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.[1] The first prototype made its maiden flight from Halli Airport for the first time on 1 July 1975.[2]
The aircraft is a low-winged tractormonoplane of all-metal construction and with a fixed nosewheel undercarriage. It is powered by a single 200 hp (149 kW) Lycoming O-360flat-fourpiston 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.[3][4]
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.[5]
Operational history
The Vinka entered service on 13 October 1980[6] with deliveries continuing until 1982.[7] 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.[7]
Valmet attempted to market the type internationally under the name L-70 Miltrainer, but no orders followed.
On 1 September 2022 the Vinka was removed from Air Force service after over 40 years of service,[8] being replaced by 28 ex-RAF Grob G 115Es.[9]
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.[10] The prototype was destroyed in an accident on 24 April that year, killing the pilot Paavo Janhunen and the flight observer.[11] 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).
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