Not the Tupolev, Sparky; but you do earn a bonus clue in addition to today's clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. This aircraft is often overlooked in the history books.
2. Although it holds a rather important distinction.
3. This aircraft holds a rather important distinction.
4. And, it was unique in at least one aspect.
5. It was noted for its endurance; which gained it favor for its mission.
6. Its owning nation never used it in actual combat.
7. But allied nations did.
8. Its cargo carrying capacity was also a notable feature.
9. Our subject aircraft was not so much an aircraft model as a group of aircraft models.
10. The first pair of aircraft built were developed to win a prize being offered for a long distance flight.
11. These aircraft, and later models of these aircraft, were produced over three decades.
12. In the end, several hundred of these aircraft were produced.
13. The aircraft design was in a constant state of change, sometimes in response to customer requirements.
14. And sometimes in response to evolving technology.
15. Essentially, the aircraft design was continually changing; becoming larger and fitted with more powerful engines.
16. But they were all similar; in that they looked pretty much the same and flew pretty much the same.
17. When conflict broke out, the first two manufactured were seized by a belligerent nation.
18. Which then paid for them and ordered a dozen more.
19. In the end, that nation ordered several dozen, all militarized versions.