RE: Most and least changed
Fellows,
Neither the Lanc nor the Lancastrian fit the criteria. The Lancastrian was a transport, and as I said, they seldom changed much over their working lives, so they were out.
The Lanc didn’t fly until well after the war commenced, though the Manchester did. However, as the Lanc was DIRECTLY related to and evolved from the Manchester, it’s fair to say that its appearance changed dramatically over its entire service life, so I’m not sure if it should be excluded from “least changed” and considered for “most changed”.
Let’s not bog down with this individual aircraft – any other nominees for most/least?
I agree with Ant that the Spitfire changed totally during its life, yet somehow retained its overall characteristic shape. A nominee for “most changed” for sure.
P-51? Nup – cutting down the rear fuselage and upgrading to a Merlin spelled out the majority of the changes – later production versions had taller fins or lightweight construction, but the P-51 prototype didn’t fly until 1940 or thereabouts, anyway. Doesn’t rate in this competition.
P-40? Later versions were definitely different around the nose, and they even tried a bubble canopy, though I can’t remember if the bubble canopy entered service or remained experimental. In the running for “most changed”.
Stuka? Same as the P-40. By 1939, the Ju-87B was in service, and it finished the war as a Ju-87D or G, which was extensively changed around the nose. An also ran, perhaps.
FW-189? When did it first fly? A good nomination, but does it meet the criteria.
Anyway, keep them coming.
Regards
Wombat
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