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Finland's VL Myrsky fighter¹
Translation: "Storm"¹

VL Myrsky II1

Design

Design of the VL Myrsky first started in the middle of 1939.¹ There were many initial problems that had to be ironed out before the Myrsky II was produced.¹

The wing of the Myrsky was made of wood and the fuselage steel tubing.¹ These were then covered with dural and fabric.¹

Engine

The Swedes built the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engine.¹

Prototype

The Myrsky prototype was first flown on December 23, 1941.¹ 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

Production

• Prototypes and pre production: 4¹
• Myrsky II: 47¹
• Total: 51¹

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

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 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

Sources:

1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998