VL Myrsky

The VL Myrsky (meaning "Storm" in Finnish) was a Finnish World War II fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Valtion Lentokonetehdas (VL), the State Aircraft Factory. It was developed in response to the need for a modern, domestically produced fighter to replace the aging Fokker D.XXIs and Bristol Blenheims in the Finnish Air Force. The Myrsky was conceived as a high-speed interceptor, featuring an all-metal, stressed-skin construction, a significant departure from earlier Finnish aircraft designs.

Development of the Myrsky was protracted and plagued with difficulties, primarily due to material shortages and a lack of experience with the advanced construction techniques required. The first prototype, the Myrsky I, flew in 1941. Numerous issues were identified during testing, necessitating significant redesigns. This led to the Myrsky II, which entered production in 1944.

The Myrsky II saw active service in the Continuation War (1941-1944) against the Soviet Union. While faster than its predecessors, the Myrsky II was hampered by structural weaknesses, particularly in the wings, which led to several accidents. It also suffered from engine reliability issues. Despite these shortcomings, the Myrsky II was credited with some successes in air combat, intercepting enemy bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.

Post-war, the remaining Myrsky IIs continued in service for a short period, primarily as training aircraft. Eventually, they were withdrawn from service and scrapped. The VL Myrsky represents a significant, albeit ultimately flawed, effort by Finland to develop its own advanced fighter aircraft during a period of intense conflict. Its legacy lies in the experience gained by Finnish engineers and technicians, paving the way for future aircraft development programs.