Knowledge Quiz for Warbird wiz
05-29-2021, 06:30 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Not the Mosquito, Johnny; but you are awarded a bonus clue to reward your participation. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
05-30-2021, 03:34 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Today's clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
05-30-2021, 05:54 AM
My Feedback: (6)
Well, I'll propose the Convair NB-36H, the first (and perhaps last, although the Russians once claimed to have one) nuclear-powered airplane. I'm not sure it was built to government specifications, though. More a matter of "We'd like somebody to build a nuclear airplane" and Convair saying "How about we put a nuke in a wrecked B-36?"
05-30-2021, 08:20 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Well, I'll propose the Convair NB-36H, the first (and perhaps last, although the Russians once claimed to have one) nuclear-powered airplane. I'm not sure it was built to government specifications, though. More a matter of "We'd like somebody to build a nuclear airplane" and Convair saying "How about we put a nuke in a wrecked B-36?"
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
05-31-2021, 03:19 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
05-31-2021, 10:42 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
05-31-2021, 06:40 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
06-01-2021, 02:14 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
06-01-2021, 06:30 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon and evening clues. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
06-02-2021, 03:51 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
06-02-2021, 08:12 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
06-02-2021, 12:06 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
06-03-2021, 02:34 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
06-03-2021, 09:27 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
06-03-2021, 03:57 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
06-04-2021, 02:29 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. No guesses? Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
06-04-2021, 08:15 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
06-04-2021, 06:37 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
06-05-2021, 03:46 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Still no guesses, and today will be busy; so here's a couple of clues for today. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
06-06-2021, 04:08 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
And a couple of clues for today. I attended the Warbird Event held at the Fredericksburg Area Radio Control Club (FARCC) yesterday. A good turnout, great pilots and some really nice warbird planes. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
06-07-2021, 06:10 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
06-07-2021, 10:43 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
06-07-2021, 01:10 PM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.
06-08-2021, 02:11 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.
29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.
29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.
06-08-2021, 08:35 AM
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.
29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.
30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.
What warbird do I describe?
1. Sometimes manufacturers approach military services with an idea for a new aircraft.
2. And sometimes it works the other way ‘round.
3. And, sometimes, contracts are proposed and engineered by the military with design specs which push the absolute limits of what is physically possible at the time.
4. And those aircraft are then designed and built.
5. This is an aircraft of the second type.
6. This aircraft was a prototype.
7. And only one was ever built.
8. The contract was an unusual, if not strange, one.
9. The military had a new engine, designed for another aircraft.
10. And they wanted to see if that new engine could be used to power a fighter.
11. So, they issued a contract to a trusted manufacturer.
12. The contract called for the new aircraft to be designed and flying in around 15 months.
13. The new aircraft was to be equipped with a pressurized cockpit.
14. The cockpit was to be completely air conditioned.
15. The aircraft was to have better high-altitude performance than anything currently flying.
16. It was to be faster than any warbird already flying, at any altitude.
17. It was to be better armed than almost anything else, with four cannons; although originally it was to be eight cannons.
18. All of which was to be made possible by the new, and very powerful engine.
19. The top speed in level flight was to be almost 470 mph; at a time when everyone else was struggling to get above 400 mph, and then only at some altitude or other.
20. The military (what else?) almost immediately started moving the goalposts.
21. The required maximum speed was reduced, but the load weight was increased.
22. So, the armament was reduced to bring the weight back down a bit.
23. And the propeller de-icing equipment was eliminated.
24. Two prototypes were originally ordered.
25. A contract for 100 aircraft was actually let at one point.
26. Unfortunately, the engine had teething problems; and required some modification for its new role.
27. And the cabin pressure (turbocharger) equipment, which was new and “one off” took time to be manufactured.
28. Still, only a bit more than 24 months were required to get the plane into the air.
29. And the performance figures were, indeed, impressive.
30. The plane could make almost 450 mph at over 25,000 feet.