Most Beautiful Aircraft Ever Built

[Holtzy3]

Yup

 

[pictsidhe]

Random aside...I never understood why the RAF didn’t rig the Defiant with a coupe of underwing 20mm cannon when its shortcomings became clear. That would have eliminated the vulnerability to head-on attack and made it more effective in the bomber destroyer or ground attack role.

At that point of the war, churning out known good designs and patching damaged stuff had precedence. Hawker had great trouble getting permission to even prototype anything like adding cannons or metal wings to Hurricanes. Both of which were big improvements.

 

[Arfang]

I would have posted a Flanker or Draken picture but how about beautiful and unknown at the same time? N-20.10 Aiguillon (stinger) and the subscale prototype N-20.2 Arbalète (crossbow):

 

[rotax618]

A case of function over form.

 

[scramjetter]

Yes, ugly can be beautiful sometimes and the Airtruk qualifies. I've been tempted to post a picture of the Fairey Gannet but I'm holding back. I always thought the Airtruk would make it into a Mad Max movie and it did.

A case of function over form.
View attachment 103212

 

[Jay Kempf]

Why aren't those tails joined together?

 

[Vigilant1]

Why aren't those tails joined together?

So a truck can back in and load the hopper.
Otherwise, any fool knows they should be joined.

 

[scramjetter]

The Midget is gorgeous. It could be painted any color and still be sexy.

Yup

 

[joolkano]

Here's another sexy airplane (Glider actually) and an all wood construction, the Maupin Woodstock One.

 

[bmcj]

I wonder, since we would not be launching from the wing of B-52 or the top of a rocket, if something like the X-24B could be simplified with large balanced elevons projecting beyond the "wing" on each side and a single rudder?

In appearance,I think the B model is not much different than the A model with wingtips and a long nose added. Plus, I doubt if that center rudder sees much airflow during high AOA, so the side rudders are probably essential.

 

[raymondbird]

XP-54 was the most beautiful plane

 

[BJC]

The diversity, among HBAers, of what constitutes “the most beautiful aircraft ever built”, is staggering.


BJC

 

[bmcj]

The diversity, among HBAers, of what constitutes “the most beautiful aircraft ever built”, is staggerwing.


BJC

There, I fixed that for you.

 

[Doran Jaffas]

XP-54 was the most beautiful planeView attachment 103233View attachment 103234View attachment 103235

I vote for the
Constellation.

 

[Derswede]

Staggerwing, Stinson V77 Gullwing, Spartan Executive, and I'm prejudiced, Monocoupe 110 Special and the D145.

Derswede

 

[Jet787]

Ah shucks, they’re all pretty, even this one.
Transavia Pl-12 Airtruck
View attachment 103305

 

[Speedboat100]

How high would Bristol Bulldog be on your list ?

 

[Yellowhammer]

XP-54 was the most beautiful planeView attachment 103233View attachment 103234View attachment 103235

R Bird,

Thank you for posting these pictures.. I had never seen the Xp-54 before. I really like it! It looks like a P-38 and Corsair (WWII) had a love affair and the XP-54 was the result

I particularly like the stretched nose of the "54". I'm totally intrigued. Must learn more about it.

Thanks you sir!

Yellowhammer

 

[Yellowhammer]

Anyone who hasn't seen how Mike Arnold built this airplane, go watch it. Amazing, hand built with no machinery.
The AR-5 in Action

AGREED!

 

[Yellowhammer]

Then go watch his other videos to see an artist at work.
They said he was an 'amateur' when he built the AR5. Few professionals are that talented.

The AR still hold the speed record for it's class if I am not mistaken!?