Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. This aircraft, unlike my last offering, was a success.
2. In fact, it was very successful.
3. It was produced in the thousands.
4. And flown by many nations.
5. With a number of different engines.
6. Both during the war in which it came to prominence and afterwards.
7. It was supposedly the first the first mass produced aircraft to utilize a new construction technique.
8. Although that depends upon a rather narrow definition of mass production.
9. But there is no arguing that it was a very successful design.
10. It was fast; in fact, very fast for the time.
11. And, considering its size, it was noted for being quite agile.
12. It was often capable of outrunning its opposition.
13. All in all, it was a great aircraft; well capable of handling its intended mission.
14. And it was considered to be one of the best aircraft of its war.
15. It was produced long after its war.
16. And continued in use long after that.
17. During the war, it was used by all but one of the major combatants on one side.
18. The first prototype’s maiden flight was flown by its designer.
19. Who was already a noted and successful builder of aircraft.
20. The prototype used a domestic engine, despite the military having recommended a foreign engine.
21. To ensure there was no shortage of engines, it was designed to use a variety of engines.