Following on from JDK´s thread about the “worst british” aircraft of WW II, I would like to know if we can nominate an all out winner for THE worst aircraft of WW II
This is my criteria. It has to be designed after the war began (even if it went into service after the war), and produced in quantity. One off prototypes do not qualify. It has to have failed miserably in it´s intended role and does not have any record in secondary roles (training, target towing etc.). I do have a couple in my head, but would like to see what others think.
By: pagen01 - 2nd April 2009 at 10:52
It has to be designed after the war began (even if it went into service after the war), and produced in quantity. One off prototypes do not qualify. It has to have failed miserably in it´s intended role and does not have any record in secondary roles (training, target towing etc.). I do have a couple in my head, but would like to see what others think.
Apart from being emediate pre-war design, the Botha really is a very good contender for your tight parameters Galdri, 580 built and completely useless in its torpedo bomber role (short, and dangerous use by 608 sqn only), and dangerous in its relegated training role.
The Warwick is another candidate, never being used in its intended bomber role, and being shoved around Coastal and Transport Commands to make use of the airframes.
By: Malcolm McKay - 2nd April 2009 at 06:23
Aircraft like the Fairey Albacore and Curtiss Seamew spring to mind because they were replaced after service by the aircraft they were supposed to replace.
Some German types like the Bachem Natter and the Heinkel 162 didn’t perform but they never really had the chance so it’s hard to say about them. The aforementioned Me-210 is noteworthy, while the inflammable Heinkel 177 could get a guernsey as well.
The Consolidated B32 Dominator is also a candidate, but it was really only insurance for failure of the B29. Speaking of bombers there is the Boeing B40 which was the bomber escort version of the B17, which was so slow it couldn’t keep up with the bombers, and the B41 which was the “fighter” version of the Liberator, however it did not see service, whereas the B32 and the B40 did.
By: Dog House Ldr. - 2nd April 2009 at 05:16
Following on from JDK´s thread about the “worst british” aircraft of WW II, I would like to know if we can nominate an all out winner for THE worst aircraft of WW II
This is my criteria. It has to be designed after the war began (even if it went into service after the war), and produced in quantity. One off prototypes do not qualify. It has to have failed miserably in it´s intended role and does not have any record in secondary roles (training, target towing etc.). I do have a couple in my head, but would like to see what others think.
I nominate the Focke Wulf TA-154 Moskito. I mean they were trying to duplicate something they had no need for, and for some silly reason their glue wasn’t as strong as the British glue, and they would come apart in mid air!:eek:
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April 2, 2009 at 4:02 am