Worst to first

[Thorlifter]

I was reading a short article about the SB2C Helldiver and how initially the pilots and crews hated the plane for multiple reasons, but once the issues were worked out it developed into a fine combat aircraft. So I got to thinking what other planes started out with terrible problems but became terrific planes.

The two on my mind are the SB2C Helldiver and the B-26 Marauder. What other planes can you name?

 

[swampyankee]

Perhaps the F-104 and the Tempest.

 

[Kai Stemm]

The Mustang 1 got a bad rap though out its career, the pilots didn't like that they couldn't see behind them, I can list more but I would have to pull out my book on the P-51

 

[pbehn]

The Typhoon became the Tempest and then the Sea Fury but the Typhoon itself was a dog from most points of view.

 

[Airframes]

The Manchester into Lancaster could be a contender.

 

[buffnut453]

Fairey Swordfish 'cos it replaced its successor.

 

[Ascent]

I'd agree with the Typhoon and the Manchester but I'd say the Swordfish started as a capable aircraft and stayed that way rather than developing into one.

 

[fubar57]

The poor Brewster Buffalo

 

[Shortround6]

The poor Brewster Buffalo

That might have gone the other way, From first to worst as the Finns used the earliest production version.

 

[drgondog]

The Mustang 1 got a bad rap though out its career, the pilots didn't like that they couldn't see behind them, I can list more but I would have to pull out my book on the P-51

Not many bad raps - it was instantly deemed the best American fighter by the RAF and many Mustang I remained on combat operations until VE Day. The valid criticisms included inferior climb when compared to Spit V and FW 190, and rate of roll (until P-51B). View wasn't great but Malcolm Hood solved that one.

 

[Crimea_River]

Me210/410.

 

[vikingBerserker]

I could see the Mustang when it was equipped with it's original engine..

 

[Robert Porter]

P-38. Original versions suffered from serious compressibility issues in a dive and the initial roll rate sucked. Later models largely corrected both issues.

 

[pbehn]

To be fair to the Typhoon, it only needed a new engine, wings and fuselage to be a top combat aeroplane.

 

[Crimea_River]

And it needed its tail stapled on so it wouldn't tear off.

 

[buffnut453]

I'd say the Swordfish started as a capable aircraft and stayed that way rather than developing into one.

Can't disagree, although focusing on the period when it was supposed to be replaced, it would be logical to assume that its replacement aircraft would be better than the Swordfish, hence the Swordfish would be "worst". I can't think of many aircraft that replace its successor so, from that, admittedly narrow, slice of the Swordfish's operational career when it was due for replacement, I think it can fit the bill...but not going to argue over it.

 

[pbehn]

Can't disagree, although focusing on the period when it was supposed to be replaced, it would be logical to assume that its replacement aircraft would be better than the Swordfish, hence the Swordfish would be "worst". I can't think of many aircraft that replace its successor so, from that, admittedly narrow, slice of the Swordfish's operational career when it was due for replacement, I think it can fit the bill...but not going to argue over it.

The Spitfire replaced its successor, the Typhoons time as a front line fighter was very brief.

 

[Milosh]

And it needed its tail stapled on so it wouldn't tear off.

There was only about 6 Typhoon lost that could be directly attributed to tail loss.

 

[Robert Porter]

Not too bad, unless you were one of the six!

 

[Thorlifter]

6 planes with their tails falling off is 6 too many. Last time I checked it's an unspoken truth that those things are supposed to stay on.