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I did some checking, because I was pretty sure that the XF4F-1 was either a Wildcat or did not have a name at the time. Sure enough, the Grumman Gulfhawk was a similar but different plane.Though I wouldn't have wanted to go into combat in one, I'd love to have been a millionaire in 1936 and bought a civilian 2 seat XF4F-1 ala the Gulfhawk.
Stepping back and looking at the flow of history has always been fascinating to me. That is why, when I think about WW2 aircraft, I also like to think about how much aviation progress was made during the war, and how quickly things continued to progress after the war.
But that also goes in the opposite direction. When I look at the planes that just missed being frontline fighters and bombers, I can't help but be impressed at how primitive those planes were compared to the ones we are so familiar with. For example, the B-17 was ordered as a replacement for the B-10 (which was also the B-12, B-13, and B-14, but with different engines. The B-11 was a Douglas seaplane). Imagine if the B-10 had been all that was available to bomb Germany!
The B-10 had some noteworthy firsts, being the first bomber with monoplane, all-metal construction, enclosed cockpit, retractable landing gear, and an enclosed bomb bay. It was also faster than the pursuit fighters of its day (it first flew in 1932). Fortunately, the Army Air Corps recognized soon enough that a better plane was going to be needed, and the first B-17 was in the air in 1935.
If I recall rightly, the Bf-109 was also the owner of a whole slew of radical "firsts," and not just incremental improvements.
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But here's another one that is even more interesting: The Grumman Wildcat was originally conceived as an all-metal biplane. Just imagine that thing leading the fight at Midway! But Grumman figured out in time that they had to do better than that. And they did. Still, that early design is fascinating to look at.
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The war definitely started before 1941 (well, for everyone that turned up on time)Also, what is the starting point for the War...1937, 1939 or December 1941?
Good points. I did not know that some B-10s actually served during the war, so I learned something, and I always enjoy that. (That's one of the reason we even have these conversations.)I think we need some slightly better definition of what "just missed" actually means. Are you referring solely to the US military or more broadly? I ask because the B-10 saw operational service in the Dutch East Indies in late-1941 thru March 1942. Also, what is the starting point for the War...1937, 1939 or December 1941? The identified starting date will impact what aircraft are hits -vs- misses.
I've always like that airplane name.Hawker Nimrod. Replaced by the Sea Gladiator as the FAA's carrier fighter in May 1939
A few were still in Danish service in 1940.Hawker Nimrod. Replaced by the Sea Gladiator as the FAA's carrier fighter in May 1939
The Swordfish was still in front line service on VE Day. 836 squadron FAA which provided flights of 3 or 4 to the Merchant Aircraft Carriers still had 30 on its books in Feb 1945. The last of its operational flights didn't disband until the end of June 1945 with the squadron itself following at the end of July.........After all, the Fairey Swordfish continued to contribute for quite a while after the shooting started.
I wonder if a Peregrine would fit onto a Nimrod.
Well yes, the Peregrine that is based on the Kestrel. But any birds can join too.You mean a Peregrine engine?