This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:21 pm
Let's think of historically important aircraft that currently do not exist or exist in such small numbers the prospect of a flying restoration is extremely remote. What types would you like to see reproduced?
I can think of a lot but here are two:
The Packard Lepere fighter from WW1 the only American produced aircraft to reach Europe before the end of the war.
The Berliner Joyce P-16. Another two seat fighter that conceptually carried on the Packard Lepere and Bristol Brisfit design parameters.
All right here's a third the Thomas Morse/Boeing MB3 single seat fighter of the early post World War 1 era.
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:36 pm
IMHO, I don't think any aircraft deserves reproduction as much as the Douglas TBD Devastator. Even if any of the underwater airframes are ever recovered, I doubt they well ever fly.
From a technology standpoint as the first all-metal monoplane acquired by the U.S. Navy to their heroic demise at the Battle of Midway, this is one plane that needs to come out of the pages of history books and get into the air. Considering that there were only about 128 airframes made (IIRC), this aircraft's place in history is remarkable. Maybe only the C/D model Fortresses could rival the TBD for fewest airframes making a historical impact.
The C/D model Fortress would be next on my list, followed by the Martin Maryland and Baltimore. The Maryland and Baltimore are great examples of Lend Lease in action.
From across the pond: the Bolton Paul Defiant. It had it's moment of glory over Dunkirk when the Luftwaffe mistook them for carelessly diving Hurricanes, later to be withdrawn from daylight operations after heavy losses during the Battle of Britain, and then resurrected as a A.I. equipped night fighter, downing more raiders per interception than any other type during the the winter of 1940 - 41, and the remaining examples living out their lives as trainers and target tugs.
On the Luftwaffe side, Do17 & Ju88, from the Japanese, the Betty.
Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:40 pm
We've played this game before...but it's always interesting!
Money's no object right?
Boeing 314
Fw 200
Betty
Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:40 pm
Devastator, Buffalo and numerous Axis aircraft.
Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:00 am
Here's a compound one.
PZL P.24 - which would make a great 'starter' fighter, and lead to (and share most of the fuselage structure with)
IAR 80/81
Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:36 am
AT-9 Jeep
Martin Mauler
Wed Jan 19, 2011 4:01 am
I vote for the finest Japanese fighter never built,
The 40 cylinder,swept wing Fastasssumbitchi.I would pay any price to see one of these babys fly!
Wed Jan 19, 2011 6:01 am
How about a Mustang without invasion stripes ...
Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:51 am
One we will never see unless somebody gets the one off the Moon........B-32 for one I hope to see the AT-10 project that Sam is working on.
Wed Jan 19, 2011 9:37 am
Oh come on, Eric. I'm still a believer- I think you'll have a Jeep and Mauler someday. Couldn't be in a better man's hands...
kevin
Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:46 am
Maybe I'm lazy or aiming too low but how about a P-66? Do they share much with a BT-13 and if not, could one be built largely from trainer parts anyways?
-Tim
Wed Jan 19, 2011 12:06 pm
P-40B/C (Maybe somehow configured with newer, more plentiful Allisons?)B-24D/J Make a deal with Weeks to restore his B-24J to reverse engineer it, rivet by rivet. Make a special nose on the repro so the nose can be more easily converted from the D Greenhouse to the later J Turret)B-26 (Just not that many around for such an important bomber)Val & Kate (We need some authentic Tora planes)Corsair (Like none of you saw that coming.
Fully dual control and available for rides program. All versions, makes, and models)Thats the short list.
Wed Jan 19, 2011 12:08 pm
I've always wondered how the DO-335 would sound like on a low pass. How would attack aircraft Brewster XA-32, Beech XA-38 Grissly or Vultee XA-41 (Skyraider look-a-like) have faired in their role. Or the Curtiss XP-71 twin R-4360 pusher (imagine the noise of a squdron run-up)...Just some thoughts.........
Leon
Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:19 pm
Hi Guys,
Maybe I am prejudiced towards Repblic aircraft but I would to see a Republic "Rainbow" Built. She was sleek and just gorgeous for her time.... or perhaps a Douglas (?) "Bat" I forget the designation but this one also was sleek for her time and stealthy too. as she had a very small silohuette while fliying toward a target. I'll look more for the proper designation for both aircraft an correct my mistakes here if nessacary.
Paul
Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:32 pm
Tim: The BT and the P-66 ended up sharing little other than profiles. The original plan was 4 seperate series a/c. all based on common structure. By the time the program got really cranked up, the P-66 had been changed so much that the commanality went away. Some of the internal systems stuff carried over, but little if any of the structure did.
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