VL Tuisku

VL Tuisku was a Finnish single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft designed and built by Valtion Lentokonetehdas (VL), the State Aircraft Factory of Finland, in the 1930s. The "VL" prefix denotes aircraft designed by Valtion Lentokonetehdas. The Tuisku (meaning "snowstorm" or "blizzard" in Finnish) was intended to replace the aging Fokker D.XXI fighters in service with the Finnish Air Force.

Designed by Edward Wegelius, the Tuisku was an all-metal monoplane of relatively modern design for its time. It featured an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. However, the aircraft encountered significant developmental challenges, particularly related to its engine and aerodynamics. These issues resulted in performance that was ultimately deemed unsatisfactory by the Finnish Air Force.

The VL Tuisku did not enter mass production. Only one prototype was constructed. It was used for flight testing, but its shortcomings led to the abandonment of the project in favor of procuring more capable foreign aircraft, such as the Brewster Buffalo and later, the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

The Tuisku remains a significant example of Finnish aviation engineering during the pre-World War II era, illustrating the challenges and ambitions of developing an indigenous aircraft industry in a small nation. Although ultimately unsuccessful, the project provided valuable experience and knowledge that contributed to future Finnish aircraft design efforts.