the best looking aircraft

[wayoutwest]

g/day all.i am sure this has been done before but what do you think is the best looking aircraft?.my own favourite is the spitfire also the viscount and 1 11,i also thought the airspeed ambassador.but i guess if you worked on them your views may be different ie the ambassador must have been very noisy but she looked good from the ground as a boy.

[Mercenary Pilot]

Thats a tough one....SR71 is a contender though. :ok:

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/recon/sr71/sr71_08.jpg

[DH106]

If it looks right.... it flys right! ;)

Yeah - the Flamingo was a beautiful plane...... scuppered by WWII probably :(

[treadigraph]

I have a "best looking aeroplane" for every day of the year, but if you press me I'd pick... the low back Spitfire XIV (unclipped)... or is it the Staggerwing... no, wait, the 749 Constellation... no, no, the Grumman Mallard... <mavis>oooh, I don't reaaaalllllly knowwwww...</mavis> :ok:

[izod tester]

Except, of course, that that aircraft proposed by Inverted81 is (was) the DH91 Albatross. I think 6 were taken into RAF service in 1939 and used to support Iceland. At least 2 were destroyed in landing accidents at Reykjavik and on crashed at Pucklechurch. The rest were grounded later through lack of spares.

ps The same aircraft I immediately thought of when I first saw the thread title.

[Groundloop]

Super VC-10!!!

[DH106]

Except, of course, that that aircraft proposed by Inverted81 is (was) the DH91 Albatross. I think 6 were taken into RAF service in 1939 and used to support Iceland. At least 2 were destroyed in landing accidents at Reykjavik and on crashed at Pucklechurch. The rest were grounded later through lack of spares.

ps The same aircraft I immediately thought of when I first saw the thread title.


Awwwww sh*t, you're absolutely right. That'll teach me to fire from the hip....:( :ugh:
Knew the plane, but got the name wrong. The Flamingo was high wing - similar to the DC-5 but better looking :)

[18-Wheeler]

SR-71 for me.
Metalic sex with wings.

[Mercenary Pilot]

Best looking jet fighter?

http://airteamimages.com/imageFiles/uploads/26040_800.jpg

[evansb]

Hughes H-1 Racer.

[Northalius]

http://stuff.mit.edu/afs/sipb/user/shabby/OGraphics/xb70.gif
XB-70

[Northalius]

Most beautiful: XB-70

Most badass: SR-71

Best looking fighter: F-22 Raptor or YF-23

[i.dingbat]

Lockheed Starfighter:
http://1000aircraftphotos.com/PRPhotos/LockheedF-104.jpg

or English Electric Lightning:
http://www.vflintham.demon.co.uk/aircraft/lightning/cond2.jpg
but then I'm a child of the '60s...

[seacue]

I've always thought that the DH91 Albatross looks ungainly with the long fuselage that tapers to next-to-nothing.

Nothing to do with its looks, but it seemed an anachronism. It was in the general DC-3 size class and era, but had 4 small engines and wooden construction. How could it have been a long-term commercial contender? But it gave them practice with the construction techniques used in the Mosquito - which looks far better to me.

I don't contend that the DC-3 is a thing of beauty, or any of the piston DC family for that matter. Straightforward and utilitarian was their strong point. To me, the Boeing 247 was better-looking, but sized wrong and a commercial flop.


I agree that the Hughes racer had style. Others with something would be the Beech Staggerwing. Also the Lockheed twins from the 30s.

[chiglet]

Hawker Hunter.......Best Looker
Avro Vulcan...........Awesome
E E Frightning........Incredible
But THE best looker of ALL

CONCORDE:ok:
watp,iktch

[GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU]

The AVRO 698 gets my vote

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n131/Golf_Bravo_Zulu/vulcan.jpg

[country calls]

Handley Page Victor. It had that pugnacious head on view which let people know what business it was in. Both Vulvan and Valiant were graceful but the Victor had that hunch shoulder look of Mike Tyson after somebody had stood on his bunion!

CC

[PaperTiger]

http://www.boeing.com/history/mdc/graphics/histlarg/hist073b.jpg
Extra credit for knowing what it is :8

[Kieron Kirk]

Mcdonell 110.

None of the above are a patch on the Hawker Hunter.

[haughtney1]

I know what it is...........

Its the "McDonnell not very successful" :E :}

[Mac the Knife]

The Douglas X-3

http://www.oldgloryprints.com/lakebed_liftoff.jpg

[JimmyTAP]

I'm surprised this thread has got as far as it has without mentioning this beauty.
The Republic XF-12 Rainbow.
http://www.air-and-space.com/Leo%20Newman/Republic%20XF-12%2019460204%20a%20l.jpg
Either that or pretty much anything de Havilland made especially:-
DH91 as mentioned above, DH88 Comet, DH106 Comet, Hornet, Mosquito etc. etc

JT

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Super VC10 - lovely, as is Trident 3.

Spitfire IX is just gorgeous.

But far and away the best is, as Chiglet said........


CONCORDE!


SSD

[OPSQUEEN]

Hawker Hunter.......Best Looker
Avro Vulcan...........Awesome
E E Frightning........Incredible
But THE best looker of ALL

CONCORDE:ok:
watp,iktch

Especially when there's two of them - quality isn't as good as it should be but still a great sight

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n97/OPSQUEEN/TwoConcordesatLiverpool.jpg

[Yak11Fan]

Mustang.....

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/Yak11Fan/Southend290506014.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c31/Yak11Fan/Hardwick22October009.jpg

[noflybywire]

IMO the TSR2 and DH Hornet. Although the DC3 is the best and greatest Aeroplane ever built,

[stilton]

I must seem strange to be the only person to see this but I think the original B1 is the bees knees in the looks department.

Never seen anything sleeker.

[wayoutwest]

i was at LHR once when a vc10 taxied passed a II62 sat on its rear prop they looked simalar but the vc10 had much better lines,and a low pass of a vulcan was come on and feel the noise,the sight and sound of a spit does it for me.

[alvin-sfc]

As a surrealist I would say the Flying Flea.Was any part of it symmetrical?:}

[REF]

heres a few for you,

Boeing 727
Vickers VC-10
Concorde
Supermarine Spitfire
North American P-51 Mustang
Hawker Hunter
DeHavilland Tiger Moth
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
North American F-86 Sabre
English Electric Canberra PR.9
DeHavilland Sea Vixen
Avro Vulcan
Fouga Magister
Gates Learjet
Lockheed Constellation

I'm sure I'll think of a few more soon!!!!

Rick

[wileydog3]

http://www.boeing.com/history/mdc/graphics/histlarg/hist073b.jpg
Extra credit for knowing what it is :8

For a long time, this machine used to reside on the south side of the airport at ABQ. Someone was trying to get it airworthy. Unfortunately not enough money to generate lift...

[treadigraph]

<noddy knows sod all> isn't it really the McDonnell 119 or 220</shut up!>

[Guern]

Surely a Mossie!

[pigboat]

I'm kind of partial to this one.;) http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Maire/2531L.jpg
http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contributions/Maire/2533L.jpg
Plus, you can take a whole bunch of your friends fishing. :ok:

[wileydog3]

<noddy knows f*ck all> isn't it really the McDonnell 119 or 220</shut up!>


Correct. Beginning it was the 119 but was later redesignated the 220. It was a 9G airplane with a 12psi pressurization system. McDonnell built 'em tough. I tlost out to the T-39 and the Jetstar for military contracts.

[PLovett]

While there are many aircraft that are beautiful, one that attracted my attention immediately and I have never changed my mind about it is the Falcon 10/100 by Dassault. Shear beauty. :ok:

[ICT_SLB]

Canadair RJ-200 - BAC 1-11's & VC-10's heir and probably the hardest working aircraft in aviation today. The DC-3 of the 21st Century!

[BEagle]

Although I'm a little biased, having flown the Hunter, Vulcan and VC10 - all of which were undeniably attractive, surely the prettiest ever was Concorde?

Runner up - de Havilland Hornet F3. Once met a bloke who'd flown them - he told me that one pilot once spotted a group of Sabres sent up to intercept him. He wound the thing up to its max speed, then shut an engine down and feathered the prop just before blasting past their formation!

[Hilico]

The Bell JetRanger. With the low skids.

[DB6]

Concorde, has to be. Even on the ground it is beautiful, but airborne just stunning. Spit XIV/XVIII with low back a close runner-up.

[PaperTiger]

Waht about helicopters then ?Helicopter + "best looking" = oxymoron :D

[AdLib]

Single Piston - FW190 A8
Multi Piston - I second Beagle's nomination
Single Jet - F106
Multi Jet - F106 with 'JATO' ... yes I know a JATO is actually a RATO. Call it poetic license - and my 'joke' doesn't work otherwise.

[EGAC]

Got to go with the F-104 Starfighter.

Must agree that the JetRanger on low skids is very sexy too.

Dream on...

[SWBKCB]

Super VC10 - lovely, as is Trident 3.

I've just spotted the words "lovely" and "Trident" in the same sentence - is this a first??

[DH106]

I've just spotted the words "lovely" and "Trident" in the same sentence - is this a first??

:E Have to agree - especially if you ever witnessed one retracting gear after takeoff. There's a lovely quote beside a picture of just such a CAAC Trident departure in one of the enthusiast's books......
"B-284 clambers skyward..... gathering her undercarriage in the Trident's truely awkard looking fashion"

[evansb]

Best looking, as in aesthetic, pleasant to look at.
Quite surprising a Viscount was mentioned earlier, as the president of Capital Airlines (U.S.) said he loved the aircraft's economy of operation, but too bad is was ugly to look at.
Long ago, a girlfriend of mine exclaimed she had just observed the ugliest plane ever! (She knew aircraft, as she grew up on air force bases and her father was a pilot). I walked down the hangar line, only to see a Canso. Yes, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

[chiglet]

I know that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"...but I find the "TwinPin" rather attractive :O
watp,iktch

[barit1]

http://www.airbum.com/pireps/Lockheed12A5.jpg

(NOT a Beechcraft!)

[pigboat]

I've got around 25 hours in one just like that one. (CF-FUS) :ok:

[H1HU]

But if it was more then one I like to include Spit, P51, P38, B17, Mitchell, Catalina, Corsair, Hurricane.......just too many.
However the Bell UH1H 'Huey' not just the looks, but the sound WHOP WHOP WHOP........ just wonderfull.
http://www.huey.co.uk/galleryhuey/52.jpg

[airborne_artist]

For me the Sea Fury just looks the part, perhaps not beautiful in an aesthetic sense, but a crafted weapon of war.

click here to view the Sea Fury (http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1036753)

I thought this one was fairly wonderfull to look at on 20 November 1978 - she'd just taken me (and only me) round the circuit at Roborough.

Chipmunk WD374 (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0831488/L/)

[Gipsy Queen]

[quote=seacue;2904505]"I've always thought that the DH91 Albatross looks ungainly with the long fuselage that tapers to next-to-nothing.

Nothing to do with its looks, but it seemed an anachronism. It was in the general DC-3 size class and era, but had 4 small engines and wooden construction. How could it have been a long-term commercial contender? But it gave them practice with the construction techniques used in the Mosquito - which looks far better to me."

Agreed. But it still was a beautiful aircraft. De Havilland had a penchant for small, multi engined models - Rapide Express, Heron etc. The complication hardly seems justified now but I'm sure it was for a reason, if only to keep the aero engine division looking busy. Actually, thinking back, the engine division always was busy since it provided most of the power plants for the British light aviation industry before and after the war. The Gipsy was even made under licence by P&W (or was it Wright?) in the late 1920's.

Anyway, the Albatross is on my list of pretty aircraft. So are the Ambassador, VC10, the Connie and Concord.

[Spodman]

http://www.defence.gov.au/RAAF/images/for_site/wallpaper/mirage.jpg

[knma'91]

The Most unique-Howard Hughes's H-4 Hercules aka Spruce Goose
The interesting-Concorde
Military-V22 Osprey
Best Looking-L1011

[retiredandloveit]

At last - a Tristar. And if you are as lucky as me to occasionaly see an RAF pair of Tristar and VC10 in close formation on the way into Brize Norton, Just beautiful.

[barit1]

... Actually, thinking back, the engine division always was busy since it provided most of the power plants for the British light aviation industry before and after the war. The Gipsy was even made under licence by P&W (or was it Wright?) in the late 1920's.

...

Wright made the DH Gipsy (or Gypsy?) - I had a friend with a Fairchild 22 (2 place, open, parasol wing) with the Gipsy 4.

[ZH875]

There are 4 contenders for the best looking aircraft.

All 4 captured in one frame::)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/ZH875/4x.jpg

[treadigraph]

Barit1 - Gipsy! :ok:

[barit1]

One of the fastest (http://www.airracinghistory.freeola.com/Thompson%20Trophy.htm) planes to employ the Wright-built Gipsy was Benny Howard's DGA-3 "Pete" (http://www.wrhs.org/crawford/template.asp?id=337), placing 3rd in the 1930 Thompson Trophy race at almost 163 mph. Not bad for 320 cubic inches!

http://www.rcmodel.com/gallery/images/Peteb.jpg

(no thread creep here; not a bad looking ship!)

[KRB]

Avro Arrow

[FormerFlake]

TSR2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/wardy/TSR2_sc4.jpg

[treadigraph]

FormerFake, whatever one thinks of the airframe that is a cracking pic... one of yours? Whatever, thank you for sharing it! :ok:

[DC-8]

de Havilland Comet

http://user.itl.net/~colonial/comet/images/comet_staff.gif

[FormerFlake]

FormerFake, whatever one thinks of the airframe that is a cracking pic... one of yours? Whatever, thank you for sharing it! :ok:

I can't take the credit for the graphics, go to the website indicated for more of the TSR2 and other would be (or should have been) greats.

[Mike7777777]

Mosquito, Mk1 Spit, TSR2, EE Lightning.

[PAXboy]

BEaglehaving flown the Hunter, Vulcan and VC10
Respect!!!! Yes, three magnificent ones. Almost anything with a delta wing gets my vote.

For civils, it is VC-10 (and the Super even more so) which is triumphant. I am biased as she was my first flight, aged 9, and the lines are the finest. Concorde is in a Catergory of her own.

To be controversial, no tri-motor can ever look pretty. The 727 may have been very fast but she looks terrible.

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

To be controversial, no tri-motor can ever look pretty. The 727 may have been very fast but she looks terrible.

But shirley, the DH121 Trident 3B is just loverly...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/G-AWZOGatwickoct72.jpg

(OK, it's a 4 motor really, even if no.4 was rarely used. 5 if you include the APU!)

SSD

[GeoAC]

Try either the Hunter or the TSR2.

[SWBKCB]

Trident???? Makes a DC-10 pretty....

The only beautiful tri-jet was the TriStar...

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/Hunter.jpg

[sidtheesexist]

Has to be something with a prop............in which case a spit(merlin powered of course) a D mustang or a mossie...............

[foxmoth]

I can accept a Mustang challenging a Spit on some areas (esp. range) - but looks - No way:=

[Double Zero]

The Sea Harrier FRS1;

If I had a brain I'd post a pic, see www.harrier.org.uk/history (http://www.harrier.org.uk/history)

I once heard a product support chap explaining to his secretary what the pitot probe was for:

" oh, I thought that was for styling" !!!

[Argonautical]

Rather surprised no one has mentioned this aeroplane.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2/argonautical/DAS_F1.jpg

[Akrotiri bad boy]

Twins F7F Tigercat
Singles Sea Fury
Multis L749 Connie
Jet Gulfstream GII

Funny how the Wokka hasn't been mentioned? If it don't look right it can't be right:E

[forget]

Not saying I agree with 'best looking aircraft' - but what a photograph!

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/Concorde.jpg

[TRY2FLY]

F14 Tomcat

[barit1]

http://www.robbreportcollection.com/Articles/Air-Water-Craft/Special-Interest/asset_upload_file533_8998.jpg

Most elegant airplane of the last 70 years!

[Loki]

Ummmm

Beech Staggerwing of some sort or other.

Myasischev M4 "Bison"

Fairey Delta

Someone mention the Avro Arrow?, yes that was rather pretty.

Oh and those interwar Hawkers were good lookers too Hart, Fury, Demon

[Mr BlueSky]

;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e78/Evileye03/TartedUp00.jpg

[Kitbag]

Good grief! Thats a big one

[evansb]

Hughes H-1 Racer
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/WrightRacer.jpg

[Opssys]

Best Looking Aircraft: Yestersay I decided on SR53 (in-flight clean) Today Fairey FD2 (in-flight clean) Tomorrow Who Knows!

As I worked my way through this thread I have nodded in agreement with most of the posters selections but have also reached a few conclusions.

A lot of Military Aircraft really do 'look good' when in 'ceremonial guise', but most when 'tooled up' are just 'mean mothers', but a small number still manage to look good whilst your in no doubt of theire purpose!

On the Civilian Front - An inappropriate paint job can turn a 'good looking' Aircraft into an ugly duckling, whilst a less than 'pretty plane' can with the right livery look good.

On that note, I'll take a Dried Frog Pill and leave you in peace.

[Shack37]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa163/exshack37/ShackFlybyon3Majunga.jpg

This is my personal favourite, but then I may be a little biased.
S37:cool:

[stanley]

how about this one. http://web1.jetphotos.net/images/g/G-AVZZnovember1978a.jpg.10551.jpg.thumb

[MReyn24050]

I always thought this little Lady was the one for me:-
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c67/sabamel/Aircraft/HawkerSeaHawk.jpg

[tinpis]

Well the cows liked it.:hmm:


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/tinpis/beoz.jpg

[Moose47]

file:///C:/WINDOWS/Desktop/cleanup/Lanc%20Retirement.jpg

[evansb]

The Falco
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/AlmeidaFalco.jpg

[larssnowpharter]

Have to agree with evansb on the Falco in its category.
The beuaty of an aircraft, be it military or civil, seems to me to be the marrying of form and function. Nowhere does this become more evident than in Open Class gliders.
I nominate the ASH 25:
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t295/larssnowpharter/ash25_from_behind2.jpg

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/CessnaSkyhook1962.jpg

[CoodaShooda]

Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate'Frank'

[Rocket2]

FormerFlake
Just stumbled onto this thread but noticed the TSR-2 painting you posted in Oct 06, there is something real about it - the airbrakes on both aircraft are shown open (albeit a little). Bee Beaumont told me that the designers never sorted the problem with them being open in flight & was very proud of the fact that TSR-2 "was the only aircraft in the world to have gone through the soundbarrier with it's airbrakes open!" :ok:
RIP BB, soo glad I met you!

[seacue]

Martin P6M Seamaster ---- NOT Convair
http://www.aviation-history.com/martin/p6m-2.jpg
http://www.aviation-history.com/martin/p6m-3.jpg

[Will Hung]

The Blonhom Voss. Just wish I could find a piccie !!

[treadigraph]

Yer mean this one Will? Blohm & Voss BV141...
http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/wwii/photos/gallery_005/TN_Blom%20&%20Voss%20BV%20141.JPG

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/Hayate.jpg

[seacue]

To this untrained eye, the A330 and the 757 are more alike than different.
B757
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1203295/L/

[Will Hung]

Treadigraph, that's the beauty ! Any chance of a bigger piccie so everyone can see it's true beauty !!! I'm being sarcastic !! It has to be the ugliest beast ever manufactured. I remember building an Airfix one back in the early 70's. Happy days.

[treadigraph]

There is a bigger version on the site I swiped it from, but in deference to the page width of PPRuNe and Monitor widths (and people's artistic sensibilities), I opted for the weeny version! Was a strange looking beast; I can recall seeing the Airfix kit in a shop when I was knee high to a Tipsy Nipper and thinking "they've invented that one!"

[Footless Halls]

The Most Beautiful Aircraft in the World is the Grob 109.
Why?
That's because to me the most beautiful aircraft in the world is the one I'm flying right now. OK, at the moment I'm sitting at the computer watching the rain trickling down the (outside of the) window. But the Grob 109 is the aircraft I flew last weekend and, all being well, it's the next aircraft I'll fly (on Monday, all being well). So to me, it's the best looker of them all.
I'm sure every pilot would agree with the sentiment though not necessarily the type.

[Sir George Cayley]

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned anything by FG Miles or for that matter by Airspeed. British y'know.

Then again what was the failed Canadian Supersonic Jet called? Seem to remember it wasn't bad looking.

Then Westland. Their twin rivalled the DH Hornet imho.

Ah! de heavy land. The 4 engined Rapide. the tailess 110 and the racer that crashed, designed by the Technical School.

Now I'm either giving you clever sods a chance to shine naming these types.
or the Tescos box of wine is now empty.

Sir George Cayley

[evansb]

Best looking chase aircraft ever. The Canadair Sabre.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/canadair.jpg

[evansb]

Best looking twin-turboprop. The Dassault M.D.320 Herondelle. The Grumman G-159 is a very close second.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/dassaultMD320.gif

[evansb]

A truly handsome delta-wing. The Avro 707
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/avro707.jpg

[evansb]

Best looking aircraft on floats. The Supermarine S6B Racer
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/SupermarineS6B.jpg

[Steve_P]

Westland Welkin:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/grumpos/welkin.jpg

[evansb]

The Welkin is just what Sir George ordered!

[msalama]

The coolest warbird ever is also the best looking of the lot IMHO :)

(Yes, I _had_ to register just to express this opinion!)

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you... the venerable Yak-3!!!


http://www.yakuk.com/img/yak-3m.jpg

[WG774]

BAC221 (http://www.vicflintham.co.uk/content/post-war-research-aircraft-and-prototypes/bac221.jpg)
__________________________

[om15]

Another two of the best, bashed my knuckles on both types for quite a long time,
Best regards,
om15


http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r163/timgibbsphotos/lightning.jpg


http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r163/timgibbsphotos/herald.jpg

[brakedwell]

Worldwide elegance. The Whispering Giant!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/XM496atThuleAFBGreenland.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c32/sedgwickjames/Guam-AndersonAFBMarianas.jpg

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/B1B.jpg

[evansb]

A beauty of classic proportions. The Caravelle.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/caravelle-1.jpg

[WG774]

Another vote for the Super VC10.

As an aside, if you're an XB-70-fancier, you can see some video footage (inc. cockpit) of the machine in action at this link: http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/movie/XB-70/index.html

[evansb]

F-8 Crusader
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/XF8U-1.jpg

[modelbuilder]

Lockheed P-38
Lockheed SR-71
North American XB-70
North American XF-108
Republic XF-103

Modelbuilder
http://scalepublications.freeyellow.com

[BRAIN66]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e78/Evileye03/b1b.jpg

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/f106.jpg

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/N28prototype.jpg

[asw28-866]

It's all about the curves...

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i155/capthowie_photos/asw28866.jpg

[DBisDogOne]

P-38 Lightning or Mosquito. Lightweight, two big-ass piston engines, I'll take one of each then.......:cool:

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/P-38Lightning8.jpg

[DBisDogOne]

Forget all that silly jet nonsense, that's what I call an aeroplane!!!! :D:ok:

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/dh98.jpg

[RoyHudd]

A330-300, perfection!

[evansb]

see adamfearman's post, thread #99, page 5, this topic.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/A330.jpg

[Beeayeate]

Seven pages of aircraft, some a little obscure. But for me the smoothest looking airframe in the air has got to be the EE Canberra B(I)8 as flown by the Strike Sqns in Germany.
http://www.canberra.plus.com/pics/xm276.jpg
Now tell me that doesn't look good. :cool:

As a '2nd best' I favour the Hunter.


.

[evansb]

Oh you Canberra guy you! Check out a brilliant b&w pic of your favourite aeroplane, posted by Samuel, on page 11, thread #201 of the the 'Brilliant pics" section of Aviation History. Ah yes,..buzzing the tower at 500 knots indicated, on a Sunday morning, what could be better?

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/pm631.jpg

[Ranger 1]

DH Comet 4C
:ok:

[Trident man]

For me,no suprise.:ok:
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q193/Neil2312/IMG_1682-1.jpg

[Jimmy Macintosh]

Of course the Mosquito, but one not yet mentioned...

http://www.vectorsite.net/avvamp_3_10.jpg
The Sea Vixen

[kala87]

The Lockheed Constellation, in particular the L-1649A Starliner or the L1049G Super Connie with tip tanks. Surely the most graceful and charismatic airliner of all time, especially in TWA colours.

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/Constellation1049.jpg

[stevef]

Perhaps I've got a rather odd taste but I really like the brutal looks of the Ju87, (Hawker) Typhoon, Beaufighter and A10.

[Dash-7 lover]

Personal point of view - jet = 757, prop = Dash-7 off course!!!

If it looks good it'll fly well!!

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/dash_7.jpg

[flightmaker]

Eight pages and no one mentioned the F-4 Phantom, flown by every freeworld air wing. It doesn't matter the livery. Beautiful, Just like "Xena - the warrior princess" and can kick your... tail to boot. I saw three camo squadrons lined up in 1976 at Aviano AB in Italy. Awesome.

Actually, the best looking one currently is the seajet XZ439 (N94422) after I wash it. We thought about the "Admiral's Barge" livery, that is sweet looking, but Art says stay "as painted".

[tail wheel]

The best looking aircraft and no one mentioned the Transavia PL12 Airtruck???

http://avia.russian.ee/pictures/australia/transavia_airtruck.jpg

Or the GAF Nomad?
http://www.adf-serials.com/gallery/albums/Nomad-A18-303/PW_3A18_303.jpg

Oh, yes. We built classy aircraft in Australia! :ugh:

[The SSK]

The Lockheed Constellation, in particular the L-1649A Starliner or the L1049G Super Connie with tip tanks. Surely the most graceful and charismatic airliner of all time, especially in TWA colours.

I agree about the Connie but not the Starliner, that last stretch seemed to me to spoil the aesthetics.

[evansb]

Although only moderately effective, the Kurt Tank designed HAL HF-24 Marut was pleasing to the eye.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/HALhf24Marut.jpg

[606express]

HUNTER every time, what ever angle you view it from ,be it cleaned up or downright dirty it looks right, and the FGA 9 sounds right too, what a combination, bluenotes rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!:ok::ok::ok:

[akerosid]

Horses for courses, I guess, but if I had to pick a favourite jetliner, it would have to be the A340-500; well proportioned (the -600 is just too long) and those RR Trents just round it off perfectly ...

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1159922&WxsIERv=Nveohf%20N340-541&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Rgvunq%20Nvejnlf&QtODMg=Ybaqba%20-%20Urnguebj%20%28YUE%20%2F%20RTYY%29&ERDLTkt=HX%20-%20Ratynaq&ktODMp=Bpgbore%208%2C%202006&BP=1&WNEb25u=Cuvy%20Oebnq&xsIERvdWdsY=N6-RUN&MgTUQtODMgKE=&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=13132&NEb25uZWxs=2007-01-04%2015%3A34%3A59&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=748&static=yes&width=1024&height=712&sok=JURER%20%20%28nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27Nveohf%20N340-500%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=124&prev_id=1160064&next_id=1159565

As for military aircraft, I have the agree, the Rockwell B1B is right up there, but for me it has to be the Hornet!

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1127624&WxsIERv=ZpQbaaryy%20Qbhtynf%20S%2FN-18P%20Ubearg&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Fjvgmreynaq%20-%20Nve%20Sbepr&QtODMg=Bss-Nvecbeg%20-%20Nknyc&ERDLTkt=Fjvgmreynaq&ktODMp=Bpgbore%2012%2C%202006&BP=0&WNEb25u=Gvz%20qr%20Tebbg%20-%20NveGrnzVzntrf&xsIERvdWdsY=W-5017&MgTUQtODMgKE=Gur%20S18f%20ner%20qrsvavgryl%20gur%20orfg%20cr esbezref%20ng%20Nknyc.%20Urer%20bar%20vf%20frra%20gheavat%20 funecyl%20naq%20chyyvat%20ybgf%20bs%20ibegvprf%20naq%20yrniv at%20n%20oynaxrg%20bs%20wrgjnfu.&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=11015&NEb25uZWxs=2006-10-21%2023%3A11%3A10&ODJ9dvCE=017&O89Dcjdg=1365%2FFSP017&static=yes&width=1024&height=695&sok=JURER%20%20%28nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27ZpQbaaryy%20Qb htynf%20S%2FN-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27TNS%20NS-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27NFGN%20NS-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27FS%20S%2FN-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27Svanivgrp% 20S-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27Obrvat%20S %2FN-18%20Ubearg%27%29%20NAQ%20%28nveyvar%20YVXR%20%27Fjvgmreynaq %20-%20Nve%20Sbepr%25%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=149&prev_id=1127750&next_id=1127555

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=0955425&WxsIERv=ZpQbaaryy%20Qbhtynf%20S%2FN-18Q%20Ubearg&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Fjvgmreynaq%20-%20Nve%20Sbepr&QtODMg=Bss-Nvecbeg%20-%20Nknyc&ERDLTkt=Fjvgmreynaq&ktODMp=Bpgbore%2013%2C%202005&BP=0&WNEb25u=Orytvhz%20Nve%20Sbepr%20Ftg.%20Qvex%20Ibbegznaf&xsIERvdWdsY=W-5232&MgTUQtODMgKE=Guvf%20ubearg%20znqr%20n%20irel%20uneq%20ghea%2 0whfg%20va%20sebag%20bs%20gur%20nhqvrapr.%20Ybbx%20ng%20gur% 20pbybef%20bs%20gur%20pbaqrafr%20gung%20unf%20sbezrq%20bire% 20uvf%20jvatf.&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=77726&NEb25uZWxs=2005-11-08%2015%3A09%3A28&ODJ9dvCE=232&O89Dcjdg=1308%2FFSQ002&static=yes&width=1200&height=812&sok=JURER%20%20%28nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27ZpQbaaryy%20Qb htynf%20S%2FN-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27TNS%20NS-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27NFGN%20NS-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27FS%20S%2FN-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27Svanivgrp% 20S-18%20Ubearg%27%20BE%20nvepensg_trarevp%20%3D%20%27Obrvat%20S %2FN-18%20Ubearg%27%29%20NAQ%20%28nveyvar%20YVXR%20%27Fjvgmreynaq %20-%20Nve%20Sbepr%25%27%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=300&prev_id=0955437&next_id=NEXTID

Just makes you want to yodel! ;)

[MancRed]

For me this baby always turned my head....


http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1033016&WxsIERv=Nreb%20Fcnpryvarf%20377FTG%20Fhcre%20Thccl%20Gheovar&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Nveohf%20Fxlyvax&QtODMg=Unzohet%20%28-%20Shuyfohggry%29%20%28UNZ%20%2F%20RQQU%29&ERDLTkt=Treznal&ktODMp=1992&BP=1&WNEb25u=Oreauneq%20Onhfxr&xsIERvdWdsY=S-OGTI&MgTUQtODMgKE=&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=10165&NEb25uZWxs=2006-04-17%2022%3A47%3A02&ODJ9dvCE=1&O89Dcjdg=001&static=yes&width=1024&height=695&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2Ccynpr%2Ccu bgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencure%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2C ert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2Cpbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B% 22thccl%22%27%20VA%20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20 cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=29&prev_id=1053825&next_id=1028112

[Diedtrying]

One of my favorites.

http://www.rob.com/pic/oops-xb70/xb70_1.jpg

[justawanab]

This is easy! The Comet 4 and specifically this one:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/8/0/6/0093608.jpg
AKA "My Comet!" :) (I flew in her from London to Brisbane in 1964)

and here in her later RAF livery:

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/0/6/5/0986560.jpg

Sadly she was scrapped in 1997, however I have heard that her Cockpit still exists somewhere.

[old,not bold]

I'm with 606express, got to be the Hunter, any version really, but in Neville Duke's record-breaking colours for preference.

A single-seat version flew right over the house a day or two ago, as a bonus.

The sound is special as well, especially of a number of them taxying out together.

The lines are just perfection, and a wonderful example of "If it looks right, it probably is right".

And what a ride (as an FAC course student in the '60s, Chivenor). 250ft, 420 kts, almost silent in the cockpit.

[kevmusic]

Can we do a poll on this? There are loads of contenders and a few agreements, so why not make it scientific & search for a winner? Just a thought. :ok:

Kev.

[HAL-26]

I know I'm biased...but....

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/kingpinmedia/04.18Sywell6a.jpg

[nic_from_rae]

no no no justwanab that is My Comet :)
I used to work on it at RAE Farnborough and flew round coast of Britain a couple of times. Comet wuold get my vote along with TSR and Concorde.

[forget]

Why was the Comet fin modified between BOAC and RAF. Is that a pod under the forward fuselage- was it to counteract that?

[nic_from_rae]

It was loaded with experimental bits and pieces. I think the fin was a Nimrod fin (as was the undercarriage too I seem to remember)

[Mike6567]

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x167/mike6567_photos/Tristar.jpg

[Phileas Fogg]

http://www.airliners.net/photos/photos/6/9/7/0780796.jpg

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/Boeing_707.jpg

[evansb]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/vc10boac2.jpg

[old,not bold]

Here's two good lookers, since I don't have a Hunter picture; take your pickhttp://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/picshooter/GoodLookers.jpg

[old,not bold]

And here's another way to look at the VC10, which comes close to top in any beauty contest...

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff141/picshooter/VC10.jpg

[Phileas Fogg]

http://www.airliners.net/photos/photos/4/5/3/1148354.jpg

[Phileas Fogg]

http://www.airliners.net/photos/photos/2/4/2/0961242.jpg

[old,not bold]

Strange thing is, the VC10 photos above could be the same airframe; for that matter so could evansb's BA one. 4 of them went BA-Gulf-RAF as far as I remember.

[Mr_Hippo]

So many to chose from!
Super Connie
Viiscount
DC 7
Fokker F 27
Carvair - had a certain something
DH Heron
DH Dragon Rapide
TSR2
Avro Lancaster
DH Mosquito
Spitfire & Seafire
A 10
Vulcan
DH Otter
Bell 47
Buccaneer

[BEagle]

"Strange thing is, the VC10 photos above could be the same airframe"

Not so.

G-ARVB, the aircraft in evansb's picture, was traded in for ba's B747 deal and then unceremoniously destroyed at Heathrow.

5 ex-Gulf Air, ex-BOAC 'standard' VC10s became VC10K2s. The Gulf Air shot shows, I think, G-ARVI; this became A40-VI with Gulf Air and then ZA141 'C' with the RAF. It was the last ever 'Standard' VC10 left flying and was ferried to St Athan on 27 Mar 01 commanded by the grand-daughter of the original BOAC VC10 Flight Manager who first flew it in the early 1960s - his son, her father, also commanded it during its time with BOAC.

The aircraft with the Reds is a VC10C1K, converted from an original-build RAF VC10 C Mk 1.

The aircraft in the AAR shot are another VC10C1K in the old 'truckie' colour scheme and VC10K4 ZD242 'P', ex-ba Super VC10 G-ASGP which was the first VC10K4 to fly.

In addition, 4 ex-EAAC Supers were converted into VC10K3s; with additional fuselage tanks and a fin tank, as well as 3 hoses, these are the RAF's most capable VC10s in the AAR role.

And all look nice - but are getting very, very old!

[Brain Potter]

XV103 was the last VC10 to wear the traditional white/blue/grey Transport Command colour scheme. It was not painted all-over grey and was scrapped in 2002. Last time I looked it's carcass could still be seen on the Google earth image of St Athan.

ZD242 is still going strong as one of the last 2 former BA VC10s still flying.

The grey paint scheme always looks nice when freshly applied, but fades to different shades very quickly under the hot desert sun - as seen in the Reds shot. The old white scheme looked smarter for longer and the C1s also received a bit more TLC when being readied for VIP duties. I thought the two-tone hemp scheme was horrible, it just needed a vinyl roof to complete the Cortina look! BOAC blue/white/gold wins the top marks.

[old,not bold]

Mr Hippo, what have you got against the Hawker Hunter, nominated by at least two of us and still, for me, unquestionably the most beautiful combination of form and function that has ever flown, unless you are including gliders, of course, which we seem not to be. Concorde, VC10, many others in your list, OK they look nice, especially Concorde. But none touches the Hunter.

Beagle and Brain Potter thanks for those very knowledgeable posts; fascinating.

[merlinxx]

HS06 Comet 4

[jackuk]

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff159/jackuk10/G-BOADlastflight1.jpgIts Concorde for me, I took this photo at LHR on 10th November 2003, the last flight of G-BOAD to JFK, a very sad day. Great departure with very large crowd, loads of cheering and even some crying

[airborne_artist]

Being ex FAA, I have a particular love for all things RN.

I do like the Sea Hornet:

http://www.vicflintham.co.uk/content/post-war-military-aircraft/hornet/horncov.jpg

And the Sea Fury is quite handsome:

http://www.aviationphoto.co.uk/Pictures/RNHF%20Hawker%20Sea%20Fury%20FB11%20VR930%20Dunsfold%202006. jpg

[Mr_Hippo]

old, not bold - what do I have against the Hunter? Nothing but it is not in my top ten. Also add to my list - Fairey Delta 2 and the Gloster Javelin

[BEagle]

Brain Potter, there was never a 'two-tone' hemp finish applied to the VC10K.

Upper surfaces were hemp, lower were light grey.

You may have seen photos of one aircraft during GW1, which had a lighter top surface. Despite the rumours spread in some spotter-comics, the sole reason for this was that the aeroplane was returned to sevice before the re-paint being conducted at the time could be finished - the painters hadn't reached th top of the fuselage before the jet was rushed back to the squadron.

The worst VC10K colour scheme ever was the green and grey camouflage originally applied to VC10K2 ZA141 'B'. Fortunately 'The Lizard' was soon re-painted in hemp.

The original 'John Major grey' finish had a pansy wedgewood blue cheat line - which we all hated. This infamous 'blue vein' was soon discarded and all aircraft finally ended up in 'John Major grey' with dark grey cheat line. Oh yes...

[toolowtoofast]

The Hunter always reminds me of a Salamander. Don't ask why - it just does!

Sea Fury, Vulcan, Concord, Pitts Special for me.

[xetroV]

Horton Ho-229 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horten_Ho_229):

http://www.nurflugel.com/Nurflugel/Horten_Nurflugels/ho_ix/ho229.jpg

Prototype in a sorry state:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Horton-GO229-front.jpg/800px-Horton-GO229-front.jpg

Thankfully this airplane didn't alter the course of history, but a beautiful design it was.

[Dan Winterland]

No arguements!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb73/dbchippy/A2A025.jpg

It is the VC10!

[Brain Potter]

The VC10 might look good in the gloss grey as seen on the new TriStar scheme. This now incorporates the zig-zag cheat-line, so perhaps it ought to be designated as the 2 Gp "brand" and applied to Nimrods, E3s, Sentinels etc :}

[Diesel8]

Concorde, simply stunning from all angles!
F-104 Starfighter
T-38 in NASA white
F-111 with wings swept
The L1011 for a three engine type and of course, the foure engine type would be the DC8-62, with the A340-500 a close second.

[barit1]

Damn Good Airplane!
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b78/barit1/aw2511.jpg

(I'm not quite sure what to make of the red crankcase, though...)

[taperlok]

BAE 146
Biz jet HS125:E

[seacue]

While mentioned before, the Beech Staggerwing is remarkable for the early 1930s.
http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/AC/aircraft/Beech-Staggerwing/IMAGES/Staggerwing-red.jpg

[Phileas Fogg]

http://www.directart.co.uk/mall/images/dhm2413.jpg

[Blackball]

Sorry fellas,
The best looking a/c has to be the DH 110, or Sea Vixen to the uninitated, pesronally I prefer the Mk 1 but am willing to settle for the Mk 2.
Just to upset BOAC I may put the BAC Lightning as a second but then it was never capable of going to sea and being a "Proper a/c"!!!

[VC10Conway]

Purely subjective, but I think it would be hard to beat the Super VC 10, especially in the BOAC livery of the late 60s. Stunning.

[sidtheesexist]

jackuk - great pickie - did you have some earplugs in?? ;) Was at Brize as a kiddie in mid 70s and she was there doing ccts and bumps - the dbs were something else.

airborne artist - yes, the sea fury is a fine beast - just read Eric 'Winkle" Brown's autobiography and he speaks v highly of the Sea Hornret

[jackuk]

Thanks Sidtheesexist. She was very low over the threshold that day, must have been very heavy. This image was taken just after, quite "moody" with all the heat haze.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff159/jackuk10/IMG_4536LastflightAD2.jpg

[evansb]

Best looking twin-engined Japanese aircraft of World War II? The Kawasaki Ki-96 could be a contender, but I do like the Mitsubishi Ki-83.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/Mitsubishi_Ki83.jpg

[rodthesod]

evansb,

I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I can't believe that fin was made for that aircraft. The Mosquito way outstrips it in the 'best looking' stakes, in my humble opinion.

Regards, rts

[Yamagata ken]

Best looking trainer. I like this one. The view from the cockpit must be fantastic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v132/loganov/Equip%20Your%20Army/Hawk127.jpg

[fdcg27]

I don't think anyone has metioned the B-58. With four big engines hanging in the breeze, and the huge delta wing, this thing looks fast sitting still.
Unlike the XB-70, this supersonic bomber was actually used in service.
Like the XB-70, (which also looks as fast as it was) you can see one today at the museum located on the grounds of Wright-Patterson AFB, along with a huge number of other aircraft.
Special mention goes to another airplane that you can view at the same location as above (which I don't think anyone else has mentioned), the Me-262. Love the big engines on the little wing, as well as the slightly triangular section of the body.

[evansb]

The Douglas F5D Skylancer.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/Skyshark.jpg

[chiglet]

Best looking trainer. I like this one. The view from the cockpit must be fantastic

Some years ago,I was very [VERY] fortunate to be invited for the chance of a Lifetime. A trip in a Hawk :ok:. When I was finally strapped in, I was asked..."Do you want your camera?" As it was a [rather weighty] Nikon FE, I rather stupidly said No......However, in retrospect, I think that it [just] was the right answer....'cos I got to fly the Hawk for about 25mins:D [ok, waved the pole around]..Magic :cool:
watp,iktch

[pigboat]

Actually, a Beaver was kinda ugly, but it grew on you. Also, I got paid to do stuff like this with them. :ok:
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/Siddley-Hawker/PUPonskis.jpg

[twochai]

The steam Otter looks better, sounds better and flies better, I think.

By the way, what's with the past tense? How many 60+ year old aircraft types are still earning their keep today in commercial service around the world?? Can't be many??

[henry crun]

evansb: Surely the Skyshark was a twin turboprop version of the Skyraider, your photo looks like a Skyray to me.

[smuff2000]

Military Aircraft has to be the HUNTER

Civil Aircraft has to be CONCORDE

Love those gliders though they really are totally form fitting function.

cannot believe anyone thinks the XB70 Valkerie was beautiful! and I have seen it in the flesh at Wright-Patterson!

[evansb]

Yes henry crun, the Skyshark was a turboprop. The aircraft pictured is a Douglas F5D Skylancer, a development of the F4D Skyray. My photo source, The Aviation Enthusiast Corner at aeroweb.brooklyn.cuny.edu got it wrong as well. If you enjoy aircraft identification, try your hand at Avia Quiz 'Name That Plane' at dauntless-soft.com.

[Gordon Fraser]

evansb
Absolutely no doubt - its a Skylancer. The Skyray was a good looker too.

[Biggles1049]

In my opinion the best looking aircraft has to be the Connie - such a graceful lady

Click here for a larger image
http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1007597/

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1007597M.jpg

[H1HU]

I stil say it is the Huey. Incidently Huey 509 is at Lytham Hall in Lancashire tomorrow (18th may) 12.30 til 4.

Down at the Motor Museum at Beaulieu for the May bank holiday for the Trucks and Troops show organised by the Military Vehicle Trust. The weekand after that we're at Newby Hall near Ripon at the Airborne Forces Event.

H1HU

http://www.huey.co.uk/galleryhuey/tn_43.jpg

[ionagh]

All fairly close so far (but no cigar)

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/973/img22122810fs5.jpg

[evansb]

The year: 1959. The aircraft: McDonnell's 220. Photo courtesy of Boeing.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r68/convair640/McDonnell_220.jpg

[con-pilot]

evansb, I walked all around that aircraft once when it was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It looked the same as pictured except the test probe extending from the radar dome had be removed and a normal radar dome had been installed. The engines were installed on what was termed 'soft mounts' under the wings. You could put your hand on one of the engines and push the engine from side to side. I can't imagine what that looked like airborne in just mild turbulence.

You probably already know the history of the Mc Donnell 220, that it was built in competition to the Lockheed Jetstar for an Air Force contract. I was told that the primary reason the 220 lost was because the under-slung engines were too close to the ground and the Air Force were concerned about FOD danger. I don't know if this is true or not, however, number 2 and 3 engines are/were very close to the ground.

Never the less, it is a very beautiful aircraft. (Or was, I lost track of it, I don't know if it has survied or not.)

I'll see if I can find out.

[PaperTiger]

Hey ! :p
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2904888&postcount=18

The sole survivor (N4AZ) having spent long periods at both ABQ and ELP is now registered to Fresh Fuel Inc. of IWA (Phoenix/Williams). The company has other esoteric machines - F104, T2V, Magister - so I'd say it's in good hands :ok: .

Will it ever fly again ? One can but hope.

[Double Zero]

Did anyone hear the sketch on Radio 4 last weekend, saying the French were so snooty the original Concorde design had the nose go disdainfully upwards for landing ?

DZ

[evansb]

Of all the Gaul! Did they mention the Russian SST's failure was due in part to a crease in a copied set of Concorde blueprints?

[Genghis the Engineer]

On the whole, I think that this should be a competition for second place.

Best looking, surely in the piston and turbine categories, are the Spitfire and Concorde.

Second,hmmm

I'll offer one for second place in the turbine category...

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/9/7/9/1424979.jpg

And in the piston category, which is probably too new for you lot...

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/7/3/3/1229337.jpg

G

[Earl of Rochester]

Yes well this 'best looking' business is of course entirely subjective but still .. it requires multiple categories. In the post-WWI biplane category I would certainly continue to tender the Beech D17 posted (above)!

In the jet fighter category there is little question that Genghis' SEPECAT Jaguar (above), especially in black, is a handsome craft.

In the home-build category the Vari/Long Ez (or sleeze as it is sometimes known) is of interest (but not in my view beautiful). Most people attribute this design to a chap called Burt Rutan without realising that it was our own George Miles who actually pioneered this wing arrangement!

http://home.comcast.net/~aero51/jpeg/media/george.jpg

George Miles holding a model of the canard wing 'Libellula' which he went on to test fly.
Photo: 1944

Earl

[nacluv]

Thought this might have got a mention before now...

http://www.military.cz/british/air/post_war/Folland_Gnat_Trainer/images/Follang_Gnat_Trainer_bily_blesk.jpg

:ok:

[Peter-RB]

The Beaufighter with Bristol Herc engines No1

The Hellcat with bubble canopy No2

Tempest No3

Spit No 4

Mossie No5

Mustang Bubble Canopy No6

Lanc No7

Liberator No8

Lightning N09

Phantom N10

IMHO

Peter R-B

[Hannah222]

this one has to be included haha http://www.airplane-pictures.net/image8237.html G-MKXI - The Real Aeroplane Company Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI Aircraft Photo @ Airplane-Pictures.net (http://www.airplane-pictures.net/image8237.html)Apparently the pink colour was used as camaflague when the sun was low in the sky but pilots didn't like it as it made them feel vulnerable! It is a Supermarine Spitfire PR. XI. :)

[Earl of Rochester]

http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/airshow00/cosford/spitfire.JPG

Spit in 'desert' colours

~ Hannah

Were you aware that in addition to the Spits there were 'desert' Jaguars used in GWI also painted pink!

http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/2007/435jags/cover.jpg

Earl

[Genghis the Engineer]

I was careful to pick the much more slender Jaguar T2, the chunkier GR1 just isn't as pretty. (Mind you, both were pretty ineffective warplanes!) Overwing sidewinders, well, I'm sure they worked - but they really did look utterly wrong !

If we want to get picky about the origin of the canard pusher, that's of-course Messrs Wright. Like all other aircraft types, it got improved upon over the years.

Close up, perhaps the most beautiful of the family is the Berkut...

http://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/forums/attachments/aircraft-design-aerodynamics-new-technology/6028d1267316973-searching-new-composite-design-berkut-air.jpg

G

[neilf92]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/NeilF92/Scimhicopy.jpg

[Jig Peter]

Thanks, ionagh, for that shot of the TSR2 - of all the beautiful aircraft I've seen (and of course, so many that I haven't) that, for me is THE ONE - and only partly because I was drooling to fly it when I drove aeroplanes at low level for a living.
Sometimes I dream of doing very nasty things to the eejuts who got it cancelled ...
Apart frm that, Concorde, Hunter and the A330-300 also "do it" for me, plus the Spitfire, Tempest, Canberra, Dassault Falcon and Mirage IV, Caravelle and, and and ...
:8

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

This is far and away the best looking aeroplane ever:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/IMG_6702resized.jpg

And this (the jet one, not the ones with whirly things) reminds us how graceful even subsonic airliners used to be....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/supervc10.jpg

[Genghis the Engineer]

Genghis Sr. was an apprentice at Supermarine and used to build Scimitars, and as such it's always fascinated me.

But that aside, I really can't see it as a beautiful aircraft.

G

[POBJOY]

Just has to be a Luton Minor with a J A P engine of course.

[wayoutwest]

i think you might have first and second SSD some of the others only a mother could love. mike.

[Hipper]

Somebody mentioned the Victor.

http://i53.tinypic.com/abnqlh.jpg

[Loki]

I concur with Earl of Rochester regarding the beech "Staggerwing"

Here`s my effort; it even looks good sitting on the ground (at Duxford, this Summer)

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k288/loki_021/forafrica/d17s.jpg

[Janu]

Concorde will forever and always be the most graceful machine to have ever taken to the skies in my opinion.

http://flyingpilot.com/images/concorde.jpg

R.I.P old pointy.

[POBJOY]

Great Picture, Great Aircraft, And "some" Great Britain Technology.

[PPRuNeUser0139]

No words necessary..
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp265/geoffpaysbasque/spitback1800-1.jpg

[BeRich]

Civilian: Concorde, 727, Staggerwing

Mil: XB-70, B-1,Mustang.

[JetAonly]

Boeing 747

[rotornut]

The best looking aircraft?
The S & R machine that spots you in the bush!

[Unusual Attitude]

My Baby......

http://www.cassutt-racer.com/files/5112/8990/9655/GBOMB_main5.JPG

Ok so I'm biased but best looking for sub £20k IMHO....!!

[Proplinerman]

How about the Fairey Fantome?

Google Image Result for http://www.historicaircraft.org/Other-Country-Aircraft/images/Avions-Fairey-Fantome.jpg (http://tinyurl.com/263nn73)