coolest "name" for aircraft - Page 5

Panzergranate · #41 10-26-2009, 04:53 AM

I'd nominate the Blackburn "Roc" as the worst name for a fighter. The aircraft was incredibly ugly and was unstable with a top speed of 220 MPH.

Imagine Jo Brand as a fighter plane and you'll have some idea as to how ugly this aircraft was. If you find a picture online, keep a sickbag handy.

Basically a Skua dive bomber with a turret added to turn it into something like the Boulton-Paul "Defiant".

The Roc was used to defend Bermuda from Luftwaffe bombers.

Fortunately, after the loss of 169 squadron's Defiants in one single action, during the BoB, the RAF scrapped plans for a turreted Hurricane, the Hawker "Hotspur".

The sixteen gunned Hawker "Tornado" was also scrapped about the same time.

The P-66 Vultee "Vangard" isn't exactly an awe inspiring name. Fortunately only Canadians (training) and the Chinese (combat) flew them.

Least original name for a fighter has to be the Wackett C-13 "Boomerang", bearing in mind that it was designed and made by Australians.

I still think that the "Hellcat" and "Wildcat" have the best names for a fighter aircraft.

Vulcan607 · #42 10-26-2009, 02:24 PM

I know it isnt WW2 but as my name surgest its the Avro VULCAN. go on say it...
other favorites include
Tempest
Whirlwind
Oh and my favorite helicopter name is
Westland Widgeon

Doktorwzzerd · #43 10-26-2009, 02:49 PM

I think some of the NATO reporting names for Soviet aircraft are pretty funny, the SU-27 Frogfoot being my fav. I've even read that a lot of Soviet pilots took offense to many of the those NATO names, the MiG-21 "Fishbed" particularly drawing the pilot's ire as it was their premier fighter in the early to mid 60's.

flynlion · #44 10-26-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcan607

I know it isnt WW2 but as my name surgest its the Avro VULCAN. go on say it...
other favorites include
Tempest
Whirlwind
Oh and my favorite helicopter name is
Westland Widgeon

The G44 Widgeon was originally a twin engined flying boat built by Grumman in the '40s. Pure fun, I'd love to have one for bass fishing. It would make a great RV!