[DMP08]

norad norad:

I watched that aircraft fly low over the runway, at quite the speed I might add, and took her back to a verticle climb! The pilot was reading off the altitude he was at, and jeez, he was at 20,000 ft in no time!

Speaking of which, a good family friend unsed to be a major in the Canadian air force and he flew CF-18's. Before, when he was still flying them, he (with tower clearance obviously) flew the jet, almost vertical horizontally along the runway for almost the entire runway length, then threw the throttle to full and took off straight up. Now, in case that didn't fully make sense, I drew a little picture to help me explain

[norad]

Yes, the F-18, or CF-18 are one of my fav's as well, DMP08. If my memory serves correctly, and I know someone is going to mention a Mig, but unlike a Mig the F-18 is the only aircraft that can do this trick indefinitely. The trick I'm speaking of is flying at a 45 degree angle at the nice highway speed of 90, or was it 100, km/h. It has something to do with the leading edges on the fuelsalage up to the wings. Again, going by memory here, but quite cool to see.

Do you know what the 'F' stands for? Or the 'A' in A-10 Warthog? F for fighter, A for attack. F/A 18 then is a fighter/attack aircraft.

[Streaker]

I think the Russians call that trick the "Cobra". They can do some pretty amazing things with their Sukhois...

[Hopper]

I've always been partial to two: the Avro Lancaster because of it's sheer size and contribution to WWII and the Stuka - I've always liked German aircraft.


.....and of course being a Maritimer I've seen LOTS of Sea Kings (mostly at low altitude and smoking). I'll sure miss them!!!!

[-Mario-]

Aside from the Arrow...
in 2nd... I would pick the Mosquito.
in 3rd... both Typhoons... from WWII fighter and the Jet fighter...
and last but not the least... the SU-47 Berkut


For the P-51 fans... just a bit of info... There were really two planes in the same category... the P-51 and the Tempest II. The P-51 was popularized (Being American and all) for escorting the Bombers... while the Tempest was dedicated to hunt down V-1 missiles. In a dog fight, the Tempest would have made sandwiches of the P-51.

Sukhoi SU-47 Berkut

[dgthe3]

Never seen or heard of that Su-47, looks alot like an experimental american pla ne (X-??), but a bit bigger. I've seen footage of the X-??, it can do some crazy manuvers.

Another amazing aircraft that has not been mentioned is the space shuttle, i know that it is a rocket, but i started the thread and i make the rules! Therefore, it is allowed because it glides back into the atmosphere. The most complex machine ever built

[Robair]

-Mario- -Mario-:

For the P-51 fans... just a bit of info... There were really two planes in the same category... the P-51 and the Tempest II. The P-51 was popularized (Being American and all) for escorting the Bombers... while the Tempest was dedicated to hunt down V-1 missiles. In a dog fight, the Tempest would have made sandwiches of the P-51.

Not impressed with payloads and other fighting stuff. I like speed (air races). In a flat out race, the P-51 roasts a lot of planes that would probably kick its ass in a dogfight (spitfire for one).

The F-18 was the first fighter built that could accelerate vertically. Stand on it's tail, punch the gas, and pick up speed! I think that's impressive.

They need a modern fighter jet class at the air races in Reno...

[norad]

$1:

I think the Russians call that trick the "Cobra"

What the F-18 does is not called the Cobra, but to give you some background on the Cobra maneuver Freaker.

The Cobra, if done wrong, can inflict serious damage to the aircraft and even kill the pilot. The pilot can inflict upto 15 g's on his body pulling this stunt!

The F-22 Raptor can do the Cobra better than the Sukoi's. Here is a pic of the F-22 at an AOA (Angle of Attack) of 120 degrees doing the Cobra! The Sukoi's can only do this for a few seconds, and has only been done a few times with the Sukoi. Here is a video of the Raptor. Half way through this you will see it doing the Cobra.
Video - 5.3 mb

Here is a pic of the Raptor doing the Cobra maneuver.
F-22

I'm not sure with the Raptor, but with the Sukoi's can only have 50% fuel and no armnaments to do the Cobra, as I understand. I may be incorrect about this.

[Scarecrow]

I have an affinity for the CF-18. They should re-introduce the Avro Arrow, but make it better, like the Arrow 2.0

[-Mario-]

P-51D Mustang
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 437 mph.
Cruising speed: 275 mph.
Range: 1,000 miles
Service Ceiling: 41,900 ft.
Armament: Six .50 cannon

Spitfire Mk Xi
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 422 mph.
Cruising speed: 369 mph.
Range: 1,360 miles
Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft.

Tempest Mk II
Speed:740kmh at 460 mph (740 km/h)
Service Ceiling 35,800 ft (10,912 m)
Radius 700 mi (1,127 km) without external fuel tanks
30,000 ft (9,140 m)/10 min 48 sec
Armament: Four 20mm cannon 2,000lb of bombs or
twelve 3-inch rocket projectiles

[Ebenezer]

Well being in the CDN Airforce and a Loadmaster on the best aircraft and most versatile CC130 Hercules. I've flown on this aircraft as an active crew member in both the Tactical and Strategic roles. I am now involved in the SAR (Search & Rescue) role on the Herc and can tell you that whether it be in the Canadian Forces or other forces worldwide, the Herc maintains its longevity. In fact us Cdns are flying our Hercs with well over 40K hrs on these birds.

We are flying a fleet of Hercs used as refuelers for our fighters as well. A totally flexible aircraft that can be configed to dispatch supplies/equipment Tactically or loaded with vehicles and pallets of cargo for humanitarian/relief delivery to any nation with ease.

Lets get some "seconds" on my vote from fellow Herc Loadmasters!

[dgthe3]

I nearly forgot about the 'hercs! those things are some of the most versitle plane ever. I've heard that they have performance capabilities comparable to those of WWII fighters. not sure if that is empty or loaded though. But they have all kinds of versions of that thing. cargo, gunship, ECM (i've been in one of them!), SAR, tanker, bomber (MOAB, daisy cutter), feel free to add if i left something out.

[Robair]

Not that the WWII era stuff isn't neat and everything, but here's some numbers that are a little more current... (Check it out this stuff is cool)

Here's some speed records from Reno. The unlimited class listed from fastest down. (I just copied the top eight speeds.)

$1:

Race: Heat 2-A Gold, 6 Lap(s) Date: 2003-09-12 Distance: 50.33 miles
Pilot Name: Holm, Skip Aircraft: Dago Red - Race 4 Type: P-51D Mustang
Time: 5:57.29 Speed: 507.105 Place: 1
Notes: New race record.


Race: Qualifying, 1 Lap(s) Date: 2002-09-11 Distance: 8.27 miles
Pilot Name: Holm, Skip Aircraft: Dago Red - Race 4 Type: P-51D Mustang
Time: 0:59.8 Speed: 497.787 Place: 1
Notes: New qualifying record.


Race: Qualifying, 1 Lap(s) Date: 2003-09-10 Distance: 8.48 miles
Pilot Name: Penney, John Aircraft: Rare Bear - Race 77 Type: F8F-2 Bearcat
Time: 1:01.67 Speed: 495.039 Place: 1


Race: Heat 2-A Gold, 6 Lap(s) Date: 2003-09-12 Distance: 50.33 miles
Pilot Name: Penney, John Aircraft: Rare Bear - Race 77 Type: F8F-2 Bearcat
Time: 6:07.56 Speed: 492.936 Place: 2


Race: Qualifying, 1 Lap(s) Date: 2003-09-10 Distance: 8.48 miles
Pilot Name: Holm, Skip Aircraft: Dago Red - Race 4 Type: P-51D Mustang
Time: 1:01.96 Speed: 492.722 Place: 2


Race: Qualifying, 1 Lap(s) Date: 1996-09-09 Distance: 9.13 miles
Pilot Name: Penney, John Aircraft: Rare Bear - Race 77 Type: F8F-2 Bearcat
Time: 01:06.89 Speed: 491.266 Place: 1
Notes: New qualifying record.


Pilot Name: Price, David Aircraft: Dago Red - Race 4 Type: P-51D Mustang
Time: 01:06.95 Speed: 490.826 Place: 2


Race: Qualifying, 1 Lap(s) Date: 2004-09-15 Distance: 8.48 miles
Pilot Name: Holm, Skip Aircraft: Dago Red - Race 4 Type: P-51D Mustang
Time: 1:02.2 Speed: 490.821 Place: 1

It's actually newsworthy when a P-51 doesn't take the overall title.

Pretty cool when you think about when it was designed, and the basic design is still kicking butt in the unlimited category... where you can race ANYTHING new or old!

[mj]

I would have to say the B-17 is my favourite plane as it was heavily used over Europe and could sustain major damage and return home. I have had the good fortune to be in one twice unfortunately it was on the ground and not in the air.

[-Mario-]

I agree robair... those are cool races... but the Planes involved are greatly modified from the originals.