Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:34 pm
I like this one. Republic XP-72, basically a P-47 with a 4360 on it
Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:36 pm
Being an Aussie, my favourite "what if" can only be one.
http://fighterworld.com.au/fwjs/Fighter ... 0CA-15.htm
Walrus
http://fighterworld.com.au/fwjs/Fighter ... 0CA-15.htm
Walrus
Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:40 pm
Bell Airacuda.
It would be really neat to still have one around today!
Jerry
It would be really neat to still have one around today!
Jerry
Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:14 pm
Talk about your Twin Beech on Steroids!!!
In 1942 Beech Aircraft had already started work on the design of a "bomber destroyer" aircraft, when the Army expressed an interest in developing a similar concept as a potent ground attack aircraft (as a replacement for the Douglas A-20 Havoc), to attack tanks, bunkers, and other hard-to-kill targets. The Beech design was already known as the Beechcraft Model 28 and had been given the name "Destroyer". In December 1942 the Army awarded Beech a contract to build two prototypes, under the designation XA-38. The name was changed to "Grizzly" soon after construction was begun. The Grizzly packed a formidable punch, with a 75mm cannon (with 20 rounds of ammo) sticking out of its stream-lined nose, as well as two nose-mounted .50 caliber machineguns, and a pair of .50s in each of the remotely controlled ventral and dorsal turrets. These turrets were controlled by a gunner using periscopic sights (similar to those used on the B-29) from the glassed-in observer's station in the aft fuselage. First flight of the initial prototype took place on May 7, 1944. Performance tests by the Army Air Corps were held through 1944 and 1945, with the results being as good or better than expected in most respects, including speed. There is even a story that the Grizzly "ran away" from a P-51B Mustang that was being used as a chase plane. Gunnery tests proved the effectiveness of the heavy armament, and serviceability was praised as well. Had the war continued it is probable that - with its speed, firepower, and rugged construction - the A-38 would have become the Army Air Force's most important attack bomber. However, by this time it was 1945, and it was becoming obvious that, not only was the war coming to an end, but so was the day of the piston engine. In addition to this, the engines for the Grizzly were the same as those used in the B-29, and the few engines that were not slated for that bomber were usually given to the new Douglas BT2D-1 and Martin Mauler aircraft programs. The program ended with only the two prototypes being built, with one being scrapped in the forties, and the other being slated for display in the Air Force Museum, but disappearing, never to be seen again. The Grizzly remains a minor footnote in U.S. aviation history, as well as one of the most tantalizing "might-have-beens" of the war.
And two of what I think are the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. The F107 and the XB-70
In 1942 Beech Aircraft had already started work on the design of a "bomber destroyer" aircraft, when the Army expressed an interest in developing a similar concept as a potent ground attack aircraft (as a replacement for the Douglas A-20 Havoc), to attack tanks, bunkers, and other hard-to-kill targets. The Beech design was already known as the Beechcraft Model 28 and had been given the name "Destroyer". In December 1942 the Army awarded Beech a contract to build two prototypes, under the designation XA-38. The name was changed to "Grizzly" soon after construction was begun. The Grizzly packed a formidable punch, with a 75mm cannon (with 20 rounds of ammo) sticking out of its stream-lined nose, as well as two nose-mounted .50 caliber machineguns, and a pair of .50s in each of the remotely controlled ventral and dorsal turrets. These turrets were controlled by a gunner using periscopic sights (similar to those used on the B-29) from the glassed-in observer's station in the aft fuselage. First flight of the initial prototype took place on May 7, 1944. Performance tests by the Army Air Corps were held through 1944 and 1945, with the results being as good or better than expected in most respects, including speed. There is even a story that the Grizzly "ran away" from a P-51B Mustang that was being used as a chase plane. Gunnery tests proved the effectiveness of the heavy armament, and serviceability was praised as well. Had the war continued it is probable that - with its speed, firepower, and rugged construction - the A-38 would have become the Army Air Force's most important attack bomber. However, by this time it was 1945, and it was becoming obvious that, not only was the war coming to an end, but so was the day of the piston engine. In addition to this, the engines for the Grizzly were the same as those used in the B-29, and the few engines that were not slated for that bomber were usually given to the new Douglas BT2D-1 and Martin Mauler aircraft programs. The program ended with only the two prototypes being built, with one being scrapped in the forties, and the other being slated for display in the Air Force Museum, but disappearing, never to be seen again. The Grizzly remains a minor footnote in U.S. aviation history, as well as one of the most tantalizing "might-have-beens" of the war.
And two of what I think are the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. The F107 and the XB-70
Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:33 pm
XP-40Q
Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:49 pm
I'm surprised no one has mentioned these two yet:
And this is a neat plane that never left the drawing board.
Canadian Car & Foundry B-2000B Superbomber
A proposal in the competition that ended up the B-36, the B-2000B was to be powered by eight Allison V-3420s (two coupled in each engine pod) with a total of 20,000 hp!
40,000 lb bomb load, 220 ft wingspan, 300 mph top speed, all up weight of 220,000 lbs and a range of 4000 miles.
Armament was in the form of turret-mounted paired 20 mm cannons in the nose, at each end of each tail boom, and above and below the booms.
Take that Nazi Germany!
And this is a neat plane that never left the drawing board.
Canadian Car & Foundry B-2000B Superbomber
A proposal in the competition that ended up the B-36, the B-2000B was to be powered by eight Allison V-3420s (two coupled in each engine pod) with a total of 20,000 hp!
40,000 lb bomb load, 220 ft wingspan, 300 mph top speed, all up weight of 220,000 lbs and a range of 4000 miles.
Armament was in the form of turret-mounted paired 20 mm cannons in the nose, at each end of each tail boom, and above and below the booms.
Take that Nazi Germany!
Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:09 pm
XP-67 "Moonbat"
XP-55 Ascender
Dornier Do335- I would love to see one of these ripping around the pylons at Reno!
XP-55 Ascender
Dornier Do335- I would love to see one of these ripping around the pylons at Reno!
Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:06 am
I'll go for the Martin Baker MB5.
And hopefully someday it will be a dream come true (almost).
http://johnmarlinsmb5replica.mysite.com/index.html
And hopefully someday it will be a dream come true (almost).
http://johnmarlinsmb5replica.mysite.com/index.html
Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:06 am
I reckon the XP-37 would look pretty cool going 'round the pylons. 
And I kinda like this one......................
And I kinda like this one......................
Wed Oct 21, 2009 8:57 am
Why did I just know I should have created a special comedy category for Gary.
Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:28 am
Mine are:
North American XB-28
.jpg)
or
Boeing - Vega XB-38
.jpg)
North American XB-28
or
Boeing - Vega XB-38
Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:42 am
XB-38
That looks kinda familiar!!
That looks kinda familiar!!
Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:52 am
Jennifer Aniston.