Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. This aircraft was originally designed to serve one purpose, but wound up serving several.
2. But it was never a star performer in its original purpose; although that could be argued.
3. And it gave birth to an entire family of aircraft.
4. It was originally intended to be a fighter.
5. But it was decided, after testing, it wasn’t maneuverable enough to successfully fulfill the role of a fighter.
6. It was, however, rugged and solidly built and easily controlled.
7. It was very fast.
8. And it could climb rapidly.
9. And it had a high ceiling.
10. The engine was powerful and reliable.
11. And the plane had a good range and could stay aloft an impressively long time.
12. So, rather than abandon it, it was decided to convert it to a reconnaissance aircraft.
13. And even a light bomber.
14. Still, a number of them were produced as fighters.
15. Perhaps, at the time, it wasn’t yet realized speed and rate of climb were more important than maneuverability for a fighter.
16. The construction method used freed it from much of the wire bracing used on most aircraft of the day.
17. With few exceptions, the producing service wasn’t noted for being able to produce a first rate aircraft.
18. But a couple of pioneers weren’t content to produce copies of foreign designs.
19. They were determined to produce a domestic aircraft that could compete with any foreign design.