A VL Kotka II (Eagle) being assembled outdoors at Suomenlinna (a 250-year-old fortress outside Finland’s capital, Helsinki). VL had begun its production at Suomenlinna and Santahamina in Helsinki and the factory did not have an airport, only the sea and sea ice could be used for take-off and landing. Most of the aircraft built in Helsinki were seaplanes and because of the small size of the factory at Suomenlinna, much of the final assembly was done outdoors.
A VL Kotka II (Eagle) being assembled outdoors at Suomenlinna (a 250-year-old fortress outside Finland’s capital, Helsinki). VL had begun its production at Suomenlinna and Santahamina in Helsinki and the factory did not have an airport, only the sea and sea ice could be used for take-off and landing. Most of the aircraft built in Helsinki were seaplanes and because of the small size of the factory at Suomenlinna, much of the final assembly was done outdoors.