Valmet L-80 TP Turbo-Vinha (Turbo-Quick) was a Finnish prototype military trainer based on the L-70 Vinka. The L-80 TP was intended to act as both a primary and an advanced trainer. The sole prototype was destroyed in an accident in 1985, soon after its completion.
History[]
In the early 1980s Valmet wanted to start a new aircraft project, as the production of the Vinka and the assembly of the Finnish Air Force's BAe Hawks were nearing completion. It was decided to upgrade the Vinka into a more capable aircraft that could be used both as a primary and an advanced trainer. The Turbo-Vinha, initially known as L-80 TP Military Trainer, was essentially the L-70 Vinka with a more powerful 360 hp Allison 250 turboprop engine, retractable landing gear and new trapezoidal wings. The main designer was originally Elias Järvineva, and later Jaakko Harjumäki after Järvineva's retirement. The prototype, coded OH-VBB, first flew on 12 February 1985, flown by Paavo Janhunen.
On 24 April 1985, during its 14th flight, OH-VBB entered an irrecoverable spin and crashed at Eväjärvi, killing Janhunen and test flight engineer Juhani Jääskeläinen. The Allison engine was longer than the Vinka's Lycoming engine, which had disrupted the aircraft's balance.
After the crash, the Turbo-Vinha was substantially modified, and its name was changed into the L-90 TP Redigo in the process.
Specifications[]
- Crew: Two, student and instructor
- Capacity: up to two additional passengers
- Length: 7.90 m (25 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 10.15 m (33 ft 31⁄2 in)
- Height: 2.85 m (9 ft 41⁄2 in)
- Wing area: 14.75 m2 (158.8 sqft)
- Empty weight: 890 kg (1,962 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 1,900 kg (4,189 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-B17D turboprop, 286 kW (360 shp) (flat rated)
- Never exceed speed: 465 km/h (251 knots, 289 mph)
- Maximum speed: 340 km/h (183 knots, 211 mph) at 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
- Range: 1,300+ km (703 NM, 808 mi)
- Rate of climb: 10 m/s (1,968 ft/min)