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Old 01-15-2021, 01:55 PM
  #19391  
Ernie P.
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Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


What warbird do I describe?



1. This aircraft was developed from a very popular and successful earlier model from the same manufacturer.



2. Our subject aircraft had some issues, chief among them a trouble prone engine that required a lot of maintenance.



3. It also had a rather fragile landing gear arrangement.



4. Although that was a result of poor or improper hardening of the metal used.



5. But it was definitely, when properly maintained, capable of competing on equal terms with any aircraft it faced in combat.



6. It is generally considered to be the best of its type fielded by its air force.



7. Ignoring prototypes, aircraft only available in very small numbers and such, it was definitely a star performer during the last couple of years of its war.



8. It was very fast; faster than the main types fielded by its opponents.



9. And it was heavily armed.



10. It was very maneuverable.



11. With a good rate of climb.



12. And a high ceiling.



13. But the aircraft’s performance was often hamstrung by manufacturing defects, difficulty in obtaining quality fuel and inexperienced pilots.



14. Its main asset was its very powerful, although complicated, engine.



15. Our subject aircraft’s design began as its predecessor was being fielded.



16. The predecessor was very successful; with several thousand being produced.



17. But it did have some serious weaknesses; and these were addressed in our subject aircraft’s design.



18. Our subject aircraft added firepower, added armor and increased the rate of climb.



19. It also added self-sealing wing tanks and armor for the main fuel tank.



20. It also added an armored canopy and additional protection for the pilot.



21. The key to everything was a new air cooled radial engine; featuring methanol/water injection for the supercharger.



22. Later tests of captured aircraft indicated the subject aircraft, with high octane fuel, could reach speeds of over 400 MPH in level flight.



23. The landing speed was higher than its predecessor, which caused problems for some pilots; particularly those with less than adequate training.



24. Although its performance at higher altitudes was considered to be marginal, its performance at lower and medium altitudes made it a very dangerous aircraft.



25. Our subject aircraft was a fighter.



26. Single seat.