A rare machine indeed, the last surviving example of the Vihuri trainer, of which 51 were built by Valmet in Finland between 1951 and 1959. A large number of accidents led to government intervention and grounding in May 1959, but it was later determined that pilot violations of flight regulations were mainly to blame. Interestingly, the engines were rebuilt Mercurys from Blenheim bombers. This example accumulated 802 flying hours, after which it served as a ground instructional frame at the Air Force Academy in Kauhava.

Hävittäjälaivue 31 flew Vihuri trainers before the arrival of the Magister and MiG-21. Photo from: Finnish Aviation Museum

Photographer not known.

The prototype of Vihuri ready for the first flight 6 February, 1951. Valmet developed two-seat and all-metal Vihuri at the beginning of the 1950s to substitute VL Pyry advanced trainers. A total of 51 Vihuris were produced 1951-1957. Photographer not known.

Preserved at the Central Finland Aviation Museum. [Nikon D300 + Tokina 12-24mm/4]

Valmet developed all-metal Vihuri at the beginning of the 1950s to substitute VL Pyry advanced trainers. A total of 51 Vihuris were produced 1951-1957. It was the main advanced trainer and the most flown type during the 1950s. It was involved in a number of accidents. That led to a press campaign which quickened its withdrawal from service in 1959. Most of the Vihuris were scrapped in 1960. The cabin part of the VH-25 was found from a scrap yard in Helsinki at the beginning of the 1970s. (Ilmailumuseot.fi - Aviationmuseums.fi) [Nikon D750 + Tamron SP 24-70mm/2,8G VC]