Valmet L-70 Vinka
 |
| L-70 Vinka | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Trainer |
| Manufacturer | Valmet |
| First flight | 1 July 1975 |
| Introduction | 1980 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary user | Finnish Air Force |
| Number built | 30 |
| Variants | Valmet L-80 Turbo-Vinha Valmet L-90 Redigo |
The Valmet L-70 Vinka is a Finnish-designed piston-powered military basic trainer aircraft. The design work on the aircraft began in 1970. It was intended as a replacement for the Saab Safirs then in use with the Finnish Air Force. The first prototype (designated LEKO-70) flew for the first time on 1 July, 1975.
The Finnish Air Force placed an order for 30 aircraft from Valmet and the aircraft went into serial production at the Valmet Kuorevesi plant. The Vinka entered service in 1980 and the last aircraft was delivered in 1982.
Valmet attempted to market the type internationally under the name L-70 Miltrainer, but no orders followed.
L-80 TP Turbo Vinha
After unsuccessfully having tried to market the L-70 Vinka for the export market, Valmet developed a turboprop version with retractable undercarriage. This aircraft was given the designation L-80 TP Turbo Vinha. The prototype (OH-VBB) made its first flight on 12 February, 1985, piloted by Paavo Janhunen. The prototype was destroyed in an accident on April 24, killing the pilot Paavo Janhunen and engineer Juhani Jääskeläinen. Equipped with an Allison turbine engine, the second prototype was baptized Valmet L-90 TP and it was used for the development of the L-90 Redigo or RediGo (Both spelling versions are found in the brochures from the manufacturer).
Operators
Finland- Finnish Air Force - 30 were built for the FiAF, 28 remain in service and are located at the Air Force Academy at Tikkakoski.
Specifications (L-70 Vinka)
General characteristics
- Crew: Two, student and instructor
- Capacity: up to one additional passenger
Performance
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era