Favourite WW2 Aircraft?

[LHoffman]

Probably the P-51D. Most beautiful WWII aircraft by far… but good looks are only the start.

[Tall Paul]

Hmmm,

First off, I must have at least twenty different answers to the many variations of this question!

After giving the matter some serious thought, as a military historian, I would have to say, my favorite WW2 aircraft would be the Douglas C-47 Skytrain that hauled the beans, bullets, & bast*rds w/parachutes that made everything else possible.

I kind of surprised myself with this answer after reading so many books about the “Jugernaught” P-47 Thunderbolts and “Whistling Death” F-4U Corsairs.

I’m certain that this isn’t the sexiest answer, and a lot of people here might be groaning now, but I feel that the C-47 in doing it’s job, made more of an impact than any other aircraft in WW2 for the allies.

And remember, General George S. Patton, a serious TANK expert, said the same thing about the 2-1/2 ton truck!

I’d love to “discuss” all of the different variables included in this question. Such as Fighter, Bomber, American, German, most effective, most feared, fastest, etc., etc, etc.

“Tall Paul”

[LHoffman]

Well, as far as favorite goes… it is a matter of opinion and really not based on any particular set of variables.

Paul: Is the C-47 your favorite plane? Disregarding what you think of its historical impact… is it your favorite?

[Tall Paul]

LHoffman.

NO!

The C-47 is definately not my favorite WW2 aircraft. I simply answered the question using ONE of the many variables available,…HISTORICAL IMPACT.

The P-51 Mustang was a beautiful aircraft, the P-47 Thunderbolt was a rugged and destructive S.O.B., the F-4U Corsair was a Zero-shredder, the ME-262 was a fearsome-looking design, etc., etc. Another “pretty” design that comes to mind is the Japanese Dinah. Very sleek and pretty lines on this aircraft. Somewhat reminiscent of the HE-111’s clean-flowing design, only better.

Having read and studied some 4,000+ books on WW2 I must admit to having SEVERAL FAVORITES.

I ententionally hoped to provoke some intelligent and interesting discussion on this far-ranging topic. We can all learn from others that may have experinced or read something we have yet to do.

“Tall Paul”

[LHoffman]

Oh, okay. I just thought I’d ask because 99.9% of people would name a plane that is considered a combat/attack aircraft, as opposed to an air transport. I won’t judge your choice… just making sure it is your favorite.

[ABWorsham4]

@LHoffman:

Oh, okay. I just thought I’d ask because 99.9% of people would name a plane that is considered a combat/attack aircraft, as opposed to an air transport. I won’t judge your choice… just making sure it is your favorite.

My friend Tall Paul is a philoslopher.

[Witt]

Who is the picture of Worsham?

[Tall Paul]

ABWorsham,

Haha, that could be construed as either a good or bad comment, but I understand what you meant. I was only trying to show that I, like most of you, have more than only one “favorite” WWII aircraft.

For me it’s very hard to read about Navy “Jolly Rodgers” and Marines units that flew the
F-4U Corsairs without having a healthy respect and warm place in my heart for them and their aircraft. Same for any number of aircraft like the
B-25 “Commerce Raiders” that had up to 14 forward-facing .50 calibre m.g.'s that also flew at tree-top level and skip-bombed ships or para-fragged airbases. And there are so many other examples!

@ABWorsham:

My friend Tall Paul is a philoslopher.

I’m happy we all have A&A.Org to share our ideas/opinions with each other. I’m constantly intertained and/or educated. And what a GREAT game A&A is, Wow!

“Tall Paul”

[ABWorsham4]

@Tall:

ABWorsham,

Haha, that could be construed as either a good or bad comment, but I understand what you meant. I was only trying to show that I, like most of you, have more than only one “favorite” WWII aircraft.

For me it’s very hard to read about Navy “Jolly Rodgers” and Marines units that flew the
F-4U Corsairs without having a healthy respect and warm place in my heart for them and their aircraft. Same for any number of aircraft like the
B-25 “Commerce Raiders” that had up to 14 forward-facing .50 calibre m.g.'s that also flew at tree-top level and skip-bombed ships or para-fragged airbases. And there are so many other examples!

@ABWorsham:

My friend Tall Paul is a philoslopher.

I’m happy we all have A&A.Org to share our ideas/opinions with each other. I’m constantly intertained and/or educated. And what a GREAT game A&A is, Wow!

“Tall Paul”

Comment meant with the upmost respect.

[ABWorsham4]

@wittmann:

Who is the picture of Worsham?

The person in the picture is Maximilian von Spee, leader of the Kaiser’s Asian Cruiser squadron and the victor of the Battle of Coronel.

He may have had the worst situation of any commander in either World Wars. His outdated cruisers were hunted by Japan, Australia, France and England. All he could do, in his own words was cause as much chaos and trouble for the Allies before his death. Met his death in the Falkland Islands.

[Tall Paul]

ABWorsham,

@ABWorsham:
Comment meant with the upmost respect.

I have no doubt about that. I was only throwing out a little self-criticism to bring forth a little levity.

“Tall Paul”

[Witt]

Thank you Worsham. Interesting choice,  glad I asked.

[moilami]

A very tough question, there are so many great planes!

After a minute or so of hard thinking one rose above the rest.

Had you seen that from below, you would had known that now begun a serious fight for your life.

In that fine aircraft every little detail shines a simple and clear message: Killer.

[moilami]

@Tall:

Hmmm,

First off, I must have at least twenty different answers to the many variations of this question!

After giving the matter some serious thought, as a military historian, I would have to say, my favorite WW2 aircraft would be the Douglas C-47 Skytrain that hauled the beans, bullets, & bast*rds w/parachutes that made everything else possible.

I kind of surprised myself with this answer after reading so many books about the “Jugernaught” P-47 Thunderbolts and “Whistling Death” F-4U Corsairs.

I’m certain that this isn’t the sexiest answer, and a lot of people here might be groaning now, but I feel that the C-47 in doing it’s job, made more of an impact than any other aircraft in WW2 for the allies.

And remember, General George S. Patton, a serious TANK expert, said the same thing about the 2-1/2 ton truck!

I’d love to “discuss” all of the different variables included in this question. Such as Fighter, Bomber, American, German, most effective, most feared, fastest, etc., etc, etc.

“Tall Paul”

I found your answer to be very interesting out of the box thinking.

I just want to remind you what would had that plane done if not escorted by fighters? Bring some supplies far behind enemy lines.

Everything in Aerial Warfare starts from fighters. They are the ground to build upon other operations.

[Tall Paul]

Moilami,

@moilami:

@Tall:

Hmmm,

First off, I must have at least twenty different answers to the many variations of this question!

After giving the matter some serious thought, as a military historian, I would have to say, my favorite WW2 aircraft would be the Douglas C-47 Skytrain that hauled the beans, bullets, & bast*rds w/parachutes that made everything else possible.

I kind of surprised myself with this answer after reading so many books about the “Jugernaught” P-47 Thunderbolts and “Whistling Death” F-4U Corsairs.

I’m certain that this isn’t the sexiest answer, and a lot of people here might be groaning now, but I feel that the C-47 in doing it’s job, made more of an impact than any other aircraft in WW2 for the allies.

And remember, General George S. Patton, a serious TANK expert, said the same thing about the 2-1/2 ton truck!

I’d love to “discuss” all of the different variables included in this question. Such as Fighter, Bomber, American, German, most effective, most feared, fastest, etc., etc, etc.

“Tall Paul”

I found your answer to be very interesting out of the box thinking.
I just want to remind you what would had that plane done if not escorted by fighters? Bring some supplies far behind enemy lines.
Everything in Aerial Warfare starts from fighters. They are the ground to build upon other operations.

––First off, Thank You, and I probably do need to stick my head in a “box”(grin).
----And I TOTALLY agree that it’s the Fighters that win air supremecy.
----But I would say that it’s the Bombers that win the battles.
----Also, I had preficed my statement by indicating that my choice was based on Historical Impact. If the Allies hadn’t had the logistics supremecy[new term(?)] that the C-47s won for them, then the war would’ve undoubtably taken longer, and in several campaigns the Allies would’ve lost.

––General Kenny’s 5th AF in New Guinea had many OFFENSIVE operations flown by C-47s, WITHOUT FIGHTER ESCORT, **such as carrying troops/supplies to the Austrailian troops at Wau. As they were un-armed, flying at tree-top level was their only defense from the Zero’s and Tony’s. The dirt strip airfield was surrounded by the Japanese and was receiving mortar, artillery, and automatic weapons fire. IMMEDIATELY upon landing the Aussies were in a viscious firefight less than 50 ft. from the a/c. I enjoy what a Port Moresby line-chief, who “voluntered” to go on a simular mission, later said. “You ‘fly-boys’ fly this bird as if you were frustrated
P-38 jockeys, and I’ll never again complain about all the damage you bring my a/c back with. You deserve ‘combat pay’!” The line-chief went on to set records for ensuring ALL of the C-47s were camoflaged. Many C-47 pilots died in this campaign, and many more earned Air Medals, Distinguished Flying Crosses, and Purple Hearts in this offensive.

––I really appreciate the on the spot improvisations(American Enginuity) that enabled the Americans to fight and win , such as:
----The A-20 and B-25 “Commerce Destroyers” that ‘Pappy’ Gunn hung up to 14 forward-facing .50 cal. m.g.s on, that flew at 50 feet altitude and parafragged airbases and/or skip-bombed shipping. WOW, Great stories!.
––The “Black Cat” PBYs that completely improvised their weaponry, tactics, and even their black camoflage(which wasn’t paint). More Great stories!**

“Tall Paul”

[Tall Paul]

Guys,

This is a great thread, as I enjoy hearing everyone’s answers and the way they arrived at them. They are ALL correct, and ALL enjoyable.

“Tall Paul”

[moilami]

There are indeed many tales untold.

But to go back to the issue: bombers can win campaigns if fighters have won air supremacy. Else bombers will have to do night raids, which are more terror than actual strategical bombing.

By the way, I would love to discuss these things, but I am student here and not a lecturer  :-D

You are completely on your own class far higher than the rest to talk here. I guess that makes even unintelligent talk non-existent here.

[CWO Marc]

The 1943 movie “Air Force” features the crew of a B-17 bomber and an American fighter pilot who’s travelling with them as a passenger.  A subplot of the film is a running argument between them over the relative merits of fighters and bombers, including a funny scene in which the fighter pilot argues that bomber auto-piloting mechanisms (“electronic brains”) will soon become so advanced that they’ll be given officer commissions and will thus replace human crews entirely.

[Witt]

Never heard of that film. Is it worth watching?
Nice observation by the Fighter Pilot  though.

[CWO Marc]

@wittmann:

Never heard of that film. Is it worth watching?

I’m very fond of it and I’ve seen it many times.  It was made at the midpoint of the war, and it was clearly meant to raise morale in US audiences at a time when the Allies had not yet achieved clear superiority over the Axis.  It’s the fictitious story of a B-17 which leaves the US west coast for Hawaiii on December 6th (as part of the famous group of B-17s which really did arrive there just as the shooting started), and which from there ends up flying virtually non-stop to Wake and Manilla and Australia.  Lots of human interest elements to the story, plus some of the usual wartime stock character types like the folksy guy from Brooklyn and the tough ethnic kid with a chip on his shoulder.  Star Wars fans will recognize one the battle scenes as the direct inspiration for the famous Millenium Falcon gun turret sequence in Episode IV.