re: What is your favorite plane?

Hornet
The end

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F-14s getting a lot of love here. A mockup of a ADCOM F-14 that was pitched to the Air Force. It was based on the "B" variant with some other modifications. Though there was some interest, the final decision went to the F-15.

I was going to say the Boeing F32 but changed my mind after looking at some of these fantastic, awesome planes. Now I don't know!

P82 Twin Mustang.




Now in real life I was ready to buy either a 177 Cessna Cardinal or Grumman Tiger. Then both doubled in used price in the last five years.

Those are my favorite planes I could afford.

seems like that turret would disrupt airflow into the #2 engine

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p40 Warhawk.

I know they were obsolete at the beginning of WW2 but I love the looks of that plane.

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They were not necessarily obsolete at the start of WWII. In fact, as long as the pilot knew how to fight against the Zero, it was actually pretty damn good. The AVG’s record attests to this fact.

The difference between the P-40 and the Zero was a difference in philosophy. Think of it this way, the Zero was like a quick, nimble street racer like one of these…



Ok top speed, good range, highly maneuverable, but quite fragile and prone to burn when hit.

The P-40 though was more like this…



Made for pure speed, can both dish out and take a lot of damage, but not all that maneuverable and limited in range, though it did have a higher service ceiling than the Zero which was a key advantage.

So P-40 pilots had to know their strengths and weaknesses against the Zero, namely to attack head on, or in high speed diving attacks from above while avoiding a turning “dog fight”. As long as they did this, the P-40 could more than hold its own against the Zero.

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If one engine goes out no big deal.

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...and the pilot comes on the intercom, saying, "Passengers, we apologize, but we have experienced an engine burn-out. The plane can still fly on the remaining three engines, but we'll be delayed in our arrival by two hours."

A few minutes later, the airplane shakes, and passengers see smoke coming out of another engine. Again, the intercom crackles to life.

"This is your captain speaking. Apologies, but due to a second engine burn-out, we'll be delayed by another two hours."

The passengers are agitated. Suddenly, the third engine catches fire. Again, the pilot comes on the intercom and says, "I know you're all scared, but this is a very advanced aircraft, and it can safely fly on only a single engine. But we will be delayed by yet another two hours."

An aggie in business class raises his voice and shouts, "This is ridiculous! If one more engine goes, we'll be stuck up here all day!"