| Top 10 War Planes -- TEXT |
EasyNews, UseNet made Ea .. |
| ::darkshadows:: (blood@thirsty.net) |
2008/02/15 18:20 |
Top 10 War Planes
Flying fighters that each were the most glamorous and lethal of their
time.
Number 10: Three-Wing Fokker
Almost every German air force pilot flew a version of this distinctive
tri-level plane in the later years of World War I. But the Fokker,
which could make even a mediocre pilot great, made the Red Baron a
legend. Flying ace Captain von Richthofen and his fighter struck fear
into the hearts of Allied forces until the end of the war in 1918.
Number 9: Mitsubishi Zero
Never to be ranked among the sturdiest planes in history, Japan's
long-range fighter the Mitsubishi Zero was built purely for speed and
maneuverability. Its brittle aluminum body was very light and could
dip and dive better than any other plane during World War II. The Zero
would become the cornerstone of Japan's suicide "kamikaze" squadrons.
Number 8: Messerschmidt
German aircraft-maker Messerschmitt was a warhorse of production
during the heaviest fighting of the Second World War. Its super speedy
Bf 109 would become the Royal Air Force's most dreaded foe, easily
outrunning its competition during the Battle of Britain. The 109 was
also the first fighter plane to incorporate modern, retractable
landing gear.
Number 7: Supermarine Spitfire
More than for any superior technical capability, the Allies'
Supermarine Spitfire is best known for its iconic status as the plane
that won the Second World War. This small, good-lookin' fighter with a
fiery personality was loved by pilots and saw action in every theatre
of the conflict.
Number 6: P-51 Mustang
Despite arriving late on the World War II scene, the macho P-51
Mustang managed to become one of the war's elite planes. A Rolls-Royce
engine gave the P-51 amazing range and speed, allowing its American
fighters to register more kills on its wings than they did with any
other aircraft.
Number 5: F-86 Sabre
Few fighter aircraft are as recognizable as the U.S. Air Force's F-86
Sabre, with its gaping open front-end often compared to a shark's
mouth ready to attack. Production on the Sabres began shortly after
WWII, using information gleaned from Germany's defunct Luftwaffe. It
was just in time for the Korean War, where the plane performed so well
that 25 other countries would later adopt its design.
Number 4: MiG-21
For many who served in the U.S. Military, the MiG-21 is the definitive
symbol of Communism and the Cold War. The USSR's powerful supersonic
jet first saw action in the Vietnam War and became a favorite of
Eastern Bloc countries due to its low production costs. Many
developing nations still fly hand-me-down MiG-21 fighters.
Number 3: F-18 Hornet
If you've seen any military or action movie in recent years, you've
probably seen an F-18 Hornet. Variants of the popular all-purpose jet
have been the darlings of the U.S. Air Force and Navy since the early
80s, seeing action in the First Gulf War and in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Pilots love its easy flick-of-a-switch versatility.
Number 2: Stealth Bomber
All odd angles and clunky appearance, the Stealth bomber might not
look good but it sure can do damage on the ground. Stealth aircraft
aren't invisible to radar, but are designed to deflect it enough to
attack an opponent before being detected itself. The technology has
been used for high-value target missions during the recent Middle
Eastern wars.
Number 1: UCAV
The future of military aircraft might keep pilots out of harm's way
altogether. Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles have been in the testing
phases by the U.S. Military for years, and wide-scale use in wartime
is likely not far off. Besides lives, researchers hope to eventually
save production costs with these compact fliers, which have no need
for a cockpit, canopy or control panels.
|
|
|