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for this decision was that the US Navy was hoping to quickly receive a
newer version of the machine, as well as the fact that Grumman F4F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!
EN / Finland
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