Since alot of aircraft were not made at the first of the war, and some didn’t last till the end, I guess I’d say I’m torn between the B-17 and B-24. Both were used from day one till the very end. Both were used around the whole world in every theater (yes,some few into Russia, landed, and flew out.)
Hard to say between those two. Both did great service.
Deaf
Spruce goose
The Flying Fortress is a fav of mine too, but the SuperFort is what took my breath away.
I got to see both at the Midland airport here in Texas, the gang was reskinning Sentimental Journey. I got to pitch in, setting Clecos and helping set rivets.
Fifi had two engine cowls off and half of those motors were pulled - refurbishment of her engines were under way at the time.
FIFI
she’s a combat vet. I took the tour of her when she was here at the downtown airport many years ago. I hope she’s still around. video
Here’s some great links to the B-19 if you were interested in learning more. Stumbled across these tonight and thought folks might be interested:
Popular Mechanics, Nov. 1941
http://books.google.com/books?id=1tkDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1
Popular Mechanics, July 1941
http://books.google.com/books?id=mtkDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA8&dq=B-19%20bomber&lr=&as_brr=1&as_pt=MAGAZINES&pg=PA8
The “1942 Cars” that were never built…
Very interesting link, thanks…
Like the FW TA400
At last! Someone list the B-24, more B-24’s built than any other US fixed wing aircraft ever! If you include the Privateer (developed from the Liberator) close to 20,000 built and used in every theater.
List also Me-264: concurrent of Ju-390 and Fw Ta 400 for Amerika bomber project. It reached the prototype stage like Ju-390 but was abbandoned because Lutwaffe prefer He-277 and Fw Ta 400, while Kriegsmarine prefered Ju-290 and it’s upgraded version Ju-390.
Gotta be the Lancaster Bomber!
Pe-2 or IL-4