VL Humu

The VL Humu was a Finnish fighter aircraft, designed by the State Aircraft Factory (Valtion lentokonetehdas) in 1944 and based on the American Brewster F2A design.

Design and development
The Humu was largely constructed out of wood, due to scarcity of metals, but the frame was made from steel and its design followed closely that of the Brewster.

Because of the small numbers of Brewsters in service (44) in the Finnish Air Force, the Finns wanted to see if they could design a fighter based on the Brewster design. The aircraft designers Torsti Verkkola, Arvo Ylinen and Martti Vainio were called upon to lead the project. The Finnish Air Force ordered 90 Humus; however, production was stopped in 1944, when only one aircraft had been produced, serial no. HM-671. The first flight took place on 8 August 1944, HM-671 flying for a total of 19 hours and 50 minutes. The aircraft was 250 kg heavier than calculated, its engine was too weak, and the aircraft was simply not of the standard expected from a fighter aircraft of 1944. It was noted, however, that the change from wing guns to fuselage mounted machine guns was a good change.

Survivors
The sole Humu, HM-671, has been fully restored and is displayed at the Central Finland Aviation museum.

Operators

 * Finnish Air Force
 * Finnish Air Force