The Finnish Aviation Museum (Helsinki-Vantaa)

Whilst visiting Finland I took the opportunity to visit the Finnish Aviation Museum (Suomen Ilmailumuseo), which is located a few minutes away from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

The collection focuses on Finnish Aviation, both military and civilian. There are around 70 exhibits plus a host of other aviation-related material. 

The Caudron C.60 (left) was a wooden two-seat biplane designed for training. The French-designed plane was used in Finland for training pilots and observers until 1939. 

Messerschmitt BF109 G-6 (right)

 As the war progressed, the Bf 109F series became more and more outclassed by the Allied fighters it was fighting. The primary weakness lay in speed, as the new Allied planes (especially the Americans) were becoming increasingly faster. So Messerschmitt was ordered to put a better engine in the Bf 109. This was done (the Daimler Benz DB 605), but the new engine was heavier, adding weight and therefore reducing manoeuvrability.

Caudron C.60	Messerschmitt BF109 G-6

Now for the more observant amongst you there are a few things that do not add up on this G-6, such as the canopy, which I believe to be a replica (a damn good one). Unfortunately on my visit no-one in the museum could give me any more information other than what was on the Info board. The aircraft was also housed in obviously temporary accommodation, so if anyone knows any more please shout out. 

The Museum has a host of engines on display. Below is the massive JT8D-17A, as fitted to the DC-9-50 and the Boeing 727-200.

SAAB 35BS Draken (above)

Different versions of the Draken have been designed for the Austrian, Danish, Swedish and Finnish Air Forces. The 35BS is a single seat fighter. A total of 47 served in the Finnish Air Force from the 1970’s until the 90’s. Together with the MiG 21, they were their main fighters. 

DE Havilland DH.115 Vampire Trainer T.55 (above) The first jet engine trainer in the Finnish Air Force. 

Messerschmitt BF 109 G-2 MT-208 (below)

During aerial target practice on 1^st August 1946, the target bag being towed by another aircraft wound itself around the propeller and choked the air intake. This resulted in the engine overheating and the pilot, who escaped unharmed, making a forced landing at sea.

A recovery was made of the aircraft but before reaching shore the plane once again was lost and sank! A diving team from the Museum finally raised the remains in August 1999. 

Fokker F.27 Simulator The Museum hosts a multitude of simulators.	Designed and built in the Soviet Union, three Mi-4  helicopters were used by the Finnish Air Force transport Squadron from 1962-1979.

The Nose Art Bird Mascot (above) was used by the Messerschmitt aircraft of 33 & 34 Squadrons during the 50’s. 

I liked the fact that the Museum also displays some items that you would not find in others. Above, the contents of the ejection seat emergency kit from the DE Havilland D.H. 115 Vampire Trainer T.55.

Conclusion

The Museum is not the biggest but has a good collection which is well laid out. If you are in the area, it is well worth a visit. 

Museum Website

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