# Coolest fighter aircraft **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 30, 2009, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189 "2009-05-30T18:55:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/81 "2009-06-01T15:25:02Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Still both slower than the Spitfire, though (at least, the Mk. X and later variants). I’m having trouble taking that at face value. The numbers are malleable, but going with the most commonly given values, can we really say this? Going from memory, typically [437 mph is quoted for the P-51-D](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-51_Mustang#Specifications). [Spitfire Mark XI is quoted at 417 mph](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire_(late_Merlin_powered_variants)#PR_Mk_X_and_PR_Mk_XI_.28types_387.2C_365_and_370.29) on Wikipedia The Spit Mk XIVe is quoted at 451 mph [here](http://wikipedia.ketsujin.com/index.php/Supermarine_Spitfire_F_Mk_XIVe), but the P-51H clocked 487 mph (although it never saw combat). I’m not sure how many of these figures and models represent main-line combat fighters versus late-war variants produced in small numbers. My sense of things is that some late-war Spits were faster than line P-51s but greatly outnumbered by them. In defense of my favorite, the P-38L could do 443 mph on emergency power. Some of the late-model Lightnings were competitive in every way with the best piston fighters. I’ve heard the story, possibly apocryphal, of one Lightning getting jumped by a pair of FW 190s while traveling at high speed. The P-38 initiated a turning fight, to the presumable amazement of the Germans, who reflexively turned sharply to follow the big twin-boom American – and lost their wings from extreme g-forces the Lightning withstood. Supposedly the American pilot inquired whether this counted as kill credits. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/82 "2009-06-01T15:33:38Z")
There was a Bob Stevens cartoon that showed a front view of a Bf-109, with the pilot saying, ‘Aha! I have lost ze shtoopid Amerikaner pilot!’ The P-38 was inverted below him. Another Bob Stevens cartoon had a Bf-109 shooting at a P-47 from behind, and the bullets were bouncing off. The Jug pilot is saying, ‘He ought to run out of ammo soon. Of course, there’s always the possibility he’ll run into one of his own ricochets.’ ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/83 "2009-06-01T15:58:25Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I don’t think it really counts as “canceled” since it’s already in operation. I only think of aircraft that never see service as canceled. Well, good point. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/84 "2009-06-01T16:29:25Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > Going from memory, typically [437 mph is quoted for the P-51-D](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-51_Mustang#Specifications). > > [Spitfire Mark XI is quoted at 417 mph](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire_(late_Merlin_powered_variants)#PR_Mk_X_and_PR_Mk_XI_.28types_387.2C_365_and_370.29) on Wikipedia > > The Spit Mk XIVe is quoted at 451 mph [here](http://wikipedia.ketsujin.com/index.php/Supermarine_Spitfire_F_Mk_XIVe), but the P-51H clocked 487 mph (although it never saw combat). I was going on [this](http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spit14afdu.html). ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/85 "2009-06-01T19:12:38Z")
> [@Sailboat](#): > > I’ve heard the story, possibly apocryphal, of one Lightning getting jumped by a pair of FW 190s while traveling at high speed. The P-38 initiated a turning fight, to the presumable amazement of the Germans, who reflexively turned sharply to follow the big twin-boom American – and lost their wings from extreme g-forces the Lightning withstood. Supposedly the American pilot inquired whether this counted as kill credits. I think that was Captain Robin Olds, who later went on to become General Robin Olds in the Vietnam war, the history channel did one of their animations on it. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/86 "2009-06-01T22:05:00Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Still worthy of consideration if the story of hearing one on the radio when Herman Goering broadcast, “If the British ever bomb us, you can call me Greenbaum!”… I think it was “Meyer.” Some favorites of mine: Fokker Triplane: [http://www.airportjournals.com/Photos/0705/X/0705012\_10.jpg](http://www.airportjournals.com/Photos/0705/X/0705012_10.jpg) Bf-109F: [FlightSim Pilot Shop - Flight Simulation Hardware, Software and Accessories](http://www.fspilotshop.com/images/sfdhasrjusfrjksfjf.jpg) P-40 Flying Tiger: [http://www.wingsoverelburn.com/images/Franklin%20Mint/Armour/B11B628.jpg](http://www.wingsoverelburn.com/images/Franklin%20Mint/Armour/B11B628.jpg) F-4U Corsair: [http://warbirdsofww2.tripod.com/images/Corsair082.jpg](http://warbirdsofww2.tripod.com/images/Corsair082.jpg) F-15 Strike Eagle: [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/F-15\_Strike\_Eagle\_(185530822).jpg](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/F-15_Strike_Eagle_(185530822).jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2009, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/87 "2009-06-01T22:26:14Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > For me always the Sopwith Camel. But coolness depends on it’s time. You were brave to fly one. [The World War One flying ace prepares his Sopwith Camel for the coming battle with the Red Baron…](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Snoopy_wwi_ace_lb.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/88 "2009-06-02T00:08:40Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > However, the Tempest will always be a favourite (more a fighter bomber). The Tempest came to my attention from an amazing picture that showed one chasing down a V1 Buzz Bomb. I loved that big airscoop it had in front. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/89 "2009-06-02T00:40:43Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > I think it was “Meyer.” Ah, yes. _Danke._ 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ginman999](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@ginman999](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ginman999)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/90 "2009-06-02T11:27:22Z")
FW 190 F4U P40 with AVG nose art Air show this weekend in Indy ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/91 "2009-06-02T12:35:30Z")
Which reminds me… anyone planning to go to Oshkosh this year? July 27-Aug 2. I think I’ll go up there for at least one day – I have a new camera to play with. Actually, I’m gonna do a separate thread on this. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/92 "2009-06-02T13:34:56Z")
> [@ginman999](#): > > FW 190… Ah, yes…a sleek, deadly, beautiful plane: [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/050602-F-1234P-005.jpg](http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/050602-F-1234P-005.jpg) [http://www.pohorelec.cz/page/pic/vla/fw190.jpg](http://www.pohorelec.cz/page/pic/vla/fw190.jpg) [http://www.spitfirespares.com/SpitfireSpares.com/website%20products%20121/FW-190\_.400.jpg](http://www.spitfirespares.com/SpitfireSpares.com/website%20products%20121/FW-190_.400.jpg) [![](http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/fw190-01.jpg) ](http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/fw190-01.jpg) [http://www.aikensairplanes.com/franklinmint48/98088fw190actual.jpg](http://www.aikensairplanes.com/franklinmint48/98088fw190actual.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Kiber](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kiber/32/317_2.png) [@Kiber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiber)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/93 "2009-06-02T16:44:49Z")
Well - I’ve always been partial to the [Yak](http://www.yakkes.com/images/gallery/yak9.jpg). And for cool - you have to consider the [Aichi M6A Seiran](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aichi_M6A) (even though it’s a dive bomber). And finally - from the US, I have to add the [Sparrowhawk](http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/ac-usn22/f-types/f9c.htm). ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/94 "2009-06-02T16:53:38Z")
[![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F9C_in_USS_Akron_hangar1932.jpg) ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F9C_in_USS_Akron_hangar1932.jpg) [![](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:XF9C_1_aircraft_hooking_onto_USS_Akron,_May_1932.jpg) ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:XF9C_1_aircraft_hooking_onto_USS_Akron,_May_1932.jpg) > **[Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F9C_Sparrowhawk)** > > The Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk is a light 1930s biplane fighter aircraft that was carried by the United States Navy airships USS Akron and Macon. It is an example of a parasite fighter, a small airplane designed to be deployed from a larger aircraft such as an airship or bomber. > The concept of fixed-wing aircraft being carried and launched from airships was initially developed during the First World War - initially, this proposal originated in the United Kingdom, to allow British interceptors to co... Earns some points for unusual thinking, and balls of steel. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/95 "2009-06-02T17:34:02Z")
I’ll raise you one [McDonnell Goblin](http://www.air-and-space.com/goblins.htm), designed to be carried by B-36 bombers until they were needed as escort fighters. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/96 "2009-06-02T17:57:06Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I’ll raise you one [McDonnell Goblin](http://www.air-and-space.com/goblins.htm), designed to be carried by B-36 bombers until they were needed as escort fighters. The previous reference to the Goblin was what reminded me of the F9C. The Goblin sure doesn’t look very aerodynamic, does it? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/97 "2009-06-02T18:01:55Z")
> [@mlees](#): > > The previous reference to the Goblin was what reminded me of the F9C. The Goblin sure doesn’t look very aerodynamic, does it? Kind of looks like a kamikaze nuclear bomb. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/98 "2009-06-02T18:12:02Z")
> [@Tangent](#): > > Still, they are pretty cool: > > [Koplo77 ~ Pusat GGSOFT Elevator & Lift Italia gang berkualitas Global](http://www.wallpapergate.com/data/media/2179/F_111_1.jpg) > > [http://eatmypotato.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/f-111-aardvark.jpg](http://eatmypotato.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/f-111-aardvark.jpg) My dad was the crew chief that launched the 111s that rocked Khaddafi’s casbah in '86. TFR and Pave-Tack is bad news for the bad guys! I believe the RAAF is _still_ flying 'Varks. Most of the USAF inventory is in the boneyard. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2009, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/99 "2009-06-02T18:18:15Z")
You can see several FB-111s make low-level passes in the Michael Caine/Pierce Brosnan Cold War thriller _The Fourth Protocol_. Wiki says that the Brits and the Australians are the only folks still flying them, and the Brits will retire 'em next year. ---
**Author:** ![GreedySmurf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a698b9/32.png) [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2009, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189/100 "2009-06-03T02:20:45Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > Since most of my favorites have been mentioned already, let me stretch the category a bit by including the de Havilland Mosquito. +1 Always liked the Mosquito. Something about the idea that all you new fangled metal skinned and metal framed planes being churned out. Well I’m going to make a highly effective combat aircraft from Balsa Wood!! 😃 And by the way it’s not stretching the category, The Mossie was very much used in a fighter role. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coolest-fighter-aircraft/498189.md?page=6)