelius.

The first flight was made on March 29 1939 by the factory test pilot, lieutenant Jorma Visapää. The FAF ordered 40 aircraft in May and the aircraft were quickly constucted and were ready in spring of 1941. These aircraft were know as VL Pyry II and their identification numbers were PY-2 - PY-41.

The first unit to be equipped with Pyrys was the Air Force School in Kauhava, in 1941. The aircraft was used to train pilots for 20 years and it was one of the most successful Finnish airplane constructions. Around 700 pilots were trained in the aircraft and the type accumulated over 56,000 flying hours. The first accident with a Pyry happened in March 1943, when major E.O. Ehrnrooth stressed the aircraft too hard. Ehrnooth, who was the commander of a Messerschmitt Bf 109 squadron died in the accident.

The last flight with the Pyry was made in Härmälä on 7 September 1962. Captain Veikko Hietamies was the pilot of the PY-1 and senior lieutenant Keijo Elio piloted the PY-27.

[edit] Operators

Finland
- Finnish Air Force

[edit] Specifications (VL Pyry)

General characteristics

Crew: Two
Length: 7.70 m (25 ft 3 in)
Wingspan: 9.80 m (32 ft 2 in)
Height: ()
Max takeoff weight: 1,535 kg (3,380 lbs)
Powerplant: 1× Wright Whirlwind R-975-E3 air cooled radial engine , 313 kW (420 hp)