If you had an airforce...

[fly boy]

fly boy, you do know that a fighter-bomber is a ground attack a/c right? And the P-51D wasn't a best fit for that role. Perhaps you mean Escort Fighter?

oh yea that's what i meant

 

[Desert Fox]

It's a tough choice, but here's my list-

Fighter: Supermarine Spitfire Mk XIV
Fighter Bomber/Ground Attack: Hawker Tempest Mk VI
Interceptor: Focke-Wulf Fw-190D
Night Fighter: Messerschmitt Bf110
Reconnaissance: de Havilland Mosquito NF.30
Medium Bomber: B26 Marauder
Heavy Bomber: Lancaster
Transport: C47
Sea Plane/Flying Boat: PBY Catalina

Carrier Fighter: F6F Hellcat
Carrier Divebomber: SBD Dauntless
Carrier Torpedo-bomber: TBM Avenger


Tried to fit the Macchi 205 Veltro in there, but the Spitfire won in the end

 

[Henk]

If I had a air force I would bomb the living sh*t out of Mugabe! Their fighters fo not have fuel or parts to get off the ground. Ha ha ha...

 

[davparlr]

The American version

Air Superiority Fighter: P-51B/D. Demonstrated combat capability, demonstrated reliability, great adaptability and growth capability (P-51H, F-82, post war racers) , highly produceable.
Carrier fighter, tactical fighter-bomber: F4U-4. Demonstrated combat capability, demonstrated reliability, excellent post war performance, great adaptability and growth capability (F4U-5, F4U-5N)
Reconnaissance: P-38 (F-5) Good speed and range, very capable aircraft.
Medium Bomber: A-26. Fast, good range, long life, multiple wars.
Heavy Bomber: B-29. Milestone aircraft, carried the world into the nuclear age.
Dive Bomber: SB2C
Torpedo Bomber: TBF
Transport Light: C-47.
Transport Medium: C-54. Milestone aircraft. Performed extraordinarily well in the first Cold war confrontation.
Transport Heavy: C-97. C-69 second. Not much history in WWII, but not many to choose and these two could haul a lot, fast and long and had great after-war life.
Seaplane: What the heck, Martin PBM

This should be a war winner.

 

[drgondog]

The American version

Air Superiority Fighter: P-51B/D. Demonstrated combat capability, demonstrated reliability, great adaptability and growth capability (P-51H, F-82, post war racers) , highly produceable.
Carrier fighter, tactical fighter-bomber: F4U-4. Demonstrated combat capability, demonstrated reliability, excellent post war performance, great adaptability and growth capability (F4U-5, F4U-5N)
Reconnaissance: P-38 (F-5) Good speed and range, very capable aircraft.
Medium Bomber: A-26. Fast, good range, long life, multiple wars.
Heavy Bomber: B-29. Milestone aircraft, carried the world into the nuclear age.
Dive Bomber: SB2C
Torpedo Bomber: TBF
Transport Light: C-47.
Transport Medium: C-54. Milestone aircraft. Performed extraordinarily well in the first Cold war confrontation.
Transport Heavy: C-97. C-69 second. Not much history in WWII, but not many to choose and these two could haul a lot, fast and long and had great after-war life.
Seaplane: What the heck, Martin PBM

This should be a war winner.

i would go with that list. If an Interceptor category was added I would choose the Ta 152H.

If the lists had to be pared 'way down and logistics and spares were part of the equation

I would go Pratt line up
Fighter/Fighter bomber/escort/Recce/night fighter - F4U
Transport - C46 or C-54
Light/Medium/Attack Bomber - A-26
Carrier Bomber - TBF
Heavy Bomber/Long Range Recce/Patrol - B-29 for an all Pratt and Whitney Line up with only three variants: R-2000 (if C-54), 2800 and 3350

For Merlin/Pratt, I would substitute
P51 Escort/Recce/Fighter Bomber
Seafire-carrier and Land based Interceptor - for F4U - which adds another airframe
Mosquito for A-26 and take on Recce/Night fighter role
Lancaster for B-29 if range not important but still need
TBF, C-46/54 with Pratt

Who wants to build around BMW or DB? or Both?

 

[timshatz]

I probably would have picked a B-26 Marauder or Mosquito or even Ju 88 over the B-25 but all great aircaft.

The ultimate reason for picking the B-26 and F4U would be for many common parts consideration for the R-2800 engine.

I would also pick the C-46 for same reason - R-2800 engines, plus it was so much more capable, despite being a fire hazard occasionally, than the C-47

Smart pick Dragon. One of the better posts because it takes into account the management of the airforce. What good is an airforce is the birds are down for maintainence? Simplifying them makes the servicabliity rates go up.

Very good post.

 

[drgondog]

Smart pick Dragon. One of the better posts because it takes into account the management of the airforce. What good is an airforce is the birds are down for maintainence? Simplifying them makes the servicabliity rates go up.

Very good post.

thank you tim - of course with Government resources and risk management you don't want all your eggs in one basket.

With Hindsight the US standardizes on Merlin, Pratt for powerplant

With Hindsight, US settles early in 1941 on Corsair and Mustang and builds carrier versions/land based versions for both - both have branches for lightweight fast climbing, heavy firepower, long range capability. Lightweight Mustang out in 43, P-82 in 44. Because zero dilution of design and manufacturing resources the lightweight and Carrier qual and nightfigher versions of Mustang start in 1942. Rolls license obtained as test concept with first P-51A in early 1941.

Corsair introduced into AAF at same time as USN. AAF recognizes Mustang early for Strategic requirements. Corsair deployed to MTO instead of P-38 and P-40. P-51A in series production with Allison in 1942, but Allison dropped when 51B emerges in late 42-early 43 and assumes the North Africa/MTO role from P-51A/A36

Both F4U and Mustangs provide escort in ETO and MTO, Mustang dominant at high altitude, Corsair at medium and low altitudes. TAC air entirely F4U

P-82 Branch developed early instead of P-61 or F7F or F4U as night fighter/interceptor/extremely long range recce

USMC settles on Corsair and A-26 as primary strike combination but each base equipped with flight of Recce F-6's

Mustang series dominant long range escort of land based strike missions, recce, interceptor for USN/USMC - but carrier series qual developed in parallel as back up. A few Mustangs assigned to each CV for long range recce and early warning.

F4U dominant TAC a/c for AAF and USN and USMC and Lend Lease all purpose fighter.
Corsair series dominant Fleet series for every sea based mission,

B-17's and B-24s redesigned for Pratt's in 1940, B-29 and B-36 design start in Parallel with differnt but communicating Pratt and Whitney Engine development groups working on the Powerplants.

Rolls supplies Whittle patents immediately in early 1941. General Electric, Rolls, Whittle and Allison dedicate top teams to jet engine designs to explore different approaches.

Lockheed and North Amercan selected for first jet airframe in competition each with one design goal. Both to develop an air superiority fighter with 500 mile operational radius.

Boeing and Consolidated selected for first jet bomber design for 600 mile operational radius, at 45,000 feet and 4,000 pound bomb load. Engine design to contemplate Merlin as primary powerplant as back up... so fuel and bomb load capacity would be to satisy minimum range, but operational ceiling with that bomb load at 35,000 feet.

I don't know what the Luftwaffe has in mind but it would be interesting based on hindsight based on the strategic mission pursued by Germany. I suspect that air superiority and tactical mission would be a better assumption.

RAF closer to US, except for delay in strategic bombing initiative.

 

[JugBR]

its like a "dream team" air force isnt ?

my choices:

dorsal spin fighters: bf 109g, like germany
interceptors/special mission fighters: fw 190d
ground attack fighter: p47b

destroyer/night fighter/bomber: mosquitos/ me 210
strategical bombers: ju87
level bombers: b17

 

[kool kitty89]

I would go Pratt line up
Fighter/Fighter bomber/escort/Recce/night fighter - F4U
Transport - C46 or C-54
Light/Medium/Attack Bomber - A-26
Carrier Bomber - TBF
Heavy Bomber/Long Range Recce/Patrol - B-29 for an all Pratt and Whitney Line up with only three variants: R-2000 (if C-54), 2800 and 3350

The R-3350 was a Wright engine.

 

[drgondog]

The R-3350 was a Wright engine.

you are right KK - brain fart

 

[Soren]

Air superiority fighter: Ta-152H-1 Me-262
Interceptor: Ta-152 Me-262
Escort: Ta-152H-1
Naval fighter: F4U-4
Fighter bomber: F4U-4
Nighterfighter: Ar-234B
Transport heavy: Ju-390
Transport medium: Ar-232B
Transport light: C-47
Heavy bomber: He-277
Medium bomber: Ju-388K
Recon: Ju-388L
Seaplane heavy: BV-222
Seaplane medium: PBY Catalina

 

[drgondog]

Air superiority fighter: Ta-152H-1 Me-262
Interceptor: Ta-152 Me-262
Escort: Ta-152H-1
Naval fighter: F4U-4
Fighter bomber: F4U-4
Nighterfighter: Ar-234B
Transport heavy: Ju-390
Transport medium: Ar-232B
Transport light: C-47
Heavy bomber: He-277
Medium bomber: Ju-388K
Recon: Ju-388L
Seaplane heavy: BV-222
Seaplane medium: PBY Catalina

What if you can only pick 5 and two engine manufacturers - preferably Allied or Axis but not both.

 

[Ki-43-I Hayabusa]

Fighter: J2M3 Raiden
Nightfighter: HE 219 Uhu
Medium Bomber: P1Y1 Ginga
Heavy Bomber: Ki-67 Hityu
Transport: JU-52

 

[drgondog]

Fighter: J2M3 Raiden
Nightfighter: HE 219 Uhu
Medium Bomber: P1Y1 Ginga
Heavy Bomber: Ki-67 Hityu
Transport: JU-52

was the Raiden carrier qualified? or no carriers in your navy

 

[Soren]

What if you can only pick 5 and two engine manufacturers - preferably Allied or Axis but not both.

Now that changes the picture!

I'd go for Junkers and DB then, for which the list would be as follows:

Air superiority fighter: Ta-152H-1 Me-262
Interceptor: Ta-152 Me-262
(One engine manufacturer two a/c so far)

Transport: Ju-252
Bomber: He-277
Recce, medium bomber, night fighter: Ar-234


I really don't like this 5 a/c and 2 engine manufacturer restrictment !

 

[drgondog]

Now that changes the picture!

I'd go for Junkers and DB then, for which the list would be as follows:

Air superiority fighter: Ta-152H-1 Me-262
Interceptor: Ta-152 Me-262
(One engine manufacturer two a/c so far)

Transport: Ju-252
Bomber: He-277
Recce, medium bomber, night fighter: Ar-234


I really don't like this 5 a/c and 2 engine manufacturer restrictment !

Lol - I didn't think you would.

Now Fight Germany's war with an Allied list - same restrictions.

BTW - pretty good choices for Germany/German a/c and manufacturers. I think I would have picked exactly the same ships - and either the Ta 152 or 262 would have been good CAS ships also... what about all piston engine choices?

 

[kool kitty89]

The original post did specify prop driven a/c only. (and used only 5)

Now Fight Germany's war with an Allied list - same restrictions.

How about:

1) F4U-4 (Air Superiorety Fighter, Escort Fighter, Fighter-Bomber)
2) C-46 (Transport)
3) A-26 (Day Bomber/Attack)
4) Mossie (Night Fighter, Night Bomber, and Recon)
5) Spitfire Mk.21 (Interceptor)



But, again choosing late war a/c to fight for the whole war doesn't seem to realistic. (5 choices -available at or near the start of the War- that can each be replaced once later on; might be something to think about)

Not sure what I'd choose here though. (I'm thinking mostly in terms of the US here)

Then there's the yearly selection Parsival did:

 

[drgondog]

The original post did specify prop driven a/c only. (and used only 5)


How about:

1) F4U-4 (Air Superiorety Fighter, Escort Fighter, Fighter-Bomber)
2) C-46 (Transport)
3) A-26 (Bomber/Attack)
4) Mossie (Night Fighter)
5) Spitfire Mk.21 (Interceptor)

We differ in that I want a long range heavy bomber and depend on the F4U to do the interceptor role versus the Spit to give me a TBF for Carrier strike, so skip the Mossie and Spit (Rolls) for Night Fighter with the lesser F4U as night fighter - overlay to permit the B-29 (wright).

So, the F4U would not stop many Recce a/c at 40,000 feet and be less capable in night fighter role.. oh well - but truly if Vought was chatrtered with creating a two seat stretch airframe to get a radar operator it would have done fine as a night fighter 20 mph slower up to 25,000 feet.



But, again choosing late war a/c to fight for the whole war doesn't seem to realistic. (5 choices -available at or near the start of the War- that can each be replaced once later on; might be something to think about)

True. what it says is that my Pratt/Wright selections doesn't have a long range strategic operation until late 1943/early 1944. My medium Bombers are ready until late 1943 and I have no real carrier strike ability inherent in the TBF until late 43/early 1944.

But had the US truly been forced to deploy the F4U in 1942 it could have done so with a lot more ops losses than necessary - the USN and USMC and USAAF would have no interim choice to fall back on.

Not sure what I'd choose here though. (I'm thinking mostly in terms of the US here)

Then there's the yearly selection Parsival did:

It's more fun to pick one airframe and see how you do if that airframe was the only one for your mission selection - given it's first flight date and the entry into the war.

Other wise you may pick B-17 or B-24 and be ready from day 1, and B-25 instead of A-26 as your only attack/medium... but not be permitted to switch to different mfr. If so, then I woul pick B-24 and extend to B-32 rathter than B-29 and have capability from late 1942 forward..

 

[Soren]

Lol - I didn't think you would.

Now Fight Germany's war with an Allied list - same restrictions.

Then the list would be as follows:

Engine manufactures are PW and RR.

Air superiority fighter: F4U-4
Interceptor: Spitfire Mk.XIV
Fighter bomber: F4U-4

No carriers so sadly I can't utilize that feature..

So two engine manufacturers and two a/c so far:

Transport light: C-47 (I'd like bigger but atleast its dependable)
Transport heavy: C-69
Bomber heavy: B-29
Night fighter, recce medium bomber: De havilland Mosquito

BTW - pretty good choices for Germany/German a/c and manufacturers. I think I would have picked exactly the same ships - and either the Ta 152 or 262 would have been good CAS ships also... what about all piston engine choices?

Then the list would be as follows:

Engine manufactures are still Junkers Daimler benz.

Air superiority fighter: Ta-152H-1 Fw-190 D-13
Interceptor: Ta-152H-1 Fw-190 D-13
Fighter bomber: Fw-190 D-13

Two a/c and one engine manufacturer so far.

Bomber heavy: He-277
Night fighter: Ju-388J
Recce: Ju-388L
Medium bomber: Ju-388K
Transport heavy: Ju-252

_________________________________________________

But with no engine manufacturer or a/c restriction, and regardless of where the a/c are from the ultimate list would be:

Air superiority fighter: Ta-152H-1 Me-262A-1a
Interceptor: Ta-152H-1 Me-262A-1a
Carrier fighter: F4U-4
Fighter bomber: F4U-4 Fw-190 A-9
Night fighter: Ju-388J Me-262B-1a/U4
Recce: Ju-388L Ar-234B
Zerstörrer (Destroyer): Ju-388 (Do-335 is a possible candidate)

Bomber heavy: He-277
Bomber medium: Ju-388K
Ground attack: Hs-129B-3

Transport heavy: Ju-390
Transport medium: Ar-232B
Transport light: C-47

Seaplane heavy: BV-222 (Or the BV-238 )
Seaplane medium: PBY Catalina

 

[Glider]

Using the restrictions

Air superiority fighter: Hornet
Interceptor: Hornet
Escort: Hornet
Naval fighter: F4U-4
Fighter bomber: F4U-4
Nightfighter: Mossie
Transport: Tudor
Heavy bomber: Lincoln
Medium bomber: Mossie
Recon: Mossie
Seaplane: PBY Catalina

P&W / Rolls Royce
6 Aircraft