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VL Myrsky
VL Myrsky
VL Myrsky
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The VL Myrsky ("Storm") is a Finnish World War II fighter aircraft originally developed by Valtion lentokonetehdas for the Finnish Air Force. The models of the aircraft were Myrsky I, Myrsky II, and Myrsky III.

Key Information

It was designed by Edward Wegelius, Martti Vainio and Torsti Verkkola who worked at Valtion lentokonetehdas.

Development

[edit]

The decision to start developing a new fighter for the Finnish Air Force was based on experience gained before the Winter War: in the "arms race" leading up to a war, smaller nations can have difficulty purchasing top-of-the-line fighters without a significant political cost. The Finnish Air Force requested preliminary proposals for a domestic fighter from State Aircraft Factory (Valtion Lentokonetehdas) in early 1939, before the Winter War. State Aircraft Factory prepared five alternative proposals by May 1939. After that, The Ministry of Defence ordered the fighter design from State Aircraft Factory in June 1939.

The preliminary design was made by the aircraft-designer trio Arvo Ylinen (head of the design-bureau), Martti Vainio (aerodynamics), and Torsti Verkkola (structural design). Edward Wegelius was appointed head of the design department of the State Aircraft Factory when Ylinen later moved on to the Helsinki University of Technology in August 1940. VL did not appoint any main constructor to its products, such as the German aircraft manufacturers did.

Due to difficulties obtaining duraluminium, the wings were made out of plywood and the fuselage was metal structure with a fabric and plywood skin. The planned Bristol Taurus III engine was not available due to war, so a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 (civil Twin Wasp) was chosen. Availability of this engine was also problematic, so the first prototype used an R-1830-S3C3-G, while later prototypes and production fighters used less-powerful SC3-Gs. Finland bought these engines from German war booty stocks.

The first Myrsky prototype flew on 23 December 1941.[1] The prototype was fully functional, but too heavy. After some modifications they soon had three new prototype aircraft. The test flights showed some structural problems during high-speed tests. All three prototypes were destroyed during test flights; two test pilots died, one was seriously injured. The culprit was found to be aeroelastic flutter, which was a poorly known phenomenon at the time. Resolving the flutter problem took almost a year.

Series production started in autumn 1942 far before German deliveries of Messerschmitt Bf 109 had begun in 1943. The series production version was called the Myrsky II. 47 Myrsky IIs were built and together with the Myrsky I version and Myrsky prototype the production amounted to 51 in all. Although the aircraft met the specifications set for it, it did not fulfill all expectations due to structural problems.

The Myrsky III was ordered in spring 1943, but none were built.

Operational history

[edit]
A VL Myrsky II of the Finnish Air Force in flight

Reconnaissance Squadron 12 received their first Myrskys during August 1944. Thirty Myrskys were delivered to Reconnaissance Squadrons 12 and 16 before the end of the Continuation War.

Fifteen Myrsky fighters flew 68 missions during the Continuation War. During one mission, they met Soviet Yak-7s, but the fight ended without losses for either side. During two other missions, Myrskys damaged two Soviet fighters, which were both destroyed on landing. Six Myrskys took part in a bombing mission on 3 September 1944.

During the Lapland War, six Myrskys flew 13 reconnaissance missions during November 1944. The wooden construction proved problematic in this theatre, not enduring wet weather or cold well. The war time Lukko glue, manufactured from ersatz materials, which was used for gluing the wooden parts, did not stand rain, frost and humidity, and the glue seams disintegrated, sometimes with disastrous results.

Ten Myrskys were lost in accidents between 1943 and 1947 and four pilots died. Myrsky usage ended in May 1947 and the last Myrsky flight was in February 1948.

The Myrsky proved fast and manoeuvrable enough to dogfight the contemporary Soviet aircraft; it was the second fastest Finnish Air Force airplane after the Messerschmitt Bf 109G. Pilots liked the plane as it had good cockpit ergonomics and decent flight and ground handling properties. Its aerodynamic design was excellent, and was later used on the VL Pyörremyrsky fighter and the Valmet Vihuri trainer. Its wide undercarriage gave it decent ground-handling properties. Its main drawback was the construction method: the substitute materials simply did not stand up to the harsh Finnish weather.

Survivors

[edit]

Three Myrsky fuselages and several parts have survived. The Finnish Aviation Museum is currently (2023) restoring one of them (MY-14) into a complete museum aircraft. The project was on display at Finnish Air Force 100th anniversary air show at Tikkakoski, Jyväskylä 16 to 17 June 2018. The aircraft will be on permanent display at the Finnish Air Force Museum by 2025.

Variants

[edit]
Myrsky
Prototype, 1 built
Myrsky I
Preproduction aircraft, 3 built
Myrsky II
Series-production aircraft, 47 built
Myrsky III
10 being built but cancelled

Operators

[edit]
 Finland

Specifications (VL Myrsky II)

[edit]
A rebuild VL Myrsky II on static display at the Finnish Aviation Museum in Vantaa, Finland

Data from War Planes of the Second World War - Fighters Vol.1 [2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 8.35 m (27 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 3 m (9 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 18.000 m2 (193.75 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 2,332 kg (5,141 lb)
  • Gross weight: 2,947 kg (6,497 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 3,211 kg (7,080 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 300 L (79 US gal; 66 imp gal) internal plus 2 × 150 L (40 US gal; 33 imp gal) drop tanks
  • Powerplant: 1 × SFA-built Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SC3-G Twin Wasp 14-cylinder two-row air-cooled radial piston engine, 794 kW (1,065 hp)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed VLS 8002 constant-speed propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 529.5 km/h (329.0 mph, 285.9 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 399 km/h (248 mph, 215 kn)
  • Range: 499 km (310 mi, 269 nmi) internals only
  • Ferry range: 933.5 km (580.1 mi, 504.0 nmi)
  • Endurance: 3 hours maximum
  • Service ceiling: 9,500 m (31,200 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 15 m/s (3,000 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 177 kg/m2 (36 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass: 3.0 kg/hp (6.6 lb/hp)

Armament

  • Guns: 4 × 12.7 mm (0.50 in) VKT LKk/42 machine guns (un-licensed modification of the 13,2 mm FN Browning M.1939)
  • Bombs: 2 × 100 kg (220 lb) bombs

Avionics

  • Gunsight - TH-m/44 KK[3]
  • Radio - FuG VIIa[4]

See also

[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

VL Myrsky

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from Grokipedia
The VL Myrsky (Finnish for "Storm") was a single-engine, low-wing monoplane fighter aircraft developed and manufactured in Finland during World War II by Valtion lentokonetehdas (State Aircraft Factory) for the Finnish Air Force. It represented Finland's only indigenous fighter design to reach serial production, with a total of 51 aircraft built between 1941 and 1945, emphasizing wooden construction to address wartime metal shortages while achieving a top speed of 535 km/h (332 mph) at 3,300 meters. Development of the Myrsky began in spring 1939 amid escalating geopolitical tensions, initially envisioning the use of radial engines before switching to the more available R-1830-S3C3-G Twin Wasp, which provided 1,155 horsepower. The prototype (MY-1) made its maiden flight on December 23, 1941, but production faced significant delays due to the (1939–1940), the (1941–1944), engine procurement challenges from German sources, and structural issues like tail flutter and poor-quality wartime glues leading to wing failures. Orders were placed for 47 serial Myrsky II models on April 18, 1942, and for three pre-production Myrsky I aircraft on May 30, 1942, with deliveries commencing in late 1943. In design, the Myrsky featured a mixed wood-and-metal structure, including a plywood-skinned two-spar wooden , a welded steel-tube with panels, and retractable tailwheel , making it cost-effective at roughly half the price of imported fighters. Armament consisted of four synchronized 12.7 mm VKT machine guns in the , with provisions for two 100 kg bombs or drop tanks under the wings for or reconnaissance roles. It boasted a service ceiling of 9,500 meters (31,200 feet), a climb rate of 15 m/s, and a range of approximately 500 km on internal , positioning it as the second-fastest fighter in Finnish service after the Bf 109G. Operationally, the Myrsky entered service with LeLv 12 ( Squadron 12) in December 1943 and saw limited combat during the against Soviet forces and the against German forces, including reconnaissance missions and ground attacks. Despite its potential, the aircraft experienced 48 incidents and 10 losses, mostly from accidents related to structural weaknesses and stall tendencies, resulting in four pilot fatalities. All units were grounded and retired by 1947–1948, with none surviving today, though a restoration project using original parts began in 2013 and is ongoing as of 2025 to recreate a flyable example.

Design and development

Origins and requirements

In the late , the faced significant challenges in modernizing its fleet amid escalating global tensions and the looming Soviet threat. With limited financial resources and a small inventory of imported biplanes and early monoplanes like the and Gloster Gamecock, procurement from abroad became increasingly difficult due to wartime embargoes and rising costs. These constraints, coupled with Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim's anticipation of European conflict as early as late , underscored the need for domestic production to ensure aviation self-sufficiency. To address these issues, in April 1939, the issued a requirement for a new indigenous single-seat fighter tailored to national needs, emphasizing speed exceeding 500 km/h (with a target of 540 km/h), a strong climb rate (such as reaching 6,000 meters in under 7 minutes), and operational suitability for Finland's short, rudimentary runways with a low landing speed of no more than 115 km/h. The specification also called for armament of four 7.7 mm machine guns and envisioned an initial order of 33 aircraft to equip a fourth . This initiative was formalized on June 8, 1939, through contract 1094/39 from the , directing the development toward a radial-engine design to mitigate engine supply vulnerabilities amid international shortages, initially envisioning the radial engine. The Valtion Lentokonetehdas (VL), or State Aircraft Factory, was tasked with fulfilling this requirement, playing a pivotal role in Finland's pursuit of aviation independence. Established to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, VL leveraged its experience in licensed production of aircraft like the and bombers to spearhead the project. In May 1939, VL engineers, led by designers Edward Wegelius, Martti Vainio, and Torsti Verkkola, presented five preliminary design concepts, drawing influence from earlier in-house efforts such as the VL Pyry trainer prototype—which had its first flight just two months prior—and broader international trends toward robust, radial-powered monoplanes that could operate reliably in austere conditions. This approach not only aligned with Finland's strategic imperatives but also positioned VL as a cornerstone of national defense innovation on the eve of the .

Design features

The VL Myrsky employed a mixed-construction to optimize material use amid wartime constraints, featuring wooden elements for the wings and significant portions of the alongside metal reinforcements for structural integrity. The wings utilized a two-spar wooden framework, with upper spars constructed from and lower spars from , skinned in that tapered from 6 mm thickness at the root to 1 mm at the tip; diagonal bracing was incorporated in high-stress areas to enhance rigidity. The comprised a welded steel-tube frame, with the forward section clad in sheets for durability and the aft section in , while the consisted of wooden frames covered in , with -framed and elevators skinned in fabric. This approach conserved scarce metals by relying on domestically available spruce-like and for non-critical components. The was powered by a R-1830-SC3-G Twin Wasp, a 14-cylinder two-row air-cooled delivering 1,065 PS (1,050 hp or 783 kW) at takeoff under 91-octane fuel. This supercharged powerplant provided strong high-altitude performance, achieving a critical rammed altitude of 3,660 m, and was adapted for production after initial engine procurement challenges due to international export limitations. Aerodynamically, the Myrsky was a low-wing cantilever monoplane with retractable main landing gear and an enclosed cockpit to reduce drag and improve pilot visibility. Its 11 m tapered wings incorporated NACA 23015 airfoils at the root, transitioning to NACA 23009 at the tips, which contributed to balanced lift distribution for enhanced speed and agile handling; the duralumin landing flaps further supported low-speed control. For armament, the design integrated four synchronized 12.7 mm VKT LKk/42 (Colt-Breda) machine guns in the upper engine cowling, each fed by 220–260 rounds and capable of a 1,100 rounds-per-minute rate of fire, synchronized to the propeller for clear firing through the disc. Underwing racks were provisioned for 50–100 kg bombs, enabling light ground-attack capability from 1944 onward.

Prototyping and testing

The single prototype of the VL Myrsky, designated MY-1, was constructed at the Valtion lentokonetehdas (State Aircraft Factory) in , , utilizing primarily domestic labor and materials such as and local timber to circumvent wartime import restrictions. The assembly required approximately 77,000 man-hours and was completed in December 1941, reflecting the factory's emphasis on self-sufficiency amid the . The MY-1 prototype conducted its on December 23, 1941, at Lake Pyhäjärvi near , piloted by Erkki Itävuori, lasting about 25 minutes. This initial test revealed stability challenges, including a tendency toward yaw, as well as engine overheating issues with the radial engine. Subsequent extensive evaluations at the State Aircraft Factory accumulated over 142 flight hours across 162 sorties by November 1943, focusing on refinements for operational viability in Finland's harsh climate. Tests addressed spin recovery characteristics, with one (MY-4) lost during a test when structural failure caused the wing to detach, leading to an uncontrollable , in March 1944; performance reached speeds of up to 855 km/h before aeroelastic flutter caused structural failure in MY-3, leading to a revised limit of 600 km/h. Cold-weather adaptations included provisions for ski undercarriage pods to enable winter operations on snow-covered runways. Post-testing modifications enhanced the design's reliability, including reinforced wing spars to mitigate flutter risks and improved formulations for the glue used in wooden components, which had shown tendencies in humid and cold Finnish conditions. These changes reduced the prototype's weight by about 317 kg and resolved initial yaw issues through redesign, paving the way for pre-production trials.

Production and variants

Production history

Following the successful maiden flight of the VL Myrsky (MY-1) on December 23, 1941, the Finnish placed an order for three designated VL Myrsky I on May 30, 1942, marking the transition from experimental development to initial manufacturing. These were followed by an order for 47 series production VL Myrsky II on August 18, 1942, with assembly occurring exclusively at the state-owned Valtion Lentokonetehdas (State Aircraft Factory) in , . In total, 51 were constructed, including the prototype, comprising the only indigenous Finnish fighter to enter serial production during . The manufacturing process emphasized hand-crafted wooden construction for the airframe's , wings, and tail, utilizing plywood and fabric coverings due to metal shortages, while the 14-cylinder R-1830-S3C-G Twin Wasp radial engines were sourced from German war booty stocks acquired by in early 1942. Wartime material constraints significantly impacted production, particularly the scarcity of high-quality adhesives, as phenol resins were unavailable, forcing reliance on inferior organic casein-based glues like "." This led to delays and structural vulnerabilities in early batches, including glue seam degradation and tail flutter during high-speed dives, which caused failures in testing and prompted design reinforcements such as strengthened wing spars and improved bonding techniques for the Myrsky II series. Despite these challenges, the factory's experienced workforce, which had previously produced fighters, enabled a relatively efficient , with domestic construction proving approximately 50% less expensive than importing equivalent from abroad. The three pre-production Myrsky I aircraft (MY-2, MY-3, and MY-4) were completed during 1943, with MY-2 rolling out on March 30, MY-4 in June, and MY-3 in July. Series production of the Myrsky II began in December 1943, with the first unit (MY-5) delivered on December 23; the remaining 46 were progressively completed through 1944, culminating in the final five aircraft handed over directly to storage on December 30, 1944, without individual flight testing due to the armistice. This timeline reflected ongoing adjustments to address wartime logistics, ensuring the fleet was ready amid Finland's shifting alliances. The production encompassed the Myrsky I pre-production and Myrsky II variants, with the latter incorporating the key structural enhancements.

Variants

The VL Myrsky prototype, designated MY-1, was a single powered by a R-1830-S3C3-G rated at 1,115 hp for takeoff, serving exclusively as a to validate the overall design and aerodynamic concepts before further development. This unit featured initial armament of two fuselage-mounted 12.7 mm machine guns and four wing-mounted 7.7 mm machine guns, with its first flight occurring on December 23, 1941, amid challenges from wartime material shortages and engine procurement delays. The Myrsky I variant comprised three pre-production aircraft (MY-2 to MY-4), ordered in May 1942 to refine the through operational evaluation and address early shortcomings identified in testing. These units incorporated minor aerodynamic adjustments, including variations in wing thickness for improved performance and revised cowlings for better engine cooling, alongside upgraded instrumentation to support detailed flight . Armament evolved across the series, with MY-2 and MY-3 equipped with three 12.7 mm VKT LKk/42 machine guns in the , while MY-4 tested a four-gun configuration to standardize for production. The Myrsky II represented the primary production model (MY-5 to MY-51), with 47 units built starting in 1944 to meet requirements for a reliable frontline fighter. It featured an uprated R-1830-SC3-G engine tuned to 1,155 hp, a reinforced structure including stronger wings and stabilizers to mitigate flutter issues observed in earlier models, and consistent armament of four synchronized 12.7 mm VKT LKk/42 machine guns mounted in the nose. These enhancements stemmed from during pre-production crashes and aimed to enhance durability and under operational stresses. The Myrsky III was a proposed follow-on variant, with an order for 10 units placed in to adapt the design for specialized duties, incorporating camera mounts in the and additional fuel tanks for extended range. However, the program was partially cancelled on September 30, 1944, amid shifting priorities and the cessation of hostilities, with the full series terminated on May 30, 1945, due to the war's end and the influx of surplus fighters from .

Operational history

Wartime service

The VL Myrsky entered service with the Finnish Air Force's Squadron 12 (LeLv 12) in July 1944, where it was initially employed in and roles against Soviet aircraft incursions along the front lines. Later, additional Myrskys were assigned to the 16th Squadron and, post-war, to fighter squadrons including HLeLv 11 and HLeLv 13 for training and limited operational roles. During the , fifteen Myrsky fighters conducted 68 sorties from August to September 1944, encompassing fighter sweeps, bomber escorts, ground attacks, and reconnaissance patrols, with no confirmed air-to-air victories but notable effectiveness in gathering intelligence over contested areas. The aircraft's deployment was limited by production delays and the war's final phases, yet it contributed to defensive operations without any combat losses. In the subsequent against German forces, six Myrskys flew 32 sorties, including low-level photo-reconnaissance missions, in northern during the conflict (September 1944–April 1945), showcasing the type's robustness in navigating rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Finnish pilots generally commended the Myrsky for its impressive top speed of up to 530 km/h and responsive handling, which provided an edge in tasks, although its operational utility was constrained by a limited range of 499 km and occasional engine reliability problems in sub-zero temperatures.

Accidents and retirement

During its operational life, the VL Myrsky experienced significant structural issues, leading to multiple accidents primarily attributed to wing failures caused by delamination of the glue joints in the wooden structure. The use of substandard wartime glues, such as the Finnish Lukko casein-based adhesive, proved vulnerable to humidity, frost, and temperature fluctuations, which weakened the plywood seams and contributed to aeroelastic flutter and in-flight breakups. In total, 10 aircraft were lost in 48 recorded incidents between 1943 and 1947, resulting in the deaths of four pilots. Notable accidents highlighted these vulnerabilities during testing and service. The MY-6 crashed in June 1944 when its left detached at high speed (approximately 640 km/h) during a dive test, underscoring early concerns with integrity. Similarly, in 1945, the MY-14 suffered a failure that exposed ongoing bonding defects in the attachments, prompting a fleet-wide grounding for inspections and reinforcements, including dive speed limits set at 600 km/h. These events, along with others like the MY-4's separation in , led to modifications but could not fully mitigate the material limitations. The accumulating accidents accelerated the retirement of the Myrsky fleet. Following the fatal crash of MY-28 on 9 May 1947, which disintegrated in a dive and prompted a final grounding, the decommissioned the type in May 1947, transitioning to surplus Allied aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang for superior reliability and performance. Remaining airframes were either scrapped or placed in storage, with the last recorded flight occurring on 10 February 1948 during a transfer that ended in a . By this point, the Myrskys had collectively logged approximately 3,051 flight hours but were deemed unsustainable due to maintenance demands. Post-war evaluations by the acknowledged the aircraft's sensitivity to adverse weather conditions as a critical flaw, yet praised it as a testament to domestic ingenuity under wartime constraints, having successfully filled a vital role in and despite its challenges. Official reports emphasized the glue-related weather vulnerability while noting the Myrsky's role in maintaining air defense independence.

Service and preservation

Operators

The VL Myrsky was exclusively operated by the Finnish Air Force (Ilmavoimat), serving from its operational introduction in 1944 until retirement in 1947. The aircraft were integrated into reconnaissance units due to production delays and the need for rapid deployment, with the primary assignment to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TLeLv 12 or LeLv 12) at Mensuvaara airfield, which received 20 Myrsky II fighters by late 1944 for tactical reconnaissance roles. In February 1945, six additional aircraft were delivered to the 16th Reconnaissance Squadron (TLeLv 16 or LeLv 16). Earlier, in February 1944, a single pre-production aircraft underwent evaluation with the 26th Fighter Squadron (HLeLv 26) to assess its fighter potential, though it was not adopted for frontline fighter use. Post-war reorganization in 1945 saw elements of these reconnaissance units reformed into the 11th and 13th Fighter Squadrons (HLeLv 11 and HLeLv 13), continuing limited Myrsky operations until structural issues prompted withdrawal. Pilot training for the type occurred primarily at the facilities of the State Aircraft Factory (Valtion Lentokonetehdas) in Helsinki-Malmi, where initial familiarization flights and maintenance were handled amid wartime material shortages and secrecy measures. The limited production run of 51 aircraft, constrained by Allied blockades and domestic resource limitations, precluded any exports or operations by other nations. Under the terms of the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty, which capped the at 90 combat aircraft and mandated demilitarization, all surviving Myrsky units remained under national control and were systematically retired or stored, with no foreign transfers.

Survivors

Three fuselages of the VL Myrsky have survived, consisting of MY-5, MY-9, and MY-14, with the latter being the most complete example available for restoration efforts. These remnants were preserved from post-war scrapping and storage, providing the primary basis for ongoing preservation work. The restoration of MY-14 began in 2013 as a collaborative project between the Museum, the , and the Aviation Museum Society, utilizing original blueprints and technical drawings from the State Aircraft Factory archives. Volunteers and conservators have invested over 12,000 man-hours, focusing on reconstructing the wooden wings, steel-tube , and other components to achieve a static display condition. The project emphasizes authentic materials and methods to honor the aircraft's mixed wood-and-metal construction. As of October 2025, the restoration of MY-14 remains in progress, with the wings modified during winter 2024–2025 and spring 2025, painted by mid-2025, and the fuselage on exhibit in an uncovered state at the Museum in Tikkakoski. The instrument panel is nearly complete, featuring approximately 30–35 instruments restored or replicated, along with restored levers and cleaned/ repaired pilots' seats. Additional remnants, including salvaged wings stored for decades and various engines, are held at the Finnish Aviation Museum near , with parts from these contributing to the MY-14 project after transport to Tikkakoski in 2024. These components, recovered from long-term outdoor storage, underscore the challenges of preserving wooden elements exposed to environmental decay. The preservation of the VL Myrsky symbolizes Finland's wartime independence, as the only domestically designed and produced to enter serial production during . Recent support from 2023 to 2025 includes sponsorships from Patria and heritage grants from Finnish cultural foundations, enabling the project's continuation amid rising costs for specialized materials and labor.

Specifications

General characteristics and performance

The VL Myrsky II featured compact dimensions suited to its role as a lightweight fighter, measuring 8.35 in , 11 in , 3 in , and with a wing area of 18 . These proportions contributed to its agile handling and low-drag profile. The aircraft had an empty weight of 2,337 kg and a of 3,213 kg, balancing structural integrity with capacity. Powered by a single R-1830 SC3-G 14-cylinder air-cooled , the Myrsky II produced 794 kW (1,065 hp) at takeoff, providing robust propulsion for high-altitude operations despite wartime supply constraints on engine availability. This powerplant, integrated with a three-bladed constant-speed , enabled efficient performance across varied mission profiles. In terms of flight performance, the Myrsky II achieved a maximum speed of 535 km/h at 3,300 m altitude, with a practical range of 499 km on internal fuel alone. Its service ceiling reached 9,500 m, and it demonstrated a of 15 m/s, allowing rapid ascent to intercept enemy aircraft. The aircraft carried 300 L of internal fuel, supporting typical 1.5-hour missions at a cruise speed of 400 km/h, though external drop tanks could extend endurance for reconnaissance tasks.
CategorySpecification
DimensionsLength: 8.35 m
Wingspan: 11 m
Height: 3 m
Wing area: 18
WeightsEmpty: 2,337 kg
Max takeoff: 3,213 kg
Powerplant1 × R-1830 SC3-G radial, 794 kW (1,065 hp) at takeoff
PerformanceMax speed: 535 km/h at 3,300 m
Range: 499 km
Service ceiling: 9,500 m
: 15 m/s
Fuel and EnduranceInternal fuel: 300 L
Mission endurance: 1.5 hours at 400 km/h cruise

Armament and avionics

The VL Myrsky was equipped with four 12.7 mm VKT LKk/42 heavy machine guns mounted in the engine cowling, two on each side of the fuselage, and synchronized to fire through the propeller arc. These weapons, an unlicensed Finnish adaptation of the Belgian FN Browning M.1939 heavy machine gun, provided the aircraft's primary offensive capability, with a total ammunition capacity of 960 rounds distributed across the guns. The guns were capable of a firing rate up to 1,000 rounds per minute each, supported by air-cooling systems to enable sustained bursts during combat. For secondary roles, the Myrsky could carry up to two 100 kg (220 lb) bombs mounted on underwing racks, enabling light attack or missions, or alternatively reconnaissance cameras for photographic surveys. These provisions enhanced its multi-role versatility without compromising its primary fighter configuration. Avionics were basic, reflecting wartime technological constraints and the absence of , which was not yet standard for fighters of this era. The featured a FuG 7a radio set for communication, a Väisälä T.h.m./44.kk reflector gunsight for aiming the forward-firing armament, and an oxygen system consisting of bottled supply with regulators and masks to support high-altitude operations above 4,000 meters.
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