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”
