VL Paarma

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

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

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)

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

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.