The design work on the aircraft was initiated in February 1941 under the leadership of the chief engineer Martti Vainio.

Valmet wanted to transform weapons factories, which were currently focused on war-reparations to the Soviet Union, into a productive and profitable industry.

In September 1945 the design of the Tuuli II prototype began and was led by Torolf Eklund.

Due to its low wing loading, its turning maneuvers was bad – this was from the military's view a serious deficiency.

In 1957–1959, a third prototype, the Tuuli III was designed, after the FAF had announced the requirement of a new trainer aircraft.