If you could own any WW2 aircraft from any country which would it be?

Question

I go to the airshow at Oshkosh every summer and see quite a few of the old aircraft still flying in private and corporate hands. If money was not the object – which one would you want and why? I think one of the ME262’s that were just built or possibly the P-38 or FW 190.

http://www.airventure.org/

Jack – I had the opportunity to fly in a B-17 several years ago. It was fabulous.

Tin - saw one at the Smithsonian at Dulles - really impressive

Answer 1

Mosquito.

I would love to have a de Havilland Mosquito fighter bomber. They were one of the greatest aircraft of their time and truly beautiful to see in flight

Answer 2

This is a great question! Many will take the front runners like Spitfires, P-51's and P-38's. I would take the F6F Hellcat. The Hellcat proved to be the most successful aircraft in naval history, destroying 5,163 aircraft in service with the US Navy and US Marine Corps, plus 52 with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm during World War II. That is quite a little fighter. It's older brother the wildcat lacked the horsepower the Hellcat did. the aircraft was also tough as nails and had a good habit of bringing its pilot home alive. The plane embodied the spirit of the Allied Forces, it never quit. It's not pretty like the P-51 or P-38, but it got the job done. Enjoy the Star.

Answer 3

I would have to say the B-25 Mitchell Bomber mainly because I saw one driving thru Liberal KS at their airport which BTW has a very large outdoor and indoor static display and I was quite surprised by the collection. Well worth the time...just a suggestion!

Why the B25? When you first see it you realize it isn't all that big of a bomber plus they took off from an aircraft carrier for the 1st bombing raid of Japan in April 1942 and then were to fly it to China but most wound up putting it down in either the sea or crash landing when it ran out of fuel. It would be for the historical signifigance more than anything else. The Dolittle Raiders were men who made that history and it would be a way to honor them as they answered the call in what were the darkest hours at the time of our nation's entry into WW2 and was just after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Hey, enjoy Oshkosh!

Answer 4

of your choices- The P-38, My grandfather that fought on the ground during WWII loved seeing that plane in the air. I would take a ride because not only for him, but I like the plane. I think it was the best US fighter at the beginning of WWII

My Choices (Fighters)
Spitfire
P-51 Mustang
F6F Hellcat
F4F Wildcat
P-38 Lightning
F4U Corsair
Messerschmitt Bf 109
Can't belive that I forgot the P-61 Blackwidow that is a great plane as well. Also the Hawker Hurricane

My Choices (Bombers)
B-17 Flying Fortress
B-25 Mitchell
B-26 Marauder
Avro Lancaster
B-24 Liberator
B-29 Super fortress
de Havilland Mosquito (Fastest Twin-engine bomber.)
Junkers Ju 88


Patrick E: As a son of a Cold War Vet, Grandson of two WWII Vets, and Great, Great Grandson of a Civil War Vet. I Say to you, Thank you for your service to our country.

Answer 5

Bomber: B-17
Fighter: P-51

Answer 6

Bomber- B-24

Fighter- P-51/Bf-109

Answer 7

Allied aircraft would be the P-38 Lightning due to unusual twin engine planform and long rage w/ high speed

Axis Aircraft would be the FW-190

Answer 8

If I could go 15 years into the future I would pick the UK's Harrier Jet but they didn't exist until 1960, I think. I saw one in the Imperial war Museum in London. Totally awesome. They take off and land like a helicopter but fly like an F-15.

Answer 9

I can't decide between a P-51 Mustang or a F-4U Corsair. They are both such beautiful and romanticized aircraft that represented the best of our technology at the time. They were both fast and maneuverable as well. Shoot down 109's over Europe or Zero's over the Pacific? Hmm...

Answer 10

P-51D Mustang first choice. Supermarine Spitfire as a backup. Both have great lines.

The ME-262 was a fighter. But then it was a jet. It was faster. Not necessarily better overall.