What is your favorite aircraft of all time?

[TomS]

I'm a fan of the Corsair. I've seen one in flight, and it took my breath away.

 

[Jerekson]

The Corsair always seems to be left out - it's always one of those "oh yeah, I forgot about that one!" type of deals for me.

Goodness knows why though. One of the most beautifully designed planes that ever flew - and powerful mean looking too. Not to mention it's performances!

 

[Spitfire41]

The Corsair always seems to be left out - it's always one of those "oh yeah, I forgot about that one!" type of deals for me.

Goodness knows why though. One of the most beautifully designed planes that ever flew - and powerful mean looking too. Not to mention it's performances!

It's unfortunate, but it seems like a lot of the Pacific gets left out. The Horsepower and speed was incredible!! And the Marines flew them! Enough said!! Great and beautiful airplane.

 

[Diamondback]

B-25G/H gunships rock too... gotta love those big 75mm's for trying to ruin some hapless convoy's day out in the Bismarck Sea!

 

[Silver Dollar]

My favorite has to be the P47D Thunderbolt bubble top. They say "If you want to get all the girls, drive a P51. If you want to get home, drive a P47.

This one used to be mine but I gave it away in 1987. BTW, it's only 13 inches long.

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Beechcraft Staggerwing

 

[kampkatz]

The yellow/blue color scheme on the Stagerwing is sharp.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

The Fairchild 24 (1939)

http://www.fairchild24.com/

-dixon cannon

 

[Dixon Cannon]

The Clark (Duramold) F-46

http://www.1000aircraftphotos.com/Fairchild/4856.htm

-dixon cannon

 

[savoy6]

top favorite....like if i had to pick only one to fly ???
flat out,hands down.....Curtiss P40...style wise, this ship just screams "Pursuit"....and since i saw 1941 as a kid,all i ever wanted to be was "Wild Bill" Kelso...

 

[David Conwill]

...the P-40B and C models; more so than the deep radiator models D, E and F...had a purity of design and flow, very sleek for the day and very finished rivet work compared to later models.

I agree with this 110%. There were more effective fighters, to be sure, but the early model P-40s very much looked the part.

P-38s are much the same way.

-Dave

 

[Stearmen]

FM2

The late Frank Tallman said the two best WWII planes to owen are the GM FM2 Wildcat and the P-40. Since he flew about all the major Allied fighters, that says it all! Years ago I mentioned this to John Lane Jr. of Airpower Unlimited and he said hands down the P-40! Apparently it is easy to maintain and good Time Before Overhaul intervals. The FM2 has only one hydraulic system, the brakes, vacuum flaps, crank up undercarriage and only 9 calenders! And it was FM2 pilots of Taffy 3 along with Avenger crews that did dry runs on the IJMS Yamato, forcing the Japanese fleet to retreat! Incidently FM2, TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 8221 lbs. Yamato, 71659 tons!

 

[Silver Dollar]

it may not be mmy all time favorite, but you just have to love the old Spitfires. Once you hear one, you'll never forget that sound.

 

[Bingo]

B17 G

What a plane!
If I had loads of cash, then I would definitely buy one of these.

 

[Zemke Fan]

I agree completely...

That North American P-51D 'Mustang'. Preferably, "Quick Silver"

P-51D N51HY 'Quick Silver'

-dixon 'Little Friend' cannon

Saw this one at the Reading WWII weekend. All I can say is WOW!

 

[Chas]

A completely stock, original Me 262. Then I would sell it, buy a nice 2 bdrm apt. in Central Park West, go to jazz clubs and take music lessons for the rest of my life.

There's no point to owning it, 'cause I can't fly. Of course, I guess I could keep it and make even more money showing it at air shows. An original Schwalbe would be a draw.

 

[Story]

I too was born to late! I know it lasted for such a short period in history but, Oh to have been a Pan AM China Clipper Captain!

Agree with both of you.

Fun fact : read where airline pilots were paid $8,000/year in the 1930s, slightly less than Congressmen and about twice what Physicians made.

 

[jamespowers]

A completely stock, original Me 262. Then I would sell it, buy a nice 2 bdrm apt. in Central Park West, go to jazz clubs and take music lessons for the rest of my life.

There's no point to owning it, 'cause I can't fly. Of course, I guess I could keep it and make even more money showing it at air shows. An original Schwalbe would be a draw.

Yes, they are worth a small fortune if you owned one. They were fairly hazardous to fly. Now we can actually make them airworthy with a few modifications that no one would likely notice. Just seeing one on the ground is an interesting experience.

 

[Hopalong]

For me it's the P-38 Lightning, cheers.

Mike

 

[MikeBravo]

de Havilland Mosquito, two Merlins no waiting, yes please!

Yes!!!

I was trying to think of a nifty two-seater.

Fun shared is fun doubled