The small number of Finnish fighter pilots who defended Finland in three separate wars between 1939 and 1945 amassed scores only bettered by the Luftwaffe's pilots. Initially equipped with a mixed collection of fighters acquired from sources across the world, the Finnish Air Force was thrust into combat in the defensive Winter War against an invasion by the Soviet Union in 1939, followed by the Continuation War, together with Germany and the other Axis powers against the Soviets, in 1941-1944. The third conflict, the Lapland War against Germany, occurred in 1944-1945. Aircraft of the famous Finnish aces are described in detail with many photos and color profiles. This book includes the aircraft of Ilmari Juutilainen, Hans Wind, and Eino Luukkanen, among others. It is an essential reading for aviation enthusiasts and scale aeromodelers.

Always outnumbered by their Soviet counterparts, the small band of Finnish fighter pilots who defended their Scandinavian homeland from the 'communist hordes' in three separate wars between 1939 and 1945 amassed scores only bettered by the Luftwaffe's Jagdflieger. Initially equipped with a motley collection of biplane and monoplane fighters garnered from sources across the globe, the Finnish Air Force was thrust into combat in November 1939. Given little chance against the massive Soviet force, the Finnish fighter pilots confounded the sceptics and decimated the attacking fighter and bomber formations, prompting the Russians to call a halt in March 1940. This scenario was repeated in 1941, and by 1943 the Finns had become uneasy allies with the Germans. Complete with first-hand accounts and detailed colour illustrations, this book profiles aces like Juutilainen and Wind, who proved unbeatable in the final months of conflict.

Always outnumbered by their Soviet counterparts, the small band of Finnish fighter pilots who defended their Scandinavian homeland from the 'communist hordes' in three separate wars between 1939 and 1945 amassed scores only bettered by the Luftwaffe's Jagdflieger. Initially equipped with a motley collection of biplane and monoplane fighters garnered from sources across the globe, the Finnish Air Force was thrust into combat in November 1939. Given little chance against the massive Soviet force, the Finnish fighter pilots confounded the sceptics and decimated the attacking fighter and bomber formations, prompting the Russians to call a halt in March 1940. This scenario was repeated in 1941, and by 1943 the Finns had become uneasy allies with the Germans. Complete with first-hand accounts and detailed colour illustrations, this book profiles aces like Juutilainen and Wind, who proved unbeatable in the final months of conflict.

Second volume covers Finnish Fighters used during WWII. Camouflage and markings of the fighters obtained from France, USA, Germany, UK and the USSR are described in unparalleled detail by the well-known Finnish author Kari Stenman. Many unpublished photos, and color profiles. Vol. 2 covers: Hawker Hurricane I & II Caudron CR 714 Curtiss Hawk 75A Messerschmitt Bf 109 G VL Myrsky I-153 I-16 LaGG-3 Curtiss P-40M Warhawk

Finland's premier fighter squadron during World War 2, Lentolaivue 24 (Flying Squadron 24) first saw action during the bloody Winter War of 1939-40, when the Soviet Red Army launched a surprise attack on the small Scandinavian country the squadron enjoyed great success against numerically superior opposition. LLv 24 was once again in the thick of the action following the outbreak of the Continuation War in June 1941. Easily the air force's most successful fighter unit, LLv 24 claimed 877 kills, and its pilots won five direct and two indirect Mannerheim Crosses (Finland?s highest military award) out of a total of 19 presented to all Finnish soldiers. Most top aces also scored the bulk of their kills flying with this unit.

This book describes in detail the camouflage and markings of the seaplenes used by the Finnish Air Force and by Germans from Finnish bases from 1939 to 1945. Aircraft of different countries' origin are shown. This profusely illustrated book includes many historical photographs and color profiles showing the colors and markings carried by the aircraft. Detailed color notes and precise description and illustration of national markings over the period complete a book that will be invaluable to aircraft enthusiasts, historians and modellers. More than 280 historical photos and about 60 color profiles.

The next book in the Rainbow Series covers Finnish Bombers used during WWII. Camouflage and markings of the fighters obtained from USA, Netherland, Germany, UK and the USSR are described in unparalleled detail by the well-known Finnish author Kari Stenman. Many unpublished photos, and exclusive color profiles. Described aircraft: DB-3M/DB-3F LysanderAviation SB Blenheim Do 17Z Ju 88A Pe 2 Fokker C.X DC