Outstanding aircraft types that didn't see combat
Concur with Dr. Jekyl on the F-106. Arguably the best interceptor of its era (don't want to start any fights with EE Lightning fans...)
Mitsubishi F-2
Several mentioned I would not consider "outstanding", perhaps good, interesting or innovative (B-58, B-47, Javelin, B-36...) By all accounts the Attacker was pretty dismal.
Mitsubishi F-2
Several mentioned I would not consider "outstanding", perhaps good, interesting or innovative (B-58, B-47, Javelin, B-36...) By all accounts the Attacker was pretty dismal.
A couple of times James Kightly (JDK, late of this parish and the FP forum) lauded Joe Smith of Supermarine as a good aircraft designer.
He and his team did a magnificent job after Mitchell's death in keeping the Spitfire relevant virtually until the end of the piston-engined fighter era.
His aircraft afterwards - Attacker, Swift, Scimitar - were average at best.
He and his team did a magnificent job after Mitchell's death in keeping the Spitfire relevant virtually until the end of the piston-engined fighter era.
His aircraft afterwards - Attacker, Swift, Scimitar - were average at best.
never was - purely for the hi-speed delivery of atomic weapons - with a shed load of tanker support...............
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B-58 losses were 24, some incorrectly quote 26 because they include two that were damaged in accidents, one was repaired and returned to flight, the other survives as a static display.
Last edited by megan; 23rd Dec 2023 at 19:32.
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Not that bad according to Bill Gunston - first aircraft designed from scratch to the Area rule, probably only beaten for low drag by the Gnat and the F-104. Better air combat aircraft than the F-104. First supersonic aircraft in USN service. V popular with the Blue Angels. around 200 built
"basically one of the best of is era , rather let down by it's engine"
"A nice aeroplane that had too many competitors".
"basically one of the best of is era , rather let down by it's engine"
"A nice aeroplane that had too many competitors".
Not that bad according to Bill Gunston
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Think you can discount the Mirage IIIO since a number of them were supplied to Pakistan and the type is still in service there, so will have been used in the regular skirmishes with their Indian neighbours.
The Blues were using the aircraft when I arrived for flight training, thought it the most beautiful and best aircraft they ever used. After they gave it to students for supersonic experience one student found he had difficulties, both wings had separated at the wing fold, a little over "g'ing". Also famed as being the first aircraft to shoot itself down.