Alright, while we are on the subject how about favorite bomber.
In that category I will again choose two. Both from World War II.
In the Middle Weight category I choose the B-25. The famous Doolittle Raider. I love the twin tail and multiple varients that I am just becoming aware of.
AND IN THIS CORNER!!! In the Heavy Weight corner I have to go with the B-29 of course. the shear size of that plane at the time must of been stagering. Even though the B-36 was bigger by a lot, I still chose the B-29 over it probably dut to its popularity.
I like the fact that it served in two wars and was copied almost verbatium in Russia, as the Tu-3, I think is what they called it. Or was it Tu-4 I cant remember?
Whaz up,
My first choice has to be the B-25 Mitchell (My first flight). The B-17G(my uncle was a bombardier w/ the 92BG, 26missions) in second. Cant leave out the Brit’s Lancastor. Decisions decisions LOL
Flaps up mike
The B-52 is my answer. First flew in 1952 and there’s no end in sight. Sombody else said in one of these forums, “Vietnam to Armageddon” and it sure looks that way. The Russian Tu-95 Bear is about as long-lived but I still go with the B-52 as the Bear has never seen combat. The American taxpayer got a bargain with this airplane!
Well, at least when they flew to the UK (Backfire & Bear) and the USA (Bear only) they came in peace… I have pics of a Backfire-C I shot at a Farnborough Air Show on my website.
Saw a Bear at the IAT show in the UK a few years ago. Monstruous thing! Pity the Trumpeter kit is so expensive… I’ll have to start my 1/144 kit someday!
Domi
Favorite: Easy, the B-17G. There has never been a more elegant aricraft built. Everything about this bomber was beautiful, great nose art, perfect lines, a natural metal finish. No plane can compare with its’ looks, and it was an excellent bomber.
I’m going to have to go with the Martin B-26 Marauder.
My Dad was with the Red Raiders (22nd BG)The first Army
Air Corp bomb group in action in the Pacific. In spite
of it’s rough start (too much airplane, not enough pilot), turns out
it was the safest aircraft to fly in combat.
BTW–The Red Raiders were also the first group to fly the B-24
and the B-25 in combat.
Hmm, this is a difficult choice. At this time I’ll say the B-52. It’s been around for quite awhile, and has been called upon to carry missiles, bombs, the X-15, and even a 747 engine. I’m sure there’s something I missed - the kitchen sink? I’m impressed by the incredibly broad wing span, and the plane’s adaptability to low-level missions.
As for the WWII Bombers, My favorite of the heavies is the Lancaster. For the medium stuff, its a toss up between the Mosquito and the Petlyakov PE-2, while technically both bombers, they were so versatile they trully are a challenge to pigeon hole.
For the postwar stuff, who couldn’t fall in love with the English Electric Canberra on sight? In the tradition of early postwar design, where streamlining was so critical to compensate for lower power engines, she struck a near perfect balance between effectivness and design aesthetic. If the Mosquito ever had a post war heir, the Canberra is it.
Lets hear it for the Canberra, the oldest still active bomber design in service and the only combat aircraft anywher to still incorporate wood in its design. Yeah, the BUFF’s been around and she’s respectable, but the Canberra still has a few years up on her and is still better looking. Who says older gals can’t still be sexy?
I have to go with nwilliams on the B-17G, though I am supprised he didn’t pick the F-8. The B-17G was the ultimate of the Flyingfortress line, armed from front to rear and was built to take their crews to the target and back home.
In the heavy category, the B-29. My uncle was killed on one over tokyo on Jan 27th, 0f 1945. he was with the 497th B.g out of Saipan. He was second in formation behind Dauntless Dotty pilot Col. Robert Morgan, who flew the Memphis Belle. The 497th received a unit citation for this mission because of the heaviest fighter opposition to date. 2nd is the B-24 tied with the B-17. my grand father flew B-24s over the hump into China from India and as a combat pilot (shot down numerous times, then returned to work for Boeing as ferry pilot flying B-17s.
And in the medium category, the DeHavilland Mosquito. The mossy, was such an awesome airplane that could do multiple roles, like the Panavia Tornado. It looked like it could, and did haul ass.
Berny13, why would I pick the F-8, it is the greatest FIGHTER ever, it’s not a bomber. Even I know that. ( ha,ha, just having fun with you ). Nice call on the UH-1.
Well I think I’d like to say the B-2,but that’s not even fair. So with that said you have the B-1 and the B-52. Both remarkable aircraft however I believe the B-1B would perform much better in their original roles in non-conventional incursion. Lets hope I am never proven right on that one. I believe I would like to give honorable mention to an aircraft that is hardly ever mentioned in our little questionares. The Pan Avia Tornado! I just think it is a tremendous aircraft regardless!
