The VL Myrsky MY-14 fuselage and wing are joined

Suomeksi

Monday and Tuesday, 4–5 May 2026, were reserved at the Finnish Air Force Museum for the test fitting of the wing and fuselage of the VL Myrsky MY-14. The success of the fitting would largely determine the final stages of the project.

For the test fitting, an electric forklift had been rented, and in addition, equipment such as cargo pallets, stackers, pallet jacks, and hand tools was used.

First, the aircraft’s tail was lifted onto a stand, supported by an axle pushed through the lifting tube. Next, the fuselage was raised with a forklift from the propeller shaft so that the stand previously used under the fuselage in the restoration workshop could be removed. After that, the wing was slid beneath the fuselage using cargo pallets and the wing transfer platforms built by Matti Patteri.

Under the direction of conservator Antti Lappalainen and assistant conservator Mika Rautasaari, the four bolts connecting the wing and fuselage were eased into place. Three of the bolts were fitted with relatively little effort, but the fourth bolt, the frontmost one on the right, proved far more troublesome. But in general, the work went much more smoothly than expected: the wing and fuselage were already joined by late morning on the first day, although two days had been reserved for the task.

In the afternoon, the aircraft’s main landing gear was lowered and locked into the down position, after which the aircraft could be set down onto it. The landing gear was fitted with stud-pattern tyres from a Valmet Vihuri, inflated to the pressure of 1,5 bar, to be used as transport wheels.

After this, the tail was lowered onto its tailwheel. Finally, transfer platforms were placed under all the wheels so that the aircraft could also be moved sideways. The aircraft was then positioned approximately where it will eventually be displayed in the exhibition.

The next stages will include the installation of the vertical and horizontal stabilisers and their root fairings, installation of the oil cooler, fitting and installation of the wing root fairings, and installation of the engine cowlings.

This day, 4 May 2026, marked a historic milestone in the more than 12-year continuation of the VL Myrsky II restoration project. The restored Myrsky MY-14, representing the only serially produced fighter aircraft entirely designed and built in Finland, was set onto its landing gear, allowing the final restoration tasks to begin and the planning of the unveiling event to get underway.

In the photograph are the Finnish Air Force Museum’s “chief fixers”: assistant conservator Mika Rautasaari, conservator Antti Lappalainen, and museum director Kai Mecklin. Conservator Harri Huopainen is absent from the picture.

The restoration of MY-14 is a joint project of Aviation Museum Society Finland, Finnish Air Force Museum, and Finnish Aviation Museum, with Patria and Sinituote as the main supporters. The Myrsky Group of Aviation Museum Society’s Tuesday Club has built at the premises of the Finnish Aviation Museum in Vantaa the wing, ailerons, stabilisers, and rudder, as well as, among other things, the front section of the engine’s NACA ring and many other smaller parts. The Air Force Museum’s restoration team has focused on the fuselage, engine, weapons, and fitting work, in addition to many smaller tasks.

Photos: Reino Myllymäki

Translation to English: Erja Reinikainen