Foreword

By Robert L. Shaw In the early 1980s while doing the research for my book, Fighter Combat: Tactics and Maneuvering, I stumbled upon a work entitled, Fighter Over Finland, by Eino Luukkanen, a Finnish World War II ace. This provided my first introduction to the Finnish Air Force, its history and its heritage. Suffice it to say, I was quite impressed. Here was a very small country fighting for its independence against a massive neighbor that outnumbered it as much as 10-to-1 in the air. But their high morale, aggressive "spirit of attack" (to borrow the words of the immortal Adolph Galland), and progressive tactics produced impressively favorable air-to-air exchange ratios on the order of 10-to-1, achieved a high degree of air superiority over their territory, and ultimately contributed enormously to preserving their nation's freedom. Not a bad showing! Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Finland and touring the Air Force Academy at Kauhava and Fighter Squadron 21. In addition, as a hopeless military aviation buff, many hours were spent in museums. As a bonus, the Air Force even arranged for us to meet and chat for a couple of hours with three of their World War II aces. What an honor and a thrill to meet these magnificent gentlemen and talk tactics with the real professionals. They have achieved that to which all fighter pilots aspire. (And they are ready to do it again if necessary!) During this short visit, it quickly became obvious that the Finnish Air Force tradition is alive and well. Although still small, they are transitioning their fighter force to the state-of-the-art F-18, and QUALITY, in both equipment and personnel, remains their watchword (as well as their motto). This online Fighter Tactics Academy is only one indication that their emphasis on quality is more than just lip service. Although a product of the Finnish Air Force, the Fighter Tactics Academy has the potential to serve as the focus of air-combat tactics history, innovation, research, and discussion worldwide, through the miracle of the World Wide Web. Personally, I'm looking forward to making this a routine stop on my Internet "travels." For anyone with a burning interest in air combat, at any level, I'm certain you will find this site as valuable and thought-provoking as I have. Good Surfing. Best wishes & check six! Robert L. "Mouse" Shaw   Home