Most Versatile Aircraft of WW2?

[TonyJoey]

I'd like to start a discussion on what you think was the most versatile aircraft of World War 2?

My vote goes to the Mossie.

[Lusche]

Mossie & Ju88

Ju 88: Started as dive bomber. The it became level day & night bomber, a torpedo bomber, recon plane, a heavy day fighter, a night fighter, a heavily armed ground attack plane,  ...

[FLS]

F4u-4 if you consider carrier ops to be important, otherwise P-47.

[ACE]

the -4 was Probably one of the best or pony

[Soulyss]

I think the P-38 would have to be in the discussion as well.  It was called upon to fly nearly every type of mission profile that a land based single seat aircraft could fly in WW2.  In addition to the usual escort, intercept, and ground attack/interdiction missions it was also converted into a recon plane and a level bomber with the addition of a bombardier in the nose.  They even made a night fighter variant although I'm not sure if it saw action during the war.

[FLS]

I would put the P-38 and F6F as second best due to the slower max speed.

[Steve]

F4U-s.  Mossy is a fine pick too but since F4U's could operate off carriers, I give them the nod.   

[thorsim]

fighter is either the 190 or the f4u

med bomber ju88 or b25

both depend on carrier operations importance ...

here is a question that i used, if you could only deploy one type what would it be ...

i.e.

one single seat single engine fighter.

one twin engine multi person med bomber

one heavy bomber

one transport

etc ...

[Yossarian]

For bombers, probably the B-25 or A-20.

[TonyJoey]

Let me specify this more. Which airframe performed the most roles, the best?

[Guppy35]

Think you might have to throw it to the Spitfire.  In combat from beginning to end.  Fought the highest fight of the war.  Modified for recce work and did that better then any other bird both low and high alt.  Flew carrier ops.  Flew ground attack.  Interceptor, dog fighter.  Covered every theater of the war.

[Karnak]

Mossie and Ju88 had the most versions performing different roles, being remarkably successful at all of them.  Sea Mosquito missed WWII though.

Edit:

Yes, we need more versions of both the Mossie and Ju88.

[jdbecks]

I think the P-38 would have to be in the discussion as well.  It was called upon to fly nearly every type of mission profile that a land based single seat aircraft could fly in WW2.  In addition to the usual escort, intercept, and ground attack/interdiction missions it was also converted into a recon plane and a level bomber with the addition of a bombardier in the nose.  They even made a night fighter variant although I'm not sure if it saw action during the war.

they even tried troop transport, a passenger pod that attaches to the wing, but I think after they transported the first passenger it got binned?  

[uptown]

I'd have to say the PBY. Recon, search and rescue, and attacked shipping lanes. All that while being able to takeoff from land and sea.

[Baumer]

I really think it has to go to the Ju88.

• Transport
• Day Bomber
• Day Heavy Fighter
• Day Reconnaissance
• Night Bomber
• Night Fighter
• Night Reconnaissance
• Torpedo Bomber
• Dive Bomber
• Pathfinder
• Guided Bomb and Missile Controller
• Unguided Missile