Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
Question: What warbird do I describe?
Clues:
- Although it wasn’t the first of its type within its service, it was the first of its style.
- It replaced an iconic warbird.
- And it was, in turn, replaced by an iconic warbird.
- Perhaps as a result of (2) and (3), it is relatively unknown.
- It was noted as being little superior to the aircraft it replaced, although opinions seem to differ on that point.
- It was noted as being much inferior to the aircraft which replaced it, although opinions seem to differ on that point.
- And yet, it was also noted as being quite maneuverable in the hands of a skilled pilot; and it could be dived safely at a high rate of speed.
- It was flown by several well-known aces; several of whom are themselves icons.
- It was introduced in wartime, during a period of enemy air superiority.
- Its service life was, even for its time, pretty short; although some serious problems with its replacement led to some of them being famously brought back into service while the replacement was being debugged.