GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
One of the conditions revolving around World War II is the fact that no other time in history has there been such a diversity of aircraft in hostile skies over such a period of time. Add to that condition the fact that powered flight was still in it's early stages, so it was not impossible to see a biplane and a jet in the same skies.
You can debate the "best fighter of WWI" or the "best fighter of Korea" and have a fairly easy conclusion, but it is going to be nearly impossible to get everyone on the same page with this sort of debate regarding WWII...
Even when you clearly go for qualification such as (but not limited to):
1) time from concept to production
2) cost and ease of production
3) servicability
4) range (combat radius)
5) multi-role applications (ground attack, interceptor, high/low altitude capable, etc.)
6) ability to absorbe battle damage
7) pilot "friendly" (was it a killer of "green" pilots)
When the obvious solution should be based on looks:
1) does it look better in camo as opposed to polished?
2) Will nose-art or aggressive unit insignia enhance it's appearance?
3) will more weapons protruding from it's wings or hardpoints help or hurt it's ratings?
4) if it's single engined and has a turret, it's disqualified no matter what...
5) can it look impressive on the ramp or does it have to be in flight to be appreciated?
6) will a sexy girl leaning against it improve it's appeal?
These are the most important points to consider...forget all that other technical, statistical non-sense!
You can debate the "best fighter of WWI" or the "best fighter of Korea" and have a fairly easy conclusion, but it is going to be nearly impossible to get everyone on the same page with this sort of debate regarding WWII...
Even when you clearly go for qualification such as (but not limited to):
1) time from concept to production
2) cost and ease of production
3) servicability
4) range (combat radius)
5) multi-role applications (ground attack, interceptor, high/low altitude capable, etc.)
6) ability to absorbe battle damage
7) pilot "friendly" (was it a killer of "green" pilots)
When the obvious solution should be based on looks:
1) does it look better in camo as opposed to polished?
2) Will nose-art or aggressive unit insignia enhance it's appearance?
3) will more weapons protruding from it's wings or hardpoints help or hurt it's ratings?
4) if it's single engined and has a turret, it's disqualified no matter what...
5) can it look impressive on the ramp or does it have to be in flight to be appreciated?
6) will a sexy girl leaning against it improve it's appeal?
These are the most important points to consider...forget all that other technical, statistical non-sense!