Aviation Museums in Finland

[Brett]

It is a camera pod on the underwing pylon of the Mig-21F-13.

In 1966 the Finnish Air Force started a project to develop Photo Recce equipment for the Mig-21. They initially started with Russian AFA-39 cameras which installed in the wings themselves, but the small size of the camera meant sub-standard results.

Next were French Omera cameras installed in modified underwing napalm tanks, then British Vinten cameras installed in a Vinten pod modified to specific Finnish requirements. This became the standard unit, meaning the Finnish pod was unique to Finland.

The system used a video camera for sighting, which required the gyro gunsight in the cockpit to be removed to allow the monitor to be installed. A fixed optical gunsight was installed as a replacement, allowing the guns to remain operational.

MG-32, MG-35, MG-47, MG-49, MG-50, MG-61, MG-63, MG-65 and MG-92 were modified to this configuration, known as MGT.

When Fighter Squadron 31 received MiG-21BIS fighters in 1980 their MiG-21F-13 were reallocated to the Recce Squadron at Luonetjärvi, but were not all converted to the Recce fit-out.

[Peter Lewis]

There were also a few helicopters on display.

My knowledge of fling-wings is limited, but this apparently is a MiL-1, the first successful Soviet helicopter.
Four of them in Finnish service, 1961 to 1967.



Outside there is a Mi-8. These saw Finnish air force service from 1973 to 2010.

[phasselgren]

Sept 23, 2019 10:16:24 GMT 12 Brett said:

It is a camera pod on the underwing pylon of the Mig-21F-13.

In 1966 the Finnish Air Force started a project to develop Photo Recce equipment for the Mig-21. They initially started with Russian AFA-39 cameras which installed in the wings themselves, but the small size of the camera meant sub-standard results.

Next were French Omera cameras installed in modified underwing napalm tanks, then British Vinten cameras installed in a Vinten pod modified to specific Finnish requirements. This became the standard unit, meaning the Finnish pod was unique to Finland.

The system used a video camera for sighting, which required the gyro gunsight in the cockpit to be removed to allow the monitor to be installed. A fixed optical gunsight was installed as a replacement, allowing the guns to remain operational.

MG-32, MG-35, MG-47, MG-49, MG-50, MG-61, MG-63, MG-65 and MG-92 were modified to this configuration, known as MGT.

When Fighter Squadron 31 received MiG-21BIS fighters in 1980 their MiG-21F-13 were reallocated to the Recce Squadron at Luonetjärvi, but were not all converted to the Recce fit-out.

Thanks Brett, much appreciated

[Peter Lewis]

Having toured through the museum, the next challenge was to get back to Helsinki.
My return ticket on the train was for the 6pm departure.
There is a bus stop a few hundred metres from the museum, but of course the signs were undecipherable,  none of the rural bus drivers understood English, and my grasp of Suomi is minimal (read: zero).

By the time three buses had stopped, the drivers had shrugged helplessly, and then driven away I was beginning to worry. How exactly do you die at night in the Finnish countryside? Freezing to death or being ravaged by wolves seemed to be the two available choices.

I was rescued by a damsel. The fourth bus contained a passenger who - bless her - understood English. "This bus will get you there" she said, "Eventually".
Eventually was good enough for me. Even if I missed the train and had to stay in town overnight it would be warmer and better than the wolves.

Fortunately yes, the bus got to the rail station with a few minutes to spare, and I collapsed gratefully into the welcome embrace of VR. Finnish trains have a reputation for being spacious, comfortable and clean, and this one was no exception. Once I had recovered some equilibrium I was able to patronise the buffet car and take a guess at what was on offer. Not sure what I ordered, but it tasted great and the wine was wonderful.



So, back to Helsinki and the hotel after a stressful 15 hour day. Challenging, but worth it.

As a final kick, I found that my camera had malfunctioned, so all the photos you have seen in this thread are the backups from my cellphone. So be it.

A few days later I visited the Aviation Musuem at Vantaa, a suburb of Helsinki.
Much less of a challenge. I'm off south for a week or so, so that coverage will have to wait until my return.

[johnnyfalcon]

Great coverage Peter, and an entertaining adventure (from my lounge chair) Cheers!

[thebrads]

I can appreciate, i spent a week in Finland a while back. There is no kinda getting by through fudging through communication as one might in say France is there! Loved the place though.

[Dave Homewood]