VL Kotka
Template:Short description Template:Expand Finnish Template:Infobox aircraft
VL Kotka ("Eagle") was a Finnish two-seat, biplane maritime patrol aircraft, designed and built by the Script error: No such module "Lang". or VL ("State Aircraft Factory"). It was meant as a cheaper replacement (compared to the Blackburn Ripon) for the outdated IVL A.22 Hansas that were in service with the Finnish Air Force.[1]
The prototype made its first flight on September 30, 1930. In 1931, the State Aircraft Factory began production of a series of five aircraft. These were used as liaison aircraft until 1944.[2]
One aircraft (KA-147) is on display at the Päijät-Häme Aviation Museum.[3]
Versions
- VL E.30 Kotka prototype KA-144 - this machine was built by the Finnish Government Aircraft Works, and was a prototype fitted with floats and a Bristol "Jupiter IV" engine.
- VL E.30 Kotka I KA-145, 147 & 148 - three of the production aircraft (KA-145 – KA-148) fitted with regular landing gear (and could equip skis) and Wright R-1820-E Cyclone radial engines, 429 kW (575 hp).
- VL E.30 Kotka I KA-146 - this machine was a Kotka I fitted with the same or very similar floats to the ones the KA-144 Kotka prototype had.
- VL E.31 Kotka II KA-149 - the last, more modified series production aircraft fitted with a Pratt & Whitney R-1690-B Hornet engine, (575 hp).
- VL E.32 Kotka III - cancelled third series due to the type being outdated.
Operators
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Specifications (KA-147, land aircraft)
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
Citations
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