The Brewster B-239 was a Finnish mid-wing American production fighter from the interwar period and World War II. The flight of the prototype took place in 1937, and the machine entered the lines of the Finnish Air Force in 1939. The drive was usually provided by a single Wright R-1820-40 Cyclone engine with a capacity of 1200 HP. The deck armament consisted of four 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns.
Originally, the Brewster B-239 was designed for the US Navy as the Brewster F2A-1, to replace the Grumman F3F biplane. However, it was sold relatively quickly by the US Navy to the Finnish Aviation. The reason for this decision was that the US Navy was hoping to quickly receive a newer version of the machine, as well as the fact that Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters were to enter the line soon. The planes delivered to Finland were designated B-239E and a total of 44 machines of this type were delivered to Finland. They have also received new versions of the Wright Cyclone engines with a capacity of 1200 HP and the armor of the pilot's cabin. All types of instrumentation necessary for the service on aircraft carriers have also been removed from them. Aircraft of this type were not used during the Winter War (1939-1940), but were used on a large scale during the so-called The Continuation War (1941-1944), during which it gained the opinion of a reliable, maneuverable and durable fighter, showing great shooting statistics in clashes with Soviet machines. Interestingly, they remained with the Finnish air force until 1948!
The Gloster Gladiator is a British semi-metal biplane fighter from the beginning of World War II. A prototype flight took place in 1934, and the planes entered the line in 1937. The drive, depending on the version, was the Bristol Merkury Mk IX (Gladiator Mk.I) or Bristol Mercury Mk VIIIA (Gladiator Mk.II and Sea Gladiator) engines. A total of 747 Gloster Gladiator cars were made. During World War II, this type of aircraft fought over the skies of Norway (Squadron 263), France (Squadrons 607 and 615) and in North Africa and the Middle East (Squadrons 33, 80, 94 and 112). Interestingly, only one squadron equipped with Gladiator fighters (247th) fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The plane was most famous for the heroic defense of Malta in June 1940 against the overwhelming Italian forces. Despite the high-quality construction and its durability, after 1940, the Gladiator was sent to training and meteorological units. The Gloster Gladiator plane was used until 1953, the last one to be withdrawn by the Portuguese air force. Technical data (Mk.I version): length: 8.36 m, wingspan: 9.83 m, height: 3.58 m, maximum speed: 407 km / h, rate of climb: 11.7 m / s, maximum range: 708 km, ceiling maximum 1000m, armament: fixed-4 Vickers 7.7mm machine guns.