MT-452

Today we drove to eastern city of Lappeenranta by the Russian border where our oldest son has been studying for the past five years. He is now finishing up his studies and we are clearing/cleaning his apartment.

On the way – at Utti – there is a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 on display. It’s the MT-452. Utti is a small town close to “the most Soviet-looking city” in Finland – Kouvola. The Messerschmitt is such a cool-looking aircraft, and one of the most produced planes ever! “Sadly”, the day was very sunny, so it was difficult to take a good photo of the plane due to the glare. The area is a military zone but it is allowed to visit the plane and other memorials close to it.

MT-452 has nine kills by three different pilots and they all seem to be either IL-2s or La-5s.

Now, the interesting part is that MT-507 was the last Me 109 flown in Finland and the last flight was done by Lt. Col. Erkki Heinilä who was the husband of my wife’s great aunt! So, a small connection there 🙂 MT-507 was originally located at Utti after the last flight in 1954, but was later relocated and MT-452 took its place in 1970.

Below are a few photos I found of the MT-507 which I took at the Finnish Air Force Museum at Tikkakoski close to Jyväskylä. One of my sons tried to get in to the air force, but failed. I had no idea the Me 109 was flown by my wife’s relative!