VL Paarma

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Paarma
Role Trainer
National origin Finland
Manufacturer Valtion Lentokonetehdas (VL)
First flight 20 March 1931
Status Cancelled
Primary user Finnish Air Force
Number built 1

VL Paarma (English: Gadfly) was a Finnish biplane, two-seat trainer aircraft, designed by the State Aircraft Factory (Valtion Lentokonetehdas) for use with the Finnish Air Force.

Design and development[edit]

A prototype was constructed in 1930–31 and made its maiden flight on 20 March 1931. The aircraft was, however, under-powered, and the flight characteristics were poor. Suggestions for improvements were made and the engine was replaced by a higher-powered one. The aircraft was damaged in 1933, but was never repaired.[1]

Specifications (Paarma)[edit]

Data from Albatrosista Pilatukseen. Tikkakoski: Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseo[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 7.9 m (25 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.5 m (34 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
  • Max takeoff weight: 960 kg (2,116 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Siemens-Halske Sh 12 9-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine, 89 kW (120 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed wooden fixed-pitch propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 135 km/h (84 mph, 73 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 3,000 m (9,800 ft)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Raunio, Jukka (2005). Valtion lentokonetehtaan historia (in Finnish). [Halli]: [Jukka Raunio]. pp. 164–167. ISBN 951-96866-6-5.
  2. ^ Heinonen, Timo; Valtonen, Hannu (2010). Albatrosista Pilatukseen. Tikkakoski: Keski-Suomen ilmailumuseo (in Finnish). pp. 93–94. ISBN 9789529998920.