Strange Airplanes from WWII

[ClayO]

What's you favorite strange airplane from WWII? Plenty of choices, but here's one of mine: the Zveno composite bomber / fighter. The Z-1 was designed to carry up to three fighters into battle for self protection or for extended range strikes, it was successful enough that the Soviets developed the project into the Aviamatka Z-6, which could carry five fighters. The Z-7 actually saw combat, carrying two dive bombers. Check out the linked article and imagine the crews' reactions when they were assigned to this duty.

 

[Capt. Vick]

I have seen one with 5 parasite aircraft, but I think the 5th one joined after it was airborne. There is a book i have that is all about these flying airplane carriers called: Vakhmistrov's Circus: Zveno Combined Aircraft - The Projects, Development, Testing and Combat

 

[SaparotRob]

I think the Blohm and Voss BV-141 makes this list.

 

[ClayO]

I think the Blohm and Voss BV-141 makes this list.

Yup, that's on the list, for sure.

 

[Airframes]

Yeah, i'd have serious doubts about flying in formation with my engine !!!

 

[wlewisiii]

My favorite odd-ball from that era remains the Bell YFM-1 Airacuda.

 

[SaparotRob]

Yeah, i'd have serious doubts about flying in formation with my engine !!!

You'd be flying in an inverted "vic" with a Beaufort.

 

[tomo pauk]

The funky, canard + pusher Shinden: link for the web page, on an otherwise excellent web site.

 

[GrauGeist]

The flying saucers!
Both the Sach As-6 and the Vought V-173

 

[fastmongrel]

Pffft those are all run of the mill conventional. I give you an aeroplane that is hard to tell which way its pointing the Miles M39B Libullela

It was built as a 5/8th scale proof of concept for a twin jet engined bomber which was cancelled as it wouldnt have flown before the war was over.

 

[Milosh]

There is also that Brit airplane that was half Lysander, half Lancaster.

 

[Koopernic]

What's you favorite strange airplane from WWII? Plenty of choices, but here's one of mine: the Zveno composite bomber / fighter. The Z-1 was designed to carry up to three fighters into battle for self protection or for extended range strikes, it was successful enough that the Soviets developed the project into the Aviamatka Z-6, which could carry five fighters. The Z-7 actually saw combat, carrying two dive bombers. Check out the linked article and imagine the crews' reactions when they were assigned to this duty.

View attachment 610838

Antanov A40 flying tank Consisted of a T60 tankette. It did fly once but the tow plane had to cut it loose because of excessive drag. I immagine with more streamlining and engine power it might have worked. Current Russian practice is to paratroop BMP-1 complete with crew. Works well.

 

[SaparotRob]

The flying saucers!
Both the Sach As-6 and the Vought V-173

Now we're talking!

 

[SaparotRob]

Antanov A40 flying tank Consisted of a T60 tankette. It did fly once but the tow plane had to cut it loose because of excessive drag. I immagine with more streamlining and engine power it might have worked. Current Russian practice is to paratroop BMP-1 complete with crew. Works well.
View attachment 611227

It's not a contest but a flying tank? Winner.

 

[Capt. Vick]

There is also that Brit airplane that was half Lysander, half Lancaster.

Westland P.12 Wendover

 

[CORSNING]

Here is the front 1/2 of a weird aircraft. I'll try to find the back later.

XP-77

 

[nuuumannn]

Definitely strange!

191904

This, too. Never very many of them at any given time, and unique.

1207 RAFM Cosford Defiant

 

[fastmongrel]

Whatever you say about the Defiant Boulton Paul did a lovely job on the engine cowlings

 

[SaparotRob]

Whatever you say about the Defiant Boulton Paul did a lovely job on the engine cowlings

It really is more of a cool looking airplane.

 

[Shortround6]