Wall of Steel - A Finnish AAA timeline 1920-
- Thread starter Jukra
- Start date
SwampTiger
Banned
This is good work. I am a bit confused over the terminology of heavy versus light fighters. Single and twin engine?
Well, I would dare to say they will do better then they did IOTL, if only because of the better industrial capacities present in Finland due to the different choices made in Interwar period. According to this, they had a huge deficit of shells IOTL, with domestic productiin unable to keep up with demand, while machine tools and other material ordered from abroad was late. Here, they will have much greater production capabilities, giving them much greater amount of various war materiel then they had access to IOTL, and that is something that is certain to have an impact on the course of the war. Already, Finnish infantry has better AT capabilities, with AT Madsens and AT rifles, with better designs in the pipeline, for both 57 and 75mm AT weapons to follow. They also have greater experience and better industrial base to work with, so better and improved designs are going to come into service quicklier and in greater numbers.
However, I would argue that much greater changes will be felt in TTL Continuation War, once Finland really gets its war industries going, and funding stops being primary concern.
However, I would argue that much greater changes will be felt in TTL Continuation War, once Finland really gets its war industries going, and funding stops being primary concern.
Last edited:
I doubt it, perhaps a few examples may be tested, but since Finland does have some rather nice designs of domestic origin, there is no need for them to spend limited amounts on foreign exchange on a gun whose role is already filled by existing designs. OTL Finland did buy some 90 88s in 43-44, according to the Wiki, but used them exclusively for AA roles, here there will be alternatives availlable.
I will also say that a lot of Finnish foreign weapon purchases, especially in regards to the heavier weapons is going to be non-existant ITTL, since Finns do have their own domestic Industry and Designs to turn to.
They produce their own AT Rifle, whise specs seem more then adequate considering most AFVs of the period, and that means that we will not see a jumble of various designs and calibers as was the case IOTL, where they had some 5 to 6 different designs in use, only one of which was Finnish in origin.
They also have in the pipeline one of the most potent AT guns of the period, a 57mm which is due to enter service in 1939, which should be more then capable of dealing with most Soviet tanks of the period, with the exception of IS series if Heavy Tanks. Then again, they are planning a 75mm version as well, whose muzzle velocity and low silhouete could make it an extremely capable weapon as well. That neatly removes the need for Finns to go cap in hand to the Germans and buy needed weapons from them, since it is extremely possible that TTL Finnish Military will be lavishly equipped when compared to what they were fighting with IOTL.
-------
However, I do wonder what they will do in regards to the Fighter aircraft, especially with the requirement for Heavy Two engined fighters. Should be interesting.
Could the boot actually be on the other foot, with Finland either selling guns abroad or licencing their designs as a way to help finance their own defense procurement.
Mayby a deal with the Netherlands, Fokker D21 & G1 Jachtkruisers for anti-tank guns, would be a win-win situation for both countries.
Looks like Finland will be a pioneer of duel purpose AA/AT artillery in this timeline!
If Finland still loses the Winter War, I hope this TL continues through the continuation war.
If Finland still loses the Winter War, I hope this TL continues through the continuation war.
I am not sure about Finland actually producing weapons for others, since there is a very narrow time frame in which various new designs come about, are heard about by somw other nation, tested and chosen for purchase, and the time Finland needs everything its industry can produce and more due to war. However, licensing on the other hand is a completely viable option, especially for neutral nations such as Sweden, Switzerland or even Spain, or even some of the Axis minors.
One thing that also should be taken into the account is the savings Finland will make in regards to its Foreign Exchange Reserves, due to much greater domestic industry, better domestic designs, and greater emphasis on procuring the machine tools then on importing finished weapons from abroad. All of the things that have happened so far in this TL, will most likely result in Finnish armed forces that are not substantially larger then IOTL, but are better equipped, with much greater quantity and quality of the weapons at their disposal.
I do however would like to see a bit more changes (if there are any) in regards to the Finnish infantry. We did see that AT rifle has been adopted, a 13.2mm PTRD look alike, and while 2 of them per company does seem rather low, without the benefit of hindsight it is hard to justify a greater number allocated to an average infantry company. But still, it is still a useful addition to the Finnish arsenal, and I presume that they are organised in a AT section of a sorts, attached directly to the HQ of the individual company?
I also wonder about the L-S M/26 LMG, I do presume that it was adopted and produced per schedule, although perhaps we may see greater amounts of them present at the beginning of the Winter War, either because of the greater amount of funds or industry (or both) possesed by the Finns. It was not without its faults, and Finns in general seem to have prefered Soviet DP LMG, so perhaps Finns could decide to drop the Lahti LMG and decide to copy the Soviet Degtyaryov, it is not like that is without precedent in OTL.
I am refering to what happened OTL, when the Finns captured Soviet PPS-43 SMGs, reverse engineered them and produced their own version, chambered for 9mm PB, called KP M/44. With that in mind, it is reasonable to assume that Suomi 31 SMG is as per OTL, but hopefully in greater numbers, although it would be nice to see an earlier effort to replace it with a stamped sheet weapon, which would be cheaper, quicker and easier to mass produce.
Another thing of note is the tanks and other AFVs, will Finland bother to get any before the Winter War starts? Since they have not bought Vickers 6 Tonners, their only practical experience with tanks is with FT-17 tanks they acquired just after WW1, so that may become a problem for them, since they may lack the awareness of just how capable modern tanks may be. After the Winter War however, Finland may find themselves proud owners of a few Ex-Soviet T-26, similar to what happened IOTL, where they had a grand total of 47 T-26s in January of 1941, not counting whatever other models they capture, so that may help them create their own tank force ITTL. Perhaps we could also see some of the tanks undergo limited modifications, with turrets replaced by light 20mm AA guns, creating SPAA vehicles, and the like?
Keep up th good work @Jukra.
One thing that also should be taken into the account is the savings Finland will make in regards to its Foreign Exchange Reserves, due to much greater domestic industry, better domestic designs, and greater emphasis on procuring the machine tools then on importing finished weapons from abroad. All of the things that have happened so far in this TL, will most likely result in Finnish armed forces that are not substantially larger then IOTL, but are better equipped, with much greater quantity and quality of the weapons at their disposal.
I do however would like to see a bit more changes (if there are any) in regards to the Finnish infantry. We did see that AT rifle has been adopted, a 13.2mm PTRD look alike, and while 2 of them per company does seem rather low, without the benefit of hindsight it is hard to justify a greater number allocated to an average infantry company. But still, it is still a useful addition to the Finnish arsenal, and I presume that they are organised in a AT section of a sorts, attached directly to the HQ of the individual company?
I also wonder about the L-S M/26 LMG, I do presume that it was adopted and produced per schedule, although perhaps we may see greater amounts of them present at the beginning of the Winter War, either because of the greater amount of funds or industry (or both) possesed by the Finns. It was not without its faults, and Finns in general seem to have prefered Soviet DP LMG, so perhaps Finns could decide to drop the Lahti LMG and decide to copy the Soviet Degtyaryov, it is not like that is without precedent in OTL.
I am refering to what happened OTL, when the Finns captured Soviet PPS-43 SMGs, reverse engineered them and produced their own version, chambered for 9mm PB, called KP M/44. With that in mind, it is reasonable to assume that Suomi 31 SMG is as per OTL, but hopefully in greater numbers, although it would be nice to see an earlier effort to replace it with a stamped sheet weapon, which would be cheaper, quicker and easier to mass produce.
Another thing of note is the tanks and other AFVs, will Finland bother to get any before the Winter War starts? Since they have not bought Vickers 6 Tonners, their only practical experience with tanks is with FT-17 tanks they acquired just after WW1, so that may become a problem for them, since they may lack the awareness of just how capable modern tanks may be. After the Winter War however, Finland may find themselves proud owners of a few Ex-Soviet T-26, similar to what happened IOTL, where they had a grand total of 47 T-26s in January of 1941, not counting whatever other models they capture, so that may help them create their own tank force ITTL. Perhaps we could also see some of the tanks undergo limited modifications, with turrets replaced by light 20mm AA guns, creating SPAA vehicles, and the like?
Keep up th good work @Jukra.
Slightly better equipped, the Army and Navy will be quite largely have the equipment of OTL. As for Vickers, the purchase has gotten through despite criticism- I won't have Finland roll all sixes, but there's still a twist!
Depends on the exact number and type of losses. Wiping out two or three extra regiments above OTL likely wouldn't be that significant. Wiping out two or three extra divisions plus any support units above OTL Soviet losses, that would have an impact.
Bigger losses and more failure, even if the Soviets do eventually succeed similar to OTL, could also see a number of officers that survived in OTL to possibly be removed from command and either fired or put in front of a firing squad.
Chapter 19
19. Fokker G.1-SF - all singing, all dancing multi-purpose plane
The first prototype of Fokker G.1-SF, designed for three man crew. Note the very different engine cowlings for Hispano-Suize Y12 engines compared to Dutch Mercury-G.I's.
As Finland did not have domestic aircraft industry the only way to get the heavy fighter the air doctrine required was to seek out for foreign firms. The process started in 1936.
The Bristol Aircraft of Britain was approached and the firm proposed a destroyer variant of it's new Blenheim bomber. This was, however, extraordinarily costly. French Potez 630 and German Bf 110 were not available for foreign sales. Fokker's plane was also of mixed construction and thus might be easier to produced with license, if more funding was available.
In case of Fokker, Finland had already had good experience with the firm which was also very co-operative with Finnish suggestions. A two-engine plane with three man crew was proposed, one which could perform fighter, reconnaissance and light bomber roles, thus being a true multi-purpose aircraft.
The only problem were the engines. The Netherlands did not have an engine industry producting high performance engines and already in 1936 it was clear that the engines with best performance would be reserved for British, German or French aircraft of domestic use. American engines were thought to be too costly from foreign exhange perspective. In Finnish case it was a case of barter trade. French Anti-Aircraft artillery had had problems with it's new Aufiere predictors and thus contracted Finland for 30 Model 36 predictors. In exchange Finland got right to purchase 36 Hispano-Suiza 12Y-38 engines of 1000hp, one of the best engines available in 1936. Four of the engines were reserved for Fokker's prototype planes while 32 were for a production series of 16 Fokker G.I SF (Suomi-Finland). First prototype was flown in March 1937 and the 16 planes were delivered to Finland in 1938.
The plane had impressive performance for it's era, 520km/h max level speed, and heavy armament of 2x 20mm Madsen guns and 2x 7,7mm Browning MG's in nose and one 7,7mm Browning operated by tail gunner.
Cutaway of G.I Mercury showing the small internal bomb bay
The bomb bay could be also replaced with an "observatory" for reconnaissance, although this capability was not used after first combat experiences of the Winter War.
As first planes were delivered to Finland the Fokker was already designing an improved variant, with two man crew, and a bubble canopy designed for maximum speed, manouverability and climbing performance.
In 1938 the preparations for license building and additional procurement of the plane started. Aarne Snellman of the Aviation Branch wanted the plane to replace all combat planes in the Branch, but that was not to be and why, that's a different story altogether. What was important was, that in 1938 Finnish Fighter Squadron, the newly named Lentolaivue 24 had sixteen of quite probably the best heavy fighter in the world and was developing tactics for it under command of Captain Gustaf Magnusson, arguably one of the greatest fighter tacticians ever.
Major Magnusson talking to visiting foreign dignitary during the Winter War
(Note: In OTL Fokker G.1 was considered for FAF in two occasions, before the war and during the Winter War. For various reasons the procurement was not made, and most likely role for the plane would have been a cheaper substitute for Blenheim bombers. The design was hampered by poor engines, thus the handwavium with Hispano's. The "observatory" version is the Swedish reconnaissance variant S13)
The first prototype of Fokker G.1-SF, designed for three man crew. Note the very different engine cowlings for Hispano-Suize Y12 engines compared to Dutch Mercury-G.I's.
As Finland did not have domestic aircraft industry the only way to get the heavy fighter the air doctrine required was to seek out for foreign firms. The process started in 1936.
The Bristol Aircraft of Britain was approached and the firm proposed a destroyer variant of it's new Blenheim bomber. This was, however, extraordinarily costly. French Potez 630 and German Bf 110 were not available for foreign sales. Fokker's plane was also of mixed construction and thus might be easier to produced with license, if more funding was available.
In case of Fokker, Finland had already had good experience with the firm which was also very co-operative with Finnish suggestions. A two-engine plane with three man crew was proposed, one which could perform fighter, reconnaissance and light bomber roles, thus being a true multi-purpose aircraft.
The only problem were the engines. The Netherlands did not have an engine industry producting high performance engines and already in 1936 it was clear that the engines with best performance would be reserved for British, German or French aircraft of domestic use. American engines were thought to be too costly from foreign exhange perspective. In Finnish case it was a case of barter trade. French Anti-Aircraft artillery had had problems with it's new Aufiere predictors and thus contracted Finland for 30 Model 36 predictors. In exchange Finland got right to purchase 36 Hispano-Suiza 12Y-38 engines of 1000hp, one of the best engines available in 1936. Four of the engines were reserved for Fokker's prototype planes while 32 were for a production series of 16 Fokker G.I SF (Suomi-Finland). First prototype was flown in March 1937 and the 16 planes were delivered to Finland in 1938.
The plane had impressive performance for it's era, 520km/h max level speed, and heavy armament of 2x 20mm Madsen guns and 2x 7,7mm Browning MG's in nose and one 7,7mm Browning operated by tail gunner.
Cutaway of G.I Mercury showing the small internal bomb bay
The bomb bay could be also replaced with an "observatory" for reconnaissance, although this capability was not used after first combat experiences of the Winter War.
As first planes were delivered to Finland the Fokker was already designing an improved variant, with two man crew, and a bubble canopy designed for maximum speed, manouverability and climbing performance.
In 1938 the preparations for license building and additional procurement of the plane started. Aarne Snellman of the Aviation Branch wanted the plane to replace all combat planes in the Branch, but that was not to be and why, that's a different story altogether. What was important was, that in 1938 Finnish Fighter Squadron, the newly named Lentolaivue 24 had sixteen of quite probably the best heavy fighter in the world and was developing tactics for it under command of Captain Gustaf Magnusson, arguably one of the greatest fighter tacticians ever.
Major Magnusson talking to visiting foreign dignitary during the Winter War
(Note: In OTL Fokker G.1 was considered for FAF in two occasions, before the war and during the Winter War. For various reasons the procurement was not made, and most likely role for the plane would have been a cheaper substitute for Blenheim bombers. The design was hampered by poor engines, thus the handwavium with Hispano's. The "observatory" version is the Swedish reconnaissance variant S13)
That's during the Continuation War - if there's going to be one and what kind. Finnish doctrine is divided between heavies (57mm) and super-heavies (105mm), and 88 lies between them with no advantages over combination of both. However, if they can be provided they provide an useful mass. Furthermore, till the end of the war Germans have superior radar equipment and their Kommandogerät 40 is superior to best Finnish fire direction computers until late war period.
Last edited:
Chapter 20
20. Plans for expansion and desperation upon realities - Aviation Branch purchases 1937-1939
As the Aviation Branch plans blew more grandiose in late 1930's the international tensions made it more and more difficult to purchase state of art warplanes or even equipment for them. As the amibitious specifications had proved succesful with purchase of G.I SF the Aviation Branch also goldplated the specifications for the planned light, single-engine, fighter. Thus, after rejecting Fokker D.XXI, PZL P.24 and He-112 and other candidates due to one or another reason in late 1938 the situation was dire. All countries were producing fighters for themselves. The Aviation Branch was forced (or was it plan all along?) to order 16 more G.1 SF's in 1938 from Fokker for delivery in late 1939 (in event, delivered during the Winter War.)
In 1938, in a volte face of an earlier decision it was decided to fund not one but two aircraft factories, one to be operated by State in Pori (never completed) and one an expanded Veljekset Karhumäki facility at Kuorevesi. Veljekset Karhumäki had only experience of civil aircraft repair and production of trainer aircraft for the Aviation Branch and had no good aeronautical design staff or facilities. However, it had experience with serial production. Furthermore, it was decided to start license production of Hispano-Suiza 12Y engines in Kokkola. While Air Branch had favored radial engines, Hispano-Suiza was available, in use by Fokker G.1's and Hispano-Suiza had experience with license contracts with Czechoslovakia, Switzerland and Soviet Union. In event, the Finnish airplane deliveries 1940 and the engine manufacturing took an entirely different route in 1940 which will be detailed later on.
Finally, Mannerheim forced Aviation Branch to act in 1939. The first major purchase was for obsolescent aircraft but even them were needed to at least have some planes for fighter squadrons. 48 Avia B-534 fighters were purchased from Germany. Biplanes with four light mg's and top speed of 400km/h they belonged to a past generation. Swedes dryly noted though, that they were better than Gladiators they had and almost the same in number, as Flygvapnet had 51. The Avia B-534's also had working radios. The plan was to use the Avia's to train the expanded fighter arm and then to give them to Army Co-Operation Squadrons. The planes were very cheap as they were sold as surplus but still used precious hard currency and barter trade metals.
Additionally, in autumn 1939 25 Fiat G.50's were ordered as they were one of the few types of planes available. Also, license rights for production of Morane Saulnier M.S. 406 were acquired for planned first delivery in late 1940. M.S.406 was never a first choice, but it was available. In the end, Finnish M.S.406's looked quite different from their French forefathers.
The Naval Co-operation squadrons had requirement for 48 torpedo-reconnaissance planes. Five were purchased along with license production studies, none were delivered.
The two dive-bombing squadrons had no equipment except two puzzled officers sent to study developments in various countries. Various options from SBC Helldiver to Stuka and even Aichi D1A were studied, but the process was slow and no suitable aircraft were found. The best plan in late 1939 was to wait until sufficient number of G.I's would be available.
Strategic reconnaissance was again the darling of procurement. Three Lockheed Super Elecras specially outfitted in Finland were ordered. Capable of high speed above any interception height before introduction of MiG-1's, they were very useful. Lockheed Super Electras were also ordered by Aero Oy, but the time when airliners could be used as makeshift bombers was over.
Combat airplanes ordered in 1937-1939, not counting purchases during the Winter War:
- 98 Fokker G.1 SF, 16 delivered before the war, 48 ordered as license production
- 50 Morane Saulnier M.S. 406, 4 delivered before the war, 46 ordered as license production
- 25 Fiat G.50, none delivered before the war
- 3 Lockheed Super Electra Specials, modified 14-N2 variants with pressurized capsule and camera equipment fitted in Finland. Delivered in late 1938.
- 5 Fokker T.VIII, maritime patrol, torpedo attack, none delivered
German-Czech deal
- 48 Avia B-534, all delivered in June 1939
Civilian purchases, reserve role:
-2 De Havilland Dragon Rapide, liaison role
-6 Lockheed Super Electras delivered in 1938-1939. Planned for bomber role.
Cutaway drawing of Avia B.534
One of the four M.S. 406's in service during the Winter War.
Fokker T.VIII-W, never delivered to Finland
(Note: As from 1938 onwards it was the production capabilities and trade deals which were more important than actual monetary issues, I'm replacing the amounts of money with guesstimates based on rough equivalents. Historically in 1937-1939 Finnish Air Force purchased 15 Blenheim I's and 35 Fokker D.XXI's, 5 Fokker T.VIII's (never delivered) and 25 Fiat G.50's. Additionally Finland ordered 50 Fokker D.XXI's on license in September 1939. Finland purchased some 134 German 2,0cm Flak cannons with barter and hard currency in autumn 1939. Aero Oy purchased 2 De Havilland Dragon Rapides and three Fw-200 Condors (never delivered) in late 1930's.)
As the Aviation Branch plans blew more grandiose in late 1930's the international tensions made it more and more difficult to purchase state of art warplanes or even equipment for them. As the amibitious specifications had proved succesful with purchase of G.I SF the Aviation Branch also goldplated the specifications for the planned light, single-engine, fighter. Thus, after rejecting Fokker D.XXI, PZL P.24 and He-112 and other candidates due to one or another reason in late 1938 the situation was dire. All countries were producing fighters for themselves. The Aviation Branch was forced (or was it plan all along?) to order 16 more G.1 SF's in 1938 from Fokker for delivery in late 1939 (in event, delivered during the Winter War.)
In 1938, in a volte face of an earlier decision it was decided to fund not one but two aircraft factories, one to be operated by State in Pori (never completed) and one an expanded Veljekset Karhumäki facility at Kuorevesi. Veljekset Karhumäki had only experience of civil aircraft repair and production of trainer aircraft for the Aviation Branch and had no good aeronautical design staff or facilities. However, it had experience with serial production. Furthermore, it was decided to start license production of Hispano-Suiza 12Y engines in Kokkola. While Air Branch had favored radial engines, Hispano-Suiza was available, in use by Fokker G.1's and Hispano-Suiza had experience with license contracts with Czechoslovakia, Switzerland and Soviet Union. In event, the Finnish airplane deliveries 1940 and the engine manufacturing took an entirely different route in 1940 which will be detailed later on.
Finally, Mannerheim forced Aviation Branch to act in 1939. The first major purchase was for obsolescent aircraft but even them were needed to at least have some planes for fighter squadrons. 48 Avia B-534 fighters were purchased from Germany. Biplanes with four light mg's and top speed of 400km/h they belonged to a past generation. Swedes dryly noted though, that they were better than Gladiators they had and almost the same in number, as Flygvapnet had 51. The Avia B-534's also had working radios. The plan was to use the Avia's to train the expanded fighter arm and then to give them to Army Co-Operation Squadrons. The planes were very cheap as they were sold as surplus but still used precious hard currency and barter trade metals.
Additionally, in autumn 1939 25 Fiat G.50's were ordered as they were one of the few types of planes available. Also, license rights for production of Morane Saulnier M.S. 406 were acquired for planned first delivery in late 1940. M.S.406 was never a first choice, but it was available. In the end, Finnish M.S.406's looked quite different from their French forefathers.
The Naval Co-operation squadrons had requirement for 48 torpedo-reconnaissance planes. Five were purchased along with license production studies, none were delivered.
The two dive-bombing squadrons had no equipment except two puzzled officers sent to study developments in various countries. Various options from SBC Helldiver to Stuka and even Aichi D1A were studied, but the process was slow and no suitable aircraft were found. The best plan in late 1939 was to wait until sufficient number of G.I's would be available.
Strategic reconnaissance was again the darling of procurement. Three Lockheed Super Elecras specially outfitted in Finland were ordered. Capable of high speed above any interception height before introduction of MiG-1's, they were very useful. Lockheed Super Electras were also ordered by Aero Oy, but the time when airliners could be used as makeshift bombers was over.
Combat airplanes ordered in 1937-1939, not counting purchases during the Winter War:
- 98 Fokker G.1 SF, 16 delivered before the war, 48 ordered as license production
- 50 Morane Saulnier M.S. 406, 4 delivered before the war, 46 ordered as license production
- 25 Fiat G.50, none delivered before the war
- 3 Lockheed Super Electra Specials, modified 14-N2 variants with pressurized capsule and camera equipment fitted in Finland. Delivered in late 1938.
- 5 Fokker T.VIII, maritime patrol, torpedo attack, none delivered
German-Czech deal
- 48 Avia B-534, all delivered in June 1939
Civilian purchases, reserve role:
-2 De Havilland Dragon Rapide, liaison role
-6 Lockheed Super Electras delivered in 1938-1939. Planned for bomber role.
Cutaway drawing of Avia B.534
One of the four M.S. 406's in service during the Winter War.
Fokker T.VIII-W, never delivered to Finland
(Note: As from 1938 onwards it was the production capabilities and trade deals which were more important than actual monetary issues, I'm replacing the amounts of money with guesstimates based on rough equivalents. Historically in 1937-1939 Finnish Air Force purchased 15 Blenheim I's and 35 Fokker D.XXI's, 5 Fokker T.VIII's (never delivered) and 25 Fiat G.50's. Additionally Finland ordered 50 Fokker D.XXI's on license in September 1939. Finland purchased some 134 German 2,0cm Flak cannons with barter and hard currency in autumn 1939. Aero Oy purchased 2 De Havilland Dragon Rapides and three Fw-200 Condors (never delivered) in late 1930's.)
Last edited:
After the winter war I wonder if some one might have suggest the de Havilland Mosquito be used as multi role craft. After all they can be used in bombing, reconnaissance, fighter-bombing, night fighter and fighter roles. They are very fast for 1940 and considering they are mode from wood they should be quite economical solution for Finland.
Well, this is an AAA timeline!
Indeed, it's kind of situation which the AAA historically faced: very low amount of equipment almost reaching the front at last time. License production of decent gear, but as production was ramped up at quite late the gear started arriving in numbers only during the Continuation War. The main difference is, that as Aviation Branch is the bastard branch, it has to accept second-rate gear too, thus Avia B-534's, which are at least available in large numbers.
Historically FAF did not seriously consider acquisition of second rate planes before the Winter War, even though even them would have had marginal utility and money was not the primary problem. Avia B-534's were historically sold by Germans with low price and most probably Gladiator would have been available too. The kill ration would have been lower than with D.XXI naturally.
Before Winter War starts I'll put up a comparison to OTL situation. But one has to note G.I's and the few Morane's are much better aircraft than Fokker D.XXI's of OTL, and Avia B-534's are equivalent of Gladiators which arrived during the Winter War.
Finland did consider a copy of Mosquito, among other things. ITTL Finland does not (luckily) have design resources to design it's own combat aircraft, just modifications for the existing planes, which still opens up quite interesting possibilities. Why luckily? Finland spread out it's scarce resources on myriad of projects, resulting in just one second grade fighter reaching combat in very limited numbers. In meantime, there were some real conversion opportunities which were pushed aside.
One of the main problems for Finnish aircraft projects was lack of proper glues and lacquers for wooden aircraft projects, so, while theoretically wood would have been perfect material for aircraft in practice this was not to be. Thus a TL which would have Finnish wooden combat aircraft would have to start already in prewar times in order to get the techniques ready.
Last edited: