Pyro, how about a plane that did see service in WW2, yet is largely unknown?
Has mid-range perfomance when compared to the MA planeset (aka, turns nice, has nice E fighting abilities, nice armament) and should not be too hard to get info and pics on since there are a few in display in england (last time i read).
AND its not a late war aircraft!
Of course, im talking about....
The
WESTLAND WHIRLWIND
The Westland Whirlwind was the first single-seat, twin-engine fighter to service with the Royal Air Force. First flown in 1938 prior to the war, the design is not well known despite having seen successful combat action. Production delays meant that the type did not begin service until 1940. Its heavy four 20 mm cannon armament and long range compared to contemporary fighters made it attractive for long range escort and interdiction missions. However, its unique Peregrine engines caused some maintenance reliability headaches and its high landing speed also caused some operational accidents. Canadian pilots flew Whirlwind aircraft while attached to RAF squadrons. The Whirlwinds were withdrawn from operational service by the end of 1943.
Designation: Model No.: Mark: Mk I
Role: Fighter
Service: RAF
Manufacturer: Westland
Crew/Passengers: one pilot
Power Plant: two 885 hp Rolls-Royce Peregrine piston engines
Performance: Max Speed: 360 mph (579 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 30,300 ft (9,235 m) Range: 800 mi (1,287 km)
Weights: Empty: 8,310 lb ( 3,769 kg) Gross: 11,388 lb (5,166 kg)
Dimensions: Span: 45 ft 0 in (13.72 m) Length: 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m)
Height: 11 ft 7 in (4.32 m) Wing Area: 250 sq ft (23.23 sq m)
Armament: four 20 mm cannon and provisions for 1,000 lb (454 kg) of bombs
Other planes id love to see:
P-61
The plane Bug322 posted above
Pe-2
Ki102 "Randy"
PRODUCED 250
CREW Two
ENGINES Two 1,500hp Mitsubishi Ha-112 or
two 1,500hp Mitsubishi Ha-112-II
WEIGHT From 11,354lb empty to 16,755lb loaded
PERFORMANCE Max. Speed - 360-373 mph
Service Ceiling - 44,295ft
Range - 1,243-1,367 miles fully loaded
DIMENSIONS Span - 56ft 6.25in.
Length - 42ft 9.75in
ARMAMENT One fixed 37mm in nose and
two 20mm below or,
one 57mm in nose and
two 20mm below and
manually aimed 12.7mm in rear cockpit
