The single seat trainer was was initiated by Captain Gosta von Porat as a replacement for the Albatross aircraft used by the Flygkompaniet (Swedish Army Aviation Corps). The aircraft was designed by Henry Kjellson of the Swedish Army Aircraft factory (FVM) at Malmen (near Link�ping) and first flown in June 1919. Small, light, and powered by an 80hp Thulin A rotary engine (licence built Le Rhone), it was intended to improve pilot handling skill. Because of its small size, it was originally given the name "Tummeliten" (Little Tom Thumb). However the aircraft was more widely known amongst pilots of the type as "Tummelisa" (Tom's female counterpart) because of a tendency to roll on its back. This was frequently abbreviated to 'lisa. Initially 16 aircraft were produced between 1919 and 1922. When the Swedish Air Force was created in June 1926, the type was taken over and designated O1 ( O for Ovningsflygplan or advanced trainer 1). The factory was also redesignated Central Flyverkstaden i Malmslatt (CVM). A further thirteen aircraft were produced between 1928 and 1933. The type continued to serve until 1935, and the aircraft is notable as a trainer in that no fatal accidents were recorded in its 15 years of service. Operations were primarily from Malmsl�tt and Ljungbyhed. After retirement all but one of the aircraft were scrapped, and the survivor (1928 built c/n 147 serial 3656) was retained for preservation. It last flew in 1962 and is now in the Swedish Air Force Museum, Malmslatt.
New Zealand's sole experience of the type was a replica built by Mikael Carlson, and imported specially to participate in the Warbirds over Wanaka 2000 airshow, along with Carlson's Bleriot. The replica (SE-XIL) was built over a seven year period to the original specifications, and features a genuine Thulin A rotary engine. The ace of spades markings represent a former display team, 'the four aces'. (illustrated below). Last Update:- 31 October, 2001
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© 2001 Phillip Treweek, all rights reserved