Forum: Air Power

As I've been told, NOTHING compared to the sound of a B-58 Hustler taking off. Of course with 4 J79s, that could also be 2 Rhinos, or 4 Zippers rotating in full blower. I always liked the look of the B-58 too. At a glance, you can tell the classic Convair lines...quite like the Deuce and the Six.

Out of the Cold War Era, I'd say any one of the Century Series jets, but there was just something about the F-106 that made her stand out to me.

The F-8. The first time I ever saw the 'sader flying, it passed us from behind at an airshow, and "went to plaid" (Spaceballs, anyone?). How's that for an introduction?

How about the T-33? I can't believe nobody's mentioned the T-Bird yet! Hell, I can't believe I forgot to mention the T-Bird the first time I posted.

Also, I have to throw in the English Electric Lightning as another Cold War Era favorite. My introduction to the Lightning was in very similar fashion to the F-8...only we saw it coming before it passed us going ludicrous speed.

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A memorable night, back in the mid 60s. I am working the late shift in the structures test lab at GD, not far from the Carswell runway. Really noisy outside, like a bunch of Hustlers taxiing around, very similar to the Phantom. So I find an excuse to go outside for a few minutes, look across the runway and see about 12 B-58s lined up to go out on MITO (minimum interval takeoff). And off they go, about 10 seconds apart. With a long takeoff run, there were at least three on the runway at the same time, all at max burner. If four J-79s are loud, how about twelve? I think the west side of Fort Worth shook for about an hour afterward.

So the B-58 is my classic favorite, no doubt. It was the first flight test program I worked, and you never forget your first time, no matter what.

johnwill wrote:

and you never forget your first time, no matter what.

So to speak. Wink

If only I could go back in time with a DigiCam. That would've been awesome to see...and hear.

The Blackbird has been mentioned in this thread a few times. I think it goes without saying as being a favorite classic plane for many folks.

I only had the opportunity to see the Blackbird fly a few times, but I was fortunate enough to see a couple of night launches. Two J58s are pretty d@mned loud too. I recall seeing it rotate and kicking two 30 foot long white flames out of its @$$. Very impressive.

F-86 Sabre.

I'm going with the Tomcat, Blackbird, P-38, and A-12 Thumb

First, the first aircraft you ever fly solo in, mine was the De Havilland Chipmunk, second the Bolkow Junior, then the Jet Provost.

My Classic Aircraft

Concorde

English Electric Lightning

Blackburn Buccaneer

De Havilland Hornet, Mosquito, basically anything by D.H, I do not think they ever made an ugly aircraft

Handly Page Victor, Hampden, Halifax, Hastings

Bristol Bulldog, Beaufighter

Vickers Viscount, Valiant, Vimy

Hawker, Hunter, Harrier, Tempest, Typhoon

Douglas DC2, DC3, DC4, DC6, DC8

Lockheed F-104, T-33/P-80, U-2, SR-71/A-12, P-38, Constellation, Electra

F-4

F-86

Folland Gnat

Forum: Air Power

Favourite classic plane?