Pity you feel you have to limit it to the single-digits (both fine aeroplanes). All types seem to have their moments, although the VC10 has had a remarkably clean technical record compared with its contemporaries, Addis Ababa notwithstanding; and admittedly with a small fleet.
I think it's wrong to dismiss the other big "Ten". The DC10-30, in particular, was and is a very fine aircraft. (Even though its electromechanical instruments and semi-integrated flight-director system seemed rather dated by the late 'Eighties when I flew it.)
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I too think the 9 is as close to a fighter as you can get in a transport.
Sorry, but can't resist a plug for the 1-11, which preceded the "9". (See "Roll
rate".)
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I have this lovely advertisment from the 50's, with a Douglas DC7C circling the globe...
How many engine changes did it have on the way round?
The 6B, for me, was the apogee.