Valmet L 70 Vinka

Development and design

The Finnish state-owned manufacturing conglomerate Valmet Oy began design work in September 1970 on a replacement for the Saab Safirs then in use with the Finnish Air Force as basic trainers. Valmet received an order from the Finnish Air Force for further development of the LEKO-70 (Lentokone (Aeroplane) 1970) in March 1973. The first prototype made its maiden flight from Halli Airport for the first time on 1 July 1975.

The aircraft is a low-winged tractor monoplane of all metal construction and with a fixed nosewheel undercarriage. It is powered by a single 200 hp (149 kW) Lycoming O-360 flat-four piston engine driving a two bladed propeller. In its main training role, the pupil and instructor sit side-by-side under a large sliding canopy. An additional two seats or a stretcher and medical attendant can be carried for the liaison role, while the wings are fitted with four hardpoints for carrying of external stores.

The Finnish Air Force placed an order for 30 aircraft, to be designated Vinka (Blast (of wind)) on 28 January 1977, with the aircraft to be built at Valmet's Kuorevesi plant.

Operational history

The Vinka entered service on 13 October 1980 with deliveries continuing until 1982. Finnish Air Force pilot trainees flew about 100 hours on the Vinka at the Air Academy at Kauhava before converting to the British Aerospace Hawk jet trainer.

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 a new wing and a retractable undercarriage. This aircraft was given the designation L-80 TP Turbotrainer. The prototype (OH-VBB), powered by a 360 shp (268 kW) Allison 250 turboprop engine, made its first flight on 12 February 1985, piloted by Paavo Janhunen. The prototype was destroyed in an accident on 24 April that year, killing the pilot Paavo Janhunen and the flight observer. 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)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83

General characteristics

Crew: Two, student and instructor

Capacity: up to two additional passengers

Length: 7.50 m (24 ft 7¼ in)

Wingspan: 9.85 m (32 ft 3¾ in)

Height: 3.31 m (10 ft 10¼ in)

Wing area: 14.00 m² (150.7 ft²)

Airfoil: NACA63₂A615 modified

Aspect ratio: 6.93:1

Empty weight: 767 kg (1,691 lb)

Loaded weight: 1,050 kg (2,315 lb)

Max. takeoff weight: 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)

Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming AEIO-360-A1B6 air-cooled flat four, 149 kW (200 hp)

Performance

Never exceed speed: 360 km/h (193 knots, 223 mph)

Maximum speed: 240 km/h (129 knots, 149 mph) at sea level

Cruise speed: 222 km/h (120 knots, 138 mph) at 1,525 m (5,000 ft) (75% power)

Stall speed: 85 km/h (46 knots, 53 mph) (flaps down, power off)

Range: 860 km (464 nmi, 534 miles) (maximum payload)

Endurance: 4 hr 48 min

Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,400 ft)

Rate of climb: 5.7 m/s (1,120 ft/min)

Armament

Hardpoints: 4 underwing hardpoints with a capacity of

Inner hardpoints: 150 kg (330 lb) each

Outer hardpoints:100 kg (220 lb) each

Maximum external load: 300 kg (660 lb)