- NEW!
by uncacal on May 20th, 2009
In the sense of greatest meaning largest,:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spruce_Goose
The Hughes H-4 Hercules (registration NX37602) was a prototype heavy transport aircraft designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft company. The aircraft made its only flight on 2 November 1947. Built from wood due to wartime raw material restrictions on the use of aluminum, it was nicknamed the "Spruce Goose" by its critics. The Hercules is the largest flying boat ever built, and has the largest wingspan and height of any aircraft in history. It survives in good condition at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, USA.
by Scooby on May 19th, 2009
The Douglas DC-3 Dakota has to be the most significant plane ever made! They were first built in the 1930’s & are still flying today! Great plane & very versatile too!! :-/
by Robster on May 19th, 2009
I would say Concord but proffesional I am not.
by bazza on May 25th, 2009
Do you mean greatest, or biggest. What about that thing with lots of engines built by Howard Hughes. It flew once, not very high but, it did fly. The B2 Bombers that had wheels at the ends of the wings to stop them dragging on the tarmac. The spy planes, made up from carbon that could fly so high and weren't spotable by radar. Take your pick, I would like to hear what is or was the greatest?
by PrairieWind on May 24th, 2009
CF-105 Arrow
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CF-105_Arrow
by MATLABer on May 20th, 2009
Civil Transport: DC-3
Military Transport: C-47 (a green DC-3 with "no-class" seating)
Close Air Support: P-47 and A-10 (Thunderbolt I & II)
Reconnasiance: U-2 Daragon Lady
Attack: A-20, B-25G
Fighter: P-51D (over the C), F-15
Strategic Bomber: B-52, B-2
Light Bomber: B-25C (Not the D... I live in L.A.)
General Aviation: Cesna 337 Super Skymaster
by azlotto on May 19th, 2009
I like the SR-71 Blackbird. +6
by Marky Mark on May 24th, 2009
The C-130 Hercules gets my vote. One of the most widely used and versatile airplanes world-wide. It's been in production for over 50 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C-130_Hercules
by That Guy Again on May 24th, 2009
Ultimate: Boeing 747. Too stuborn to know that it can't lift 850,000 lbs. But it did it.
Military Transport: C130. Like the DC3, strap a jeep under the wing and it will get it there.
Close Air Support: A-10 Warthog. Let's build a gun and then let's put some wings on it.
Reconnasiance: SR71 Oh, SAM coming... let's just open the throttle a little more.
Attack: Agaqin, A10 Warthog, nothing more to say.
Fighter: Prop: P51, Drop the tanks and still two hours of loiter time over Japan. Jet: F14 Tomcat, Kills like an F15 but turns like an F16.
Strategic Bomber: B17. Sure, small bomb load but the tail and wings can be shot to hell and it will still bring it's crew home.
Light Bomber: Baltimore Whore. If the pilot knows how to use the throttle and the rudder all the rest is cake.
Utillity:
Cessna 180/185
Official state bird of Alaska. Kick it, hit it with a hammer and it will get pissed off and get you into or out-of a strip where it does not fit.
Trainer: Cesna 150/152 Too underpowered and too stupid to know they can't fly. Stress (spin them) to 6gs and they will still bring you home to a 40kt touchdown and make you look good doing it in a 30kt crosswind !!!
by Sid on May 19th, 2009
I would say the Supermarine Spitfire for its role during world war two, especially the Battle of Britain.
by cunning stunt who u calling chicken on May 19th, 2009
I agreed - only I use term SST.
Miss the fast trip across Atl.
by ILoveLois on May 19th, 2009
The Vulcan Bomber. A perfect combination of form and function, and a noise to strike fear into the heart of God!
by Skirtsnhose on May 19th, 2009
Cessna 172
by Seeya says Dont Ever Give Up on May 19th, 2009
The B-29 as it was lend leased to Soviet Union in WWII
and it was the basis of everything that followed in the Soviet Union and the US for planes with pressurized cabins
by Karen Anne Queen of AB on May 19th, 2009
OK here is my answer in my opinion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing, propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Because of its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II, it is generally regarded as one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made.
by Suby the Coat on May 19th, 2009
The Concord. But they don't make them any more.
However the research that went into the building of Concords produced so much of additional knowledge and understanding of the aero-spcace physics, I understand.
Can you say that you have gone up in more airplanes than you have come down in? I can!
by Texaspete on June 30th, 2011
| 3 people like this
How is Air Force One started? I know big planes don't have keys, but this is Air Force One. Shouldn't there be a key/code, something?
by Serenit E_N on September 4th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Has radar technology in commercial aircraft really become more advanced or changed much in technical terms over the last 30 years?
by NiCkIzBacK on June 8th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Have you heard about the E-4B "Doomsday" plane that would carry the President and Joint Chiefs in case of Apocalypse?
by Chicago Lady on June 15th, 2011
| 3 people like this
What would you do if an eight armed elephant started throwing trucks, knocking down buildings, and eating the fighter jets sent to stop him?
by Have A Nice Day on September 4th, 2011
| 4 people like this
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Comments
Great airplane... Too bad none of the Hughes airplanes made it to mass production. That is of course you do not count the A6M; too much controversy there.
by MATLABer on May 20th, 2009
+6 Great answers and really so many great planes. I love the DC 3 because it still flies today in peace. So many great planes, so many great stories. God bless you all
by Karen Anne Queen of AB on May 20th, 2009
Some interesting answers. A subject of which I know very little.
by uncacal on May 20th, 2009
I was raised near a large commerical air port and on the flight line to a government air port. So, I can still tell the difference between the sound of one plane to another. A few years ago the B17 came to our town. I talked to the pilot and said I enjoyed the plane and the one that was here the year before. I said that could not be the same plane because the engines sounded much better and different and he said it was because they replaced all 4 engines. I love air planes
by Karen Anne Queen of AB on May 20th, 2009