The best fighter of the 1930s

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I think you're right, arguing about the "best" is the wrong way to look at it, it's better to discuss the important aircraft of the period. I really like the Gladiator, while it's hardly superior against other aircraft in any way, it's a beautiful design that far outperformed what anyone would expect from something in its place.
 
it's a beautiful design that far outperformed what anyone would expect from something in its place.
Problem was that it wasn't as good as a Hurricane with wooden prop. And they knew it when they ordered it. Yes it was great, IF you could not get a fixed propeller fabric winged Hurricane at the same time. IF the British would sell you the basic Hurricane and you had the money you were foolish to take the Gladiator.

The Gladiators main advantage was it was available for export.
 
It was not superior against contemporary aircraft in any way that was clearly demonstrated during the Winter war.
I'm not familiar with the Gladiator's service during the Winter War. I assume it would have mainly faced against I-15s and I-16s? I have seen photos of them modified with skis in place of traditional gear which does look cool, though.
 
I'm not familiar with the Gladiator's service during the Winter War. I assume it would have mainly faced against I-15s and I-16s? I have seen photos of them modified with skis in place of traditional gear which does look cool, though.
Mainly against I-153 and I-16. High maneuverability of the Gladiator could not compensate other characteristics, first of all, maximum speed and climb rate, which were insufficient against Polikarpov's fighters (and even against the SB and DB-3 bombers!). Only the poor training of some of the Soviet pilots gave the Gladiators a chance. A dogfight with Japanese Ki-27s (with well-trained pilots) should be even more lose-lose for the Gladiator.
 

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