Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. This aircraft was one of those which just missed service in the war in which it was designed.
2. It was actually in production at war’s end, but hadn’t actually reached field units.
3. It was put into service a few months after the war ended.
4. It stayed in production for some time, and stayed in service for more than 15 years.
5. It was placed into service by several countries.
6. It was produced by a famous builder/design firm.
7. And it was based upon a very famous aircraft.
8. It was basically a reconnaissance version of a fighter aircraft.
9. With two seats, rather than one.
10. The fighter version was produced in relatively large numbers and engaged in combat routinely; but the recon version simply didn’t arrive in time to go into combat during the war.
11. A floatplane version was produced.
12. As well as a (limited seating) passenger version.
13. And an advanced trainer version.
14. Wingspan was a bit over 34 feet.
15. It was used by the United States.
16. And the Soviet Union.
17. And Denmark.
18. And the Netherlands.
19. And Germany.
20. The first “foreign” order came in less than three months after the war ended.
21. Oddly enough, the nation that developed our subject aircraft wound up as a “foreign” customer.