OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Viper)
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 17:41
by Habu
Obvisouly, you can't say the F-16. I'm talking just about other airplanes that catch your fancy. For me:
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 18:20
by DeepSpace
Sorry, I have to disagree with you mate . The JAS-39 is very neat and sexy, but my fav. one is this lady.
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 18:24
by Habu
Ummm....think I'll keep my mouth shut This is a thread to post what you think the prettiest are, no matter how bad your tastes are....who said that?
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 18:38
by DeepSpace
OK, maybe you will like this one more (ATG/IAI Javelin) :
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 18:52
by Habu
Oh gawd!!!....HELL no!
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 18:55
by Shaba
Here you go:
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 19:01
by agilefalcon16
Well, I would pick the JASDF F-2, but seeing that it is considered an F-16, I guess it wouldn't count. So, I'll say that the prettiest non-Viper aircraft would have to be the F-104. It was one of the sleekest fighters ever built, after all, it was once known as: "The missile with a man in it".
But as far as new generation aircraft are concered, I'll choose the Su-47. By far, it's the only Russian-made fighter I'm a fan of. Although I picked the Su-47 and the F-104, I do think the Gripen, Raptor, and the Typhoon are also sweet looking aircraft.
You've just gotta love that design.
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 19:38
by KarimAbdoun
Su-47 of course
and
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 20:19
by RyanCollins
I think the prettiest fighter is the F-14 Tomcat... (after the F-16 though)
Going way back... the prettiest plane is the Messerchmit BF-109 E
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 18 Jun 2005, 01:51
by VPRGUY
Well, going waaaaay back, of course there is the Spitfire (Mk IX is my favorite).... then the F-86, and nowadays I'd have to say the Rafelle or Eurofighter, both of those look great too.
RE: OK, then what
Posted: 18 Jun 2005, 08:22
by toan
For me, the Rafale.
Posted: 24 Jun 2005, 02:36
by Bwadwey
I love the Super hornet, just look at the VFA-103 Jolly rogers!!!
Posted: 24 Jun 2005, 02:45
by Dammerung
An eastern beauty: I love the MiG-29. Nice and curvy, like a sexy lady. On the western side of things, it's all about the Thud. F-100 being a close 2nd.
Posted: 24 Jun 2005, 04:29
by JR007
2nd question of the night, you call an aircraft with all these things hangoing out in the airstream pretty...
If you ever have an oppurtunity to get a briefing on this aircraft and go up and spend some time with her, you will come to understand how truly un-pretty she is.
Posted: 24 Jun 2005, 04:34
by JR007
agilefalcon16,
I couldn't agree more with your assesment of the Zipper.
I guess your photo wouldn't load up because there are words and links on the page also, not just the picture. But hey, it's a great pic of the Eagle though.
Posted: 27 Jun 2005, 21:05
by falconfixer860261
Do X-Planes count?
Posted: 28 Jun 2005, 05:09
by TC
My pretty list includes:
The F-86E and F models, F-104, F-106, A-4, F-5A and E models, F-8, XB-70, F-15, F/A-18A and C models, and the F-22.
The F-20 Tigershark...D@mn! That jet was just the quintessential look that a fighter should have. Too bad she never saw service. Beautiful jet...well, at least in the Black or Gray paint schemes anyway.
To this day, however, I still think one of the prettiest jets I have ever seen, and the subject of many aviation fantasies since my childhood was the SR-71 Blackbird. Too bad she'll probably never fly again.
Just like the Tigershark...something that pretty needs to be in the air.
Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!
Posted: 28 Jun 2005, 20:49
by RyanCollins
I agree with you, TC... the SR-71 and the F-20 Tigershark are one of the prettiest jets....
Posted: 30 Jul 2005, 13:04
by goatmilk
A-10...hands down. and I didn't even need to post a picture
Posted: 01 Aug 2005, 05:23
by snypa777
Talking of X planes....would you say this was pretty??? Or just cool?
Or awful!! I would say it has all three elements.......The last one, I know you said no Vipers but I couldn`t resist! An interesting paint job on that Belgian bird!
Posted: 02 Aug 2005, 07:26
by LordOfBunnies
I gotta go with the funky stuff. The odder it looks, the cooler it is.
Posted: 02 Aug 2005, 17:25
by snypa777
Hey, like the J-37 Viggen pic!
How about the X-47 "B". Something scary about UCAV`s. This thing is a bomber. Somehow I feel more assured by seeing a human driver in a plane!
Posted: 02 Aug 2005, 21:17
by LordOfBunnies
Don't worry, the movie Stealth is a joke anyway. How many redundacies are there on planes these days? I know it's a heck of a lot, so the chances of stuff going wrong with a UCAV is slim.
I'm just curious for anyone who'd answer. What's with the different wing planforms? The Europeans seem to ALWAYS be using a delta w/ canards now. The Russians use a standard configuration but with those funky little front canards. Why do they do this? Are there inherint advantages to each? Here's the basics of all this.
The Russian make some interesting planes, but they all seem like target practice. They always seem to over hype everything about their armed forces and the Americans don't say much at all about theirs. Any ideas on this one?
Who threatens the Europeans right now that they need comparable military things to the US?
Anywho, just rambling. Should probably be another topic.
Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 03 Aug 2005, 03:46
by Raptorman
[quote="DeepSpace"]OK, maybe you will like this one more (ATG/IAI Javelin) :
1. I got to push that jet into position for filming by Discovery Wings last year, free t-shirt
2. As it has already been said, the P-38 is a beautiful plane especially that Glacier Girl. Woo pretty!
3.The Gripen I have to say is a good looking plane second to the Dornier Seaplane
Posted: 03 Aug 2005, 07:01
by tomcatter
this is power, this is an aircraft, this is is the prettiest thing i've ever seen. the f-14 tomcat...i have no words. of course there are many gripens, fulcrums, flankers, and even vipers. but my friends...nothing like this.
not for nothing i have this nick, take a breath and check it out this pic
Posted: 04 Aug 2005, 19:32
by snypa777
Hey, Tomcatter, had a HUGE picture of an F-14 A on my wall, even managed to draw a few pics of my own! Tomcat was THE plane that got me interested in aviation, ahh the memories!!!! Then the VIPER took over!!!!!!
Posted: 13 Aug 2005, 21:08
by RyanCollins
I'm really agree with Tomcatter...The F-14 is one of the most beautiful fighters...
P-51 Mustang D model onward. That thing is just....wow.
Posted: 30 Aug 2005, 23:54
by catisfit
Huge bias here, but the Tornado has always been my favourite, especially with the ultra low-level tactics used in the first PGW. It's a shame that the Eurofighter just looks a bit too, um, girly for me...
Other all-time fave is the MiG-29:
Posted: 31 Aug 2005, 00:05
by TC
Awesome pic Swedge! That's one of the best pics I've ever seen of the Valkyrie, except possibly another one I saw of the B-70 taking off in full blower. Way cool.
The B-70 is one of the prettiest planes I've ever seen. I'm still kinda partial to the 106 and the Tigershark.
Good pics of the Tornado too catisfit. I always liked its nickname "Baby F-111".
Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!
Posted: 31 Aug 2005, 01:32
by sferrin
Just for kicks here's the results of a similar poll taken on Air International's forum:
I always thought the Tornados "tails" were too fat making them Ugly!! i think they would have looked much better with twin smaller tails.. also i am a big fan of the F-106 as well... It just looks "right" and the F-104 is one of the coolest looking aircraft, matter of fact to me its the ONLY aircraft that looks BETTER with ext tanks attached!! the wing tip ones any ways.. makes it look powerful.. B-58 is anuther cool looking aircraft.. Mirage IV is cool looking too..
Posted: 02 Sep 2005, 16:44
by BlackGriffon
The F-14 Tomcat has always been my favorite aircraft, and it will continue to be so, I don't know what it is about it, but it just looks so pretty...
Second and third would be the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-16 Falcon.
Now I would have included the AH-64, but I'm not sure that counts.
Click pics to make them normal.
(What the hell is up with the broken thumbnails? O_o)
Mirage 2000 and 4000 family
Posted: 06 Sep 2005, 10:33
by Puppetmaster
RE: Mirage 2000 and 4000 family
Posted: 10 Sep 2005, 00:59
by George111
Gotta love the M2000
RE: Mirage 2000 and 4000 family
Posted: 10 Sep 2005, 10:42
by Duymon
I'd say my fave would be the yf-23 or... the X32 guppy ;0 I have a penchant for losing aircraft :p
Posted: 12 Sep 2005, 00:41
by Habu
catisfit wrote:Huge bias here, but the Tornado has always been my favourite,
I've got a soft spot for it too! I'm building a 1/72 model of an MFG1 Tornado IDS right now, with plans for many more. I've already built an ODS Gr.1 and a ETPS one with the Raspberry Ripple scheme.
Posted: 04 Oct 2005, 20:37
by agilefalcon16
I had always thought the Boeing "Bird of Prey" technology demonstrator looked rather interesting, or at least unique.
To those who are interested, take a look at this link, there's a video of the aircraft in flight located there.
My all time favorites remain those two big twin tails: F-14 and F-15
Posted: 08 Oct 2005, 00:56
by Habu
dude! that's a nice rendering! Photoshop I take it? Great work!
Posted: 08 Oct 2005, 09:10
by PetervanStigt
Both aircraft are hand-painted seperately (two complete renderings including background). I masked them (got rid of their backgrounds) in P'shop for this image. The background is made in the TerraGen landscape building program. I digitally painted the Saguaro cactus, put both aircraft in the image and edited the whole thing in P'shop. If I would do it completely analogue it would take five times longer. Take a look at my little site http://spaces.msn.com/members/painter40
Posted: 09 Oct 2005, 15:16
by agilefalcon16
Habu wrote:Meah, unique.....but butt ugly!
Yeah, but to me, it depends on the certain angle (I prefered the first "Bird of Prey" photo that I posted). But none the less, I believe it would still have been an interesting 1:48 scale model...
Posted: 09 Oct 2005, 20:01
by RyanCollins
I have to say that I always love this aircraft.. the T-38 Talon...
Posted: 10 Oct 2005, 20:17
by RyanCollins
I think this is another beautiful aircraft... the Hustler B-58...
Posted: 10 Oct 2005, 21:17
by PetervanStigt
Ah, the Delta planform, always pleasing to the eye. Good choice. Since we're into the deltas now: one of my all time favorites is the Mirage III/V series and most of all what the Israelis did in terms of marrying the Mirage with the Phantom engine: the Kfir...
Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 19:40
by RyanCollins
That's a great picture of the Kfir... I really like it, but talking about Mirage, I have to say that I like the F-1.. I think that it's really a great fighter..
Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 19:50
by PetervanStigt
The F1 looks nice but a bit too conventional for me, I still think that the Lippisch deltas are Dassault's greatest achievement. Saw the Swiss Mirage IIIS's at the end of their career when visiting Axalp, awesome, bearing in mind they were Sixties vintage! No matter from what angle you look, the Mirage delta is absolutely sexy. The F1 appears to me as a Jack of all trades, master of none but hey, maybe someone can enlighten me...
Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 22:12
by boff180
I think for me its the TSR-2, an aircraft far ahead of its time and anything else out there... both nato or russian.... but due to funding it was cancelled
Posted: 11 Oct 2005, 22:48
by PetervanStigt
Now that was a great plane! Did its job better than the F-111, which the British bought and passed on to the Aussies. Twice taxpayer's money down the drain. The RAF ended up with the F-4...
Posted: 15 Oct 2005, 01:54
by Bwadwey
Personaly I always liked the Hornet legacy but now i love the Super Hornet. Sorry to all the Tomcat fans out there but the Tomcat is over-rated from my point of view.
Posted: 15 Oct 2005, 10:35
by PetervanStigt
Well, I can see where you come from. In its own time, however, the F-14 was absolutely not over-rated... But since I'm also a twin tail fan the Super Hornet does well it the beauty department... On another note, some aircraft are so ugly that they become beutyful. Once you get to know them you learn to appreciate them. For instance the BAe Hawk, a small fat trainer at first, now developed into a capable second line defender in its own right. Or the 50's design Buccaneer. That was the very first mature attack jet in the traditon of 'fly low, hit hard'. Long before the F-111's and Tornadoes. You gotta respect that...
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 21:20
by RyanCollins
My 3 favourites fighters:
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 21:49
by PetervanStigt
Those two warbirds I agree with. The Viper is . We're talking Non-Viper here, buddy... How about the Good Ol' Phabulous Phantom..?
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 22:06
by RyanCollins
Sorry.. you're right, Peter... I went off topic...
I like the Phantom too, is a beautiful fighter. It has served in many countries successfully... It's really great!
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 22:10
by PetervanStigt
A classic. Even on the ground it looks brute, like a bulldog when you stand in front of it...
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 22:18
by RyanCollins
Well... what about this???
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 22:29
by PetervanStigt
Yep, somewhere earlier in this thread I mentioned the Flying Tennis Court... Another classic that is about to finish up its third career is theis one. A tribute to Sir Sydney Camm...
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 22:36
by RyanCollins
That's a good one, but I like this desing of Sir Sydney Camm... the Supermarine Spitfire.
Posted: 16 Oct 2005, 22:59
by PetervanStigt
Yeah the Spit. We keep one flying in the Netherlands. But I hate to correct you on his one: Sydney Camm of Hawkers did not design the Spit, Reginald Mitchell did and he never saw it flying, he died of cancer shortly before the Spit proto making its maiden flight.
Posted: 17 Oct 2005, 15:56
by boff180
Sydney Camm came up with some of the best fighters ever....
Hawker Hart
Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Typhoon
Hawker Tempest
Hawker Fury/Sea Fure - the most powerful and deadly piston engined fighter EVER made anywhere Hawker Hunter
Hawker Sea Hawk
Hawker Harrier - Not chief designer but had an input MRCA - Now known more infamously as the Tornado... like the harrier he had an input
Just to name a few Andy
Posted: 17 Oct 2005, 19:38
by PetervanStigt
Hi Andy
You forgot the Hawk trainer. But Camm's influence ended with the first Harrier version, the P.1127. MRCA was from the outset a tri-national (at first even five-national) project, evolving after Camm's death... But all the other Camm designs, I totally agree with you...
Posted: 17 Oct 2005, 20:54
by boff180
i did say just a few
Actually its little known but the MRCA (before it was officially called that) was deeply related to a UK project that began in 1965... Camm was involved in the Initial designs before he died in 1966 which the other countries entering the project and it became the MRCA in 1968 .
Andy
Posted: 17 Oct 2005, 21:52
by PetervanStigt
OK...
Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 19:55
by RyanCollins
PetervanStigt wrote:Yeah the Spit. We keep one flying in the Netherlands. But I hate to correct you on his one: Sydney Camm of Hawkers did not design the Spit, Reginald Mitchell did and he never saw it flying, he died of cancer shortly before the Spit proto making its maiden flight.
Sorry, I was mistaken when thinking that the "Spitfire" was a design of Sir Sydney Camm. The problem was that I confused the "Hurricane" with the "Spitfire"
Anyway, the Hurricane and the Spitfire are great fighters , and I like both of them...
Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 20:04
by PetervanStigt
And the Hurry bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. There were more Hurries than Spits. The latter was publicity wise more sexy...
Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 20:05
by Bwadwey
Why's the Eagle called the Tennis court? I'm guessing cuz of it's huge flat surface on the wing and fuselage. My fave planes are Super hornet, Tomcat and Eagle. All are very sexy planes lol
Posted: 18 Oct 2005, 20:17
by PetervanStigt
Yeap, the huge wing surface of the F/15 is responible for the nickname Flying Tennis Court.
Posted: 27 Oct 2005, 21:15
by RyanCollins
I think this is one pretty aircraft...
Posted: 29 Oct 2005, 12:12
by PetervanStigt
Yep! I do too, a nice break from the (beautiful) Mirage deltas. Although the Argentinians just had a few Exocets and Etandards, they made use of them quite effectively in 1982...
Posted: 29 Oct 2005, 19:44
by RyanCollins
That's a great wallpaper, Peter, and you're right... 5 SUE and 5 Exocet.. they sank the "Type 42 Sheffield" and the Cargo Ship "Atlantic Converyor"..(I don't know if the attack to the HMS Invincible were truth..)
They were "successes" for a country that fought against 2/3 of the Royal Navy...
*Edit*: Sorry, I went a little
Posted: 29 Oct 2005, 19:58
by RyanCollins
Well, going way back, this is a beautiful fighter...
Posted: 29 Oct 2005, 23:36
by mac-rolec
RyanCollins wrote:That's a great picture of the Kfir... I really like it, but talking about Mirage, I have to say that I like the F-1.. I think that it's really a great fighter..
It is an extreme low flying exercise with mirages, and it is the best movie I found on the internet yet. It's quite big though, but really worth the long downloading.
Back ontopic: Hornet is my favourite.
Posted: 30 Oct 2005, 10:18
by PetervanStigt
Well, although some find the tail way too big, I still kinda like the Tornado IDS, especially when flying very fast at camel height, since we're talking about low and fast. The brute appearance of the Tornado mudmover is so ugly that it becomes beautiful, like the A-10...
Posted: 30 Oct 2005, 13:07
by PetervanStigt
This to me is the epitomy of 'pretty': this formation as it flew by on the RNLAF Open Day at Gilze-Rijen. I'm a member of the historic org keeping this Spit and Mitchell in the air. The dem F-16 Sonic Boom goes without saying...
Posted: 01 Nov 2005, 20:26
by RyanCollins
The B-25.. I like it, it's a great bomber... It was used by Jimmy Doolittle in the Tokyo Raid. (4/8/1942), a great mission with serious consequences for Japan.
But talking about medium-level bombers, I have to say that I like the B-26 Marauder...
Posted: 01 Nov 2005, 20:32
by PetervanStigt
How about the A26 Invader, also two big radials with little aircraft between them...
Posted: 01 Nov 2005, 20:39
by RyanCollins
Yep, the A-26, that's good too.. used in WWII and in the begining of the Vietnam War by the "advisors".. is a fantastic bomber.
Posted: 03 Nov 2005, 19:15
by PetervanStigt
Ryan, this one's especially for you...
Posted: 04 Nov 2005, 00:11
by PetervanStigt
One of the new kids on the block that I favor. Small is beautiul...
Posted: 04 Nov 2005, 03:41
by johnqhitman
The SAAB Draken looked like a Kfir on steroids. But the Gripen is one beautiful bird.
Posted: 04 Nov 2005, 07:09
by PetervanStigt
That also goes for the Typhoon II and Rafale. Delta/canard birds do possess some good looks. The Kfir you mentioned and the Lavi proto.
Posted: 06 Nov 2005, 01:07
by PetervanStigt
As I said earier in this thread, deltas are among my favorites. The Mirage 2000, although operating in the shade of the F-16 is actually a fine fighter, a true successor to the Mirage III/V series. It has only one real disadvantage: it's French...
Posted: 07 Nov 2005, 19:57
by RyanCollins
PetervanStigt wrote:Ryan, this one's especially for you...
Hey man, that's one of the most beautiful wallpapers of the SUE I've ever seen!!. Great work, Peter!!!
Posted: 03 Dec 2005, 21:01
by RyanCollins
Well, guys, I think this is a beautiful aircraft
Posted: 04 Dec 2005, 11:30
by PetervanStigt
I'm a bit sad, because we have to say goodbye this year to one of my all time favorites...
Posted: 04 Dec 2005, 17:59
by Bwadwey
PetervanStigt I thought the Tomcat was going to be retired by 2008 not 2006?
Posted: 04 Dec 2005, 18:00
by Bwadwey
PetervanStigt I thought the Tomcat was going to be retired by 2008 not 2006?
Posted: 04 Dec 2005, 19:36
by PetervanStigt
Well, I might be mistaken. Read it somewhere...
Posted: 04 Dec 2005, 22:04
by RyanCollins
I want to see the Tomcat flying more than 2 years
Posted: 05 Dec 2005, 00:06
by snypa777
Here is a cool pic` of the F-35, a bit of airbrushing or photoshop methinks! Also a cool raptor pic`.
Posted: 05 Dec 2005, 07:13
by PetervanStigt
Yep, that's a P'shop image of the F-35. Including the brushed-in vortexes. At this angle even the JSF can look sort of nice... Raptor looks great from more angles.
Posted: 05 Dec 2005, 12:52
by snypa777
Hehe, that F-35 pic` is way below your league Peter! That is a beautiful F-14 picture you have there! Have you done any F-22 renderings yet?
PS, your Gripen picture was AWESOME!!!!!!! My favourite to date.
Posted: 05 Dec 2005, 18:11
by PetervanStigt
Yep...
Posted: 05 Dec 2005, 19:18
by snypa777
NICE!! I like the "glint off the lens" effect, man, that`s a nice touch!
Posted: 06 Dec 2005, 19:30
by RyanCollins
You always surprise me, Peter. That's a fabulous wallpaper of the Raptor How many time do you spend doing wallpapers like that?
Posted: 06 Dec 2005, 20:39
by PetervanStigt
That depends. A fully digital one may take as little as 2 hrs, analogue illustrations don't start their lives as wallpaper but as poster. They can consume up to 40 (!) hrs... And anything in between...
Posted: 06 Dec 2005, 20:42
by RyanCollins
Wow
Posted: 07 Dec 2005, 21:46
by PetervanStigt
My first love, ating from the pre-Viper (my greatest love) era. First flight in 1967, pioneer in the delta/canard configuration. Awesome power but now put out to pasture...
Posted: 10 Dec 2005, 20:59
by RyanCollins
I think this a beautiful aircraft: the T-50 Golden Eagle
Posted: 10 Dec 2005, 21:24
by PetervanStigt
Golden Eagle was designed with the help of LM, no wonder it looks like a scaled-down Viper trainer , thus attractive. Still going for the twin-tails too...
Posted: 10 Dec 2005, 21:46
by Taco44
One of the sexiest jets ever made IMHO. One of the first to use the coke bottle fuselages. Absolutely gorgeous.
Posted: 11 Dec 2005, 11:51
by PetervanStigt
Yep, and never there was a plane flying so fast at sea level and do that for long times like the Thud does... Another thing of beauty if you take its career into account is this one. A blueprint of all helos following it: the immortal Huey...
Posted: 11 Dec 2005, 22:07
by RyanCollins
Ahh, the Huey , I love it, it's a great Helo, I think it's the best Helicopter of the 20th Century, and one of my all-time favorites. 2º comes this baby:
Posted: 13 Dec 2005, 03:04
by Taco44
Ahhh, very nice. The first pic is mislabeled. It is a HH-60G Pavehawk. I was a crewchief on these fine machines before joining the guard and going 16s.
Posted: 13 Dec 2005, 07:05
by PetervanStigt
Another one for you then, Taco44...
Posted: 13 Dec 2005, 19:54
by RyanCollins
Two more beauties:
Posted: 13 Dec 2005, 20:01
by boff180
Heh british is best
Posted: 13 Dec 2005, 20:07
by RyanCollins
Haha, I'm not yank, but I always think that the 1º was the Kestrel, not Merlin. The Merlin is beautiful, and the Lynx too.
Anyway, I like the US Helos than others
Posted: 14 Dec 2005, 01:04
by Sniper69
The Augusta-Westland A-109 the USCG uses (MH-68 Stingray ) is very pretty.
Posted: 14 Dec 2005, 02:38
by Taco44
Peter, very nice. "These things we do, that others may live"
Boff, the EH101 is an incredible helicopter. I was one of the lucky ones that got to ride in it during it's American debut. We did a rather lengthy display of all it's capabilities. I am a Sikorsky man myself, but this one gives them a run for their money.
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 16 Dec 2005, 07:45
by huggy
DeHavilland Sea Vixen!
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 17 Dec 2005, 22:40
by PetervanStigt
How about the slightly underestimated 'poor man's Apache', the Agusta A-129 Mongoose...
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 19 Dec 2005, 20:09
by RyanCollins
I've got another pretty Helicopter from Agusta: The A-109
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 19 Dec 2005, 22:19
by PetervanStigt
How about two beauties from WWII, one with a nice bubble canopy for superior SA and the other being the first operational jet looking much more advanced than the British counterpart Meteor: Mustang and Me262...
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 20 Dec 2005, 22:38
by RyanCollins
Jeez, Peter, Awesome wall!! , I'm gonna print it right now. I love the P-51, it was the best superiority fighter in the WWII, it's just fabulous.
What about the P-51's successor, the North American F-86 Sabre: (I know that the Viper is but it was in the photo, it's not my fault )
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 01:30
by TC
I believe that black Sabre was the same one that the pilot planted on the runway (and killed himself in the process) in California. He executed a loop too low to the ground and hit the ground trying to pull out of the loop (similar to the Thunderbirds mishap a couple of years ago).
To Err is Human. To Forgive is NOT ACC Policy.
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 04:48
by goatmilk
I know the F-4 was mentioned earlier, but just wanted to share this cool photo I found on supercars.net with you guys. Still, I think the F-4 is one of the best...one of my all-time faves.
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 04:49
by goatmilk
and another one...
RE: Re: RE: OK, then what
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 07:09
by PetervanStigt
Agreed...
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 08:28
by LordOfBunnies
I still love the Raptor, it's just so Raptory.
Peter, do you make all those whenever we mention something or are they premade or what? What was that car?
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 10:19
by goatmilk
LordOfBunnies, that car is the new 2006 Gumpert Apollo, powered by an Audi V8 twin turbo engine. Does 0-60 in 3 seconds. Might give that F-4 a run for its money Air Force is handing those out as compensation for UAV jocks. (Sorry for the off-topic.)
Posted: 21 Dec 2005, 18:00
by PetervanStigt
LordOfBunnies
You have to bear in mind that I've been producing aviation art for the last 20 years as a living. Since the last couple of years I'm also into digital art and the production rate has increased. So, I do have a lot (and I mean a lot) of my own stock in file. Chances are that any more or less wellknown military plane will be in it...
Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 18:37
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter, have you got a wall of the A-4 Skyhawk???
Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 21:07
by LordOfBunnies
Hehehe Peter I was just wondering because you come up wth these pictures on the spot as soon as someone asks for it. It was just kind of amazing and I didn't know your history. I didn't mean anything as an insult. Here's one, what don't you have ? How far back does your collection go? Sorry, this is horribly off topic.
Posted: 22 Dec 2005, 21:33
by PetervanStigt
No Harm done Lord. And Ryan, here it is...
Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 19:46
by RyanCollins
Thank you, Peter , It's a great A-4AR!. Jeez, I love that plane, It's so beautiful! Thanks, again!!
Posted: 23 Dec 2005, 23:12
by goatmilk
Peter, I have to say your artwork is awesome. Do you have a website or anything like that where we can see all your artwork? If not, maybe you should start a thread here solely dedicated to your work, or a thread on aviation art in general if it hasn't been done already, where other artist can show off their stuff (or a brand new section eh admins?). Oh, and do you put them up for sale or it's just a personal hobby?
Posted: 24 Dec 2005, 20:25
by RyanCollins
I'm agree with goatmilk, you should start a thread with your artwork, 'cause it's just AWESOME, it's really a great work, Peter.
Posted: 26 Dec 2005, 23:41
by PetervanStigt
That's many questions in one... First F-16.net is about to change the photo library with a change in the art department as well. I work both on commmission and as a hobby. There is a personal site on MSN: http://spaces.msn.com/members/painter40/ wher I display some of my work. But all this is horribly
Posted: 30 Dec 2005, 19:31
by RyanCollins
OK, Peter... I'm gonna give you something One of the most sexiest jet I've ever seen IMHO: The Rockwell B-1B Lancer
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 03:58
by klemensu22
If you don't mind I like this one.
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 05:29
by TC
Yo Ryan! I LOVE the first BONE pic you posted! The B-1 started looking really good after they painted her gray.
Here's a great shot of the A model in desert camo:
The BONE looks good in any paint scheme I think. That four ship flight just screams " Were comin` to GET ya"!!! (Even though it`s says PHOTOSHOP all over it!).
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 20:33
by RyanCollins
TC, I have to say that your photo of the BONE in desert camo is great. I think a lot of people here loves the BONE, it's a fantastic aircraft, and I'm agree with snypa, the BONE looks good in any paint scheme, 'cause it's just fabulous.
Well, I've got other pictures of the BONE:
Posted: 10 Jan 2006, 20:36
by RyanCollins
A few more :
Posted: 11 Jan 2006, 04:41
by TC
Beautiful pics Ryan! I especially love the last one. I once had an aviation art calendar, and that was the cover, and one of the months. After the year was up, I cut the pic out of the calendar, and framed it! Even though it is a bomber, the B-1 is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing jets in the world. The Tu-160 Blackjack looks like a cheap imitation (which, of course, it IS! ).
Ryan, just for those pics, I'm going to give you a little present. You will be like a kid in a candy store with this site. It's the B-1 SPO at Wright Pat. There are a ton of BONE pics, patches, and nose art. Enjoy!
i have two the F-106B because i have a thing for two seaters
and the F-8 Crusader because in the game Strike fighter project one i could never hit the target with my guns till i flew a fighter with 4 20mm cannons that and the use of the wing to land was cool
Posted: 14 Jan 2006, 06:21
by TC
Nice shots Raven, especially the Six! That's a bird from Tyndall. Where did you get the pic? I'd love to find a copy for myself.
Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!
Posted: 14 Jan 2006, 16:40
by Raven11
sad to say but Google pictures i'm not that lucky to live next to a boneyard
Edit: or at Tyndall back when we still flew them
Posted: 14 Jan 2006, 20:38
by RyanCollins
TC wrote:Ryan, just for those pics, I'm going to give you a little present. You will be like a kid in a candy store with this site. It's the B-1 SPO at Wright Pat. There are a ton of BONE pics, patches, and nose art. Enjoy!
Hey, TC, thanks!!!, that's a great site, really, it's wonderful!!!
Now, I'm gonna give you a little present: a few shots of one of the most prettiest aircraft ever built:
Posted: 15 Jan 2006, 00:19
by PetervanStigt
Hey guys, been away for a while... Nice uploads from all of you. Here's one with a story: Yesterday we (the Dutch National Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome) received a new addition to our collection, a Swedish Saab AJSH-37 Viggen. Now this is the aircraft that got my aviatitis illness starting. beautiful kite! All Viggens got retired shortly before New Year and the Swedish Air Force, whom we were in touch with, decided to give Capt Niklas Sandstrom of Flygflottilj 21 (Lulea, above the Polar Circle) the order to fly a Viggen over to our airfield for retirement... free of charge!
When you look at the aircraft bear in mind the fact that the first one made its maiden flight in 1967. It's the very first Delta/Canard configured fighter ever, a Saab with a Volvo engine, an RM8A with about 20.000 pounds of thrust in reheat. Added with a thrust reverser the Viggen is to my knowledge the first actual STOL fighter in the area. The Swedes have an extensive infrastructure of pieces of highway that act as airbases in time of war. Viggens would be despatched there and stashed in the nearby woods. It's (again to my knowledge) the only fighter that can be parked backwards on its own power, apart from the Harrier. Awesome machine that was always a show stopper at any airshow. And I've seen many of those. Those Swedes were quite ahead of their time...
Posted: 15 Jan 2006, 22:16
by RyanCollins
Prettiest fighters!!! (from WWI to Vietnam)
Posted: 22 Jan 2006, 18:33
by PetervanStigt
It's been a while but here are again a few candidates. First the Dassault Deltas all look quite pleasing. Especially from an artist's point of view. Marcel Dassault (real name Marcel Bloch, but after WWII he adopted the nickname of his brother who was in the French resistance: d'Assault, meaning Attack) designed the Lippisch delta Mirage and was so aestetically obsessed by it that he insisted that no bombs would be slung underneath his Mirages. They would ruin the lines of his beloved fighter... What's the point of producing a warplane then, right. He still was involved in the design of the Rafale, then called ACX. Never saw it fly though, he died in the mid-Eighties at I believe the age of 92.
Completely different but no less pleasing is the Raptor, a plane that I believe will outfight anything else in the sky. As opposed to its stripped down stablemate, the JSF which is absolutely less pleasing to look at. Raptor has this sturdy purposeful appearance and when viewed from above and below it's downright beautiful with its cropped deltas with stabilizers and canted tails...
Posted: 25 Jan 2006, 21:54
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter, awesome wall of the God's Eye View!!!
Talking about the Dassault Deltas, I've got to say that after the IIIE and 2000, this is my favorite: Dassault Mirage IV
Posted: 25 Jan 2006, 22:48
by PetervanStigt
Slight;y too big a Mirage for my taste. I don't know, just sizing up a Mirage to twice the original dimensions doesn't cut it...
Posted: 25 Jan 2006, 23:55
by snypa777
Just a few.....Always loved the bent winged bird.....wonder why the design never caught on? And a seven ship century series fantasy! Thought you might appreciate these Peter.
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 00:21
by PetervanStigt
I absolutely do appreciate these! Thanx! Here's my Corsair for you Snypa. And the Swedes aren't doing so bad. Viggen and Gripen are two very nice kites...
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 12:57
by boff180
The f-15 should certainly make an appearance in the top 10 (I took these yesterday)
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 15:27
by snypa777
Great Corsair picture Peter, many thanks! I liked that dark blue paint they wore, looked very menacing. Your artwork is getting me to like the Swedish fighters, the Drakken and Viggen are great to look at! They look like REAL fighters
Also Andy, the Eagle DOES belong in this thread. Great pics`.
Out of curiosity, someone once told me never to take pictures from "behind" a jet at airshows if they were taking off, the heat haze from the engines will virtually blot out the photo? Is that about right?
Just a few photo`s now of various Vulcans the ultimate Delta! All pics courtesy of Andy Leitch`s site.
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 15:37
by boff180
snypa777 wrote:Also Andy, the Eagle DOES belong in this thread. Great pics`. Out of curiosity, someone once told me never to take pictures from "behind" a jet at airshows if they were taking off, the heat haze from the engines will virtually blot out the photo? Is that about right?.
Thanks....
It depends what effect you are after and what aircraft it is....
A number of spotters were in the field immediatly behind the threshold on the arrivals day as the B-1 was about to take-off and rehearse for the following day.
Alot of people were on step ladders or standing up... as he hit his burners... people on the stepladders flew 20 ft in the air and others fell over!
The paramedics had to be called as 4 people suffered very bad injuries or were knocked unconcious. A large number were walking wounded aswell.
A pic taken at that very moment.
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 15:51
by snypa777
Hehe! I bet that wasn`t the "effect" they wanted. That`s about as good a validation of NOT taking pictures from behind a jet as I have seen!!!!!
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 18:57
by PetervanStigt
Snypa: I would like to add that Sweden's new Gripen is in my opinion in a class of its own and somewhat underestimated. Your typical 4th generation delta/canard, it's so very small yet so very potent! I would pick it anytime over a JSF. Smaller than an F-16, it packs as much avionics technology as the JSF and as much punch as a Viper. Maybe not as stealthy as the F-35 but who cares. Although useful, stealth is sometimes somewhat overrated in my view. Once detected with the Mark One Eyeballs, Gripen stands more chance of getting away with it than the JSF because in terms of flying characteristics it may very well be superior. As I said before, the Swedes aren't doing so bad...
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 20:22
by RyanCollins
I'm starting to love the Gripen now...
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 20:24
by PetervanStigt
well, you see what i mean...
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 20:42
by RyanCollins
Sure, Peter!!
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 22:39
by françoise
one of my favorite
Posted: 26 Jan 2006, 22:54
by PetervanStigt
Marcel Dassault had it right with this one (I keep having this thing with Deltas...)
Posted: 27 Jan 2006, 09:08
by françoise
you are a great artist Peter did you also draw this delta one?
Posted: 27 Jan 2006, 20:02
by RyanCollins
Marcel Dassault had it right with this one (I keep having this thing with Deltas...)
Hey, the M200, gotta love that aircraft. Is one of the most beautiful Mirage, and a great fighter. Fly-by-wire systems, look down/shoot down radar, great avionics. It's really cool
Posted: 27 Jan 2006, 21:21
by PetervanStigt
Francoise.
No, I never drew the Mirage IV. It's Dassault's only delta that I'm not that much into... Sorry...
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 00:18
by TenguNoHi
I must be one of the few that just dont go for the whole delta wing thing. Looks too much like a PAPER air plane to me. Although the Gripen does have something about it.
-Aaron
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 00:29
by PetervanStigt
well, ithas its benefits, if it does not possess too much wing area and close coupled canards added... I just like deltas out of sheer aestetics...
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 09:41
by françoise
So do I for the sober line of the delta........very graphic like I like
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 11:10
by boff180
Although, I may think the F-15 is nice... THE most pretty jet aircraft EVER built has to be old Blue Note herself..... The Hawker Hunter.
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 11:26
by PetervanStigt
Agreed. That's a classic! Sir Sydney Camm had an eye for aestetics too. Hunter defined in its own days 'whwn ik looks right, it flies right'
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 20:20
by RyanCollins
Good one, boff180, but IMO, one PRETTY jet is this beauty:
PS: Peter, you have to repair your keyboard
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 22:24
by françoise
Boff........never saw it before
think better need to leave the run free in front of these shots
Posted: 28 Jan 2006, 22:29
by PetervanStigt
Oops, that's a heavy loadout! I like the F/A-18 best as part of the Blues, who will be in Holland this year for the very first time in our Dutch history...
(And Ryan, it wasn't my keyboard but a temporary Parkinson's... )
Posted: 29 Jan 2006, 16:21
by LordOfBunnies
As I've already said Raptor = PRETTY!! I just thought I'd post this awesome picture. The plane in the picture isn't so pretty because it has testing gear on it but the picture is awesome.
Posted: 29 Jan 2006, 20:55
by RyanCollins
Oops, that's a heavy loadout! I like the F/A-18 best as part of the Blues, who will be in Holland this year for the very first time in our Dutch history...
You are lucky, Peter. You will see the Blues in your contry . I hope that someday they will be in my country, but that's really difficult, I think.
(And Ryan, it wasn't my keyboard but a temporary Parkinson's... )
hahaha, good one
Back , I think this is a fabulous aircraft:
Posted: 29 Jan 2006, 21:43
by PetervanStigt
Yep! One of the best Mirage derivatives, with all the benefits of Israeli experience...
Posted: 29 Jan 2006, 22:07
by RyanCollins
Some photos of pretty fighters:
Posted: 30 Jan 2006, 14:15
by boff180
Some of Thunder City's babies... I wish they'd let the guys at the LPG fly one of their Lightnings (that are kept in flying condition) in the UK
Posted: 31 Jan 2006, 20:02
by RyanCollins
The Buc is a beauty plane, that's right, but I'm disagree with the Lightning. I think it's a good fighter, but aestetically it's pretty ugly.
But that's just my
RC135V
Posted: 01 Feb 2006, 07:28
by RcCrewChief
In my biased opinion, and since there are already some heavies in this thread, here's the RC with the new cfm56 motors. Looks like she's on steroids!
RE: RC135V
Posted: 02 Feb 2006, 20:09
by RyanCollins
This is not a military aircraft, but IMO, it's one of the prettiest jets EVER:
RE: RC135V
Posted: 08 Feb 2006, 19:59
by PetervanStigt
It so happened that I am producing some images depicting Israel Air Force aircraft. One of them contains 5 of my all time favorites. Not a coincidence and quite logical that the well-trained IAF operated these...
RE: RC135V
Posted: 10 Feb 2006, 21:27
by RyanCollins
Totally agree with you, Peter. Those 5 fighters are some of the most beautiful jets EVER (one of them is the most PRETTIEST fighter, but that's )
RE: RC135V
Posted: 10 Feb 2006, 22:33
by PetervanStigt
You know, as I said before in this forever running thread, purposeful looks are also beautiful in their own right. For example a flying Christmas tree like the AH-64...
RE: RC135V
Posted: 10 Feb 2006, 22:37
by RyanCollins
Hell, yeah!
RE: RC135V
Posted: 10 Feb 2006, 22:48
by RyanCollins
This is one beauty on his own right: AH-1 Cobra
RE: RC135V
Posted: 11 Feb 2006, 18:00
by PetervanStigt
Well Ryan, I know you're very much into Skyhawks. This is my latest on that pretty little Scooter...
RE:
Posted: 11 Feb 2006, 20:13
by RyanCollins
You are the man, Peter!!!, That's a great wall. I love the Skyhawk, it's one of my favourites.
Well, I'm gonna give you photos (I can't do wallpapers like you ) of one of your favourites. It's really a beauty:
RE:
Posted: 11 Feb 2006, 20:34
by PetervanStigt
Thanx a lot Ryan. But... the second pic is not a Viggen, it's a Swiss Mirage IIIS modified with canards. But that's also a fav of mine...
RE:
Posted: 11 Feb 2006, 20:37
by RyanCollins
I didn't note the difference, really... but, I'm glad you like it
RE:
Posted: 11 Feb 2006, 20:42
by PetervanStigt
Back in the Eighties the Swiss were among the first to modify their Mirages with canards among other things, relying on Israeli Kfir experience...
RE:
Posted: 11 Feb 2006, 20:54
by RyanCollins
Ok, now I understand. Well, now (again ) I give you two swedish beauties (I'm talking about jets ) :
RE:
Posted: 14 Feb 2006, 23:12
by PetervanStigt
The only pure bomber that I really like, because it looks like an overgrown fighter: the Bone...
RE:
Posted: 14 Feb 2006, 23:22
by RyanCollins
Sure!!!!, The BONE is one of the greatest bombers of the 20th century.
RE:
Posted: 14 Feb 2006, 23:53
by PetervanStigt
Hey, the second image is one of the greatest paintings of American artist Dru Blair... Good one!
RE:
Posted: 15 Feb 2006, 23:46
by PetervanStigt
Here's a Terragen/photo edit of a WWII beauty with awesome power...
RE:
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 11:42
by boff180
One of the most raceful tankers ever......
The Vickers VC-10
Andy
RE:
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 16:41
by AmmoCapt
Here's to that fabulous plane, the queen the B-ONE,
Looking down on all the other bombers from her high set throne,
Maintenance Nightmare and true pig she may be,
But the B-ONE, yes the sweet B-One is the only bomber for me!
Ode to the B-1
Bel'Shanar, written 16 Feb 2006 in about 30 seconds
Now if only I could write so well for EPRs and Awards Packages.
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 18:41
by serino
Okay, so I like 'em big.......and BUFF!
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 21:08
by RyanCollins
Peter, that Corsair is fabulous!!!, I love that aircraft!!!
This is another beauty from WWII:
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 22:38
by AmmoCapt
Ok, so my little poem from earlier aside, I have to go with the F-14 Tomcat. I think (once its landing gear retract anyhow) that it is a simply stunning aircraft. Its graceful lines and smooth curves. I especially love the way it seems to have thrown its shoulders back because of the dihedral of the main fuselage. It has (had ) near unrivaled low altitude capability and radar supremacy, and withthe AIM-54? Y'all better watch out now, ya' hear?
Well, all those reasons, and that my grandfather worked on the prototype development team at Grumman.
The F-14 is my answer for pretty, but my answer for best is the F-15. Again I look towards my grandfather because he lived near Langley when he was still alive, and I practically grew up there with how often we would visit my grandparents.
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 23:25
by PetervanStigt
I can go with the Tomcat and Eagle part...
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 23:42
by snypa777
Peter, that was a cool Corsair in Terragen pic. I remember when Terragen was "free". Quite a powerful free program. I also like the IAF camo` schemes, like the one that Eagle is wearing!
Posted: 16 Feb 2006, 23:55
by PetervanStigt
If you're into Terragen, there is a Mark 2 version with more possibilities in terms of rolled over rocks and stuff... Awesome! Yeah, I dig the IAF camos as well.
And to elaborate on the F-14/F-15 thing...
Posted: 17 Feb 2006, 00:04
by PetervanStigt
Another pretty little thing, combined with Terragen: the F-5. I particularly like the twoholer, looks like a dolphin...
Posted: 17 Feb 2006, 00:19
by snypa777
The problem for me with any graphics software is my dinosaur computer. Takes a week to render anything! Bryce takes even longer! Guess I will have to fork out to get myself into 2006!
In the meantime, I will enjoy your superb renderings! Great F-4 , Viper picture!
Posted: 17 Feb 2006, 08:48
by Scorpion1alpha
As this is purely subjective, I guess I (nor anyone else) can post a wrong answer.
I obviously love my Raptor. A marvel in aeronautical engineering. I like how it looks, however I'm going to say something that may surprise some people: It actually is pretty UGLY at some angles! Particularly at some angles when it's sitting on the ground.....looks short and stubby. There I said it! SHORT, STUBBY, and UGLY (at some angles) when it is on the ground!
HOWEVER, when in the air at most angles, it is GORGEOUS.
Posted: 17 Feb 2006, 10:23
by Scorpion1alpha
Another fighter I find very pretty is the Dassault Rafale. Pretty lines and love those "cheeks". Only thing I'd wish they'd do is something about that refueling probe. Wish they'd make that retractable.
Posted: 17 Feb 2006, 19:24
by RyanCollins
As this is purely subjective, I guess I (nor anyone else) can post a wrong answer.
I obviously love my Raptor. A marvel in aeronautical engineering. I like how it looks, however I'm going to say something that may surprise some people: It actually is pretty UGLY at some angles! Particularly at some angles when it's sitting on the ground.....looks short and stubby. There I said it! SHORT, STUBBY, and UGLY (at some angles) when it is on the ground!
HOWEVER, when in the air at most angles, it is GORGEOUS.
Totally agree, Scorpion. When the Raptor is in the air, it looks great!!!
Posted: 25 Feb 2006, 22:29
by françoise
Rafale is a nice jet
Posted: 25 Feb 2006, 22:32
by françoise
And Raptor might be very graphic too
Posted: 25 Feb 2006, 22:32
by PetervanStigt
Yep, I agree. An all-time favorite for whole generations remains the Phabulous Phantom...
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 08:30
by Scorpion1alpha
françoise wrote:Rafale is a nice jet
You and Dassault should be proud of developing such a capable aircraft in the form of the Rafale.
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 08:36
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt,
Want to say thanks for posting those great artworks of yours. All are truly stunning and are much appreciated.
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 08:45
by Scorpion1alpha
RyanCollins wrote:
As this is purely subjective, I guess I (nor anyone else) can post a wrong answer.
I obviously love my Raptor. A marvel in aeronautical engineering. I like how it looks, however I'm going to say something that may surprise some people: It actually is pretty UGLY at some angles! Particularly at some angles when it's sitting on the ground.....looks short and stubby. There I said it! SHORT, STUBBY, and UGLY (at some angles) when it is on the ground!
HOWEVER, when in the air at most angles, it is GORGEOUS.
Totally agree, Scorpion. When the Raptor is in the air, it looks great!!!
Touche Ryan!
Here's a couple more (credit goes to the respective photographer):
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 09:30
by françoise
Peter what stunning draw again...........
love the particular atmosphere near this Phantom
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 09:32
by PetervanStigt
Thanx all for the compliments... Blushing now. I'm in business to show the beauty of flight and the aircraft executing this...
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 20:24
by RyanCollins
Touche Ryan!
Here's a couple more (credit goes to the respective photographer):
Nice shots, Scorpion!!! The Raptor looks absolutely awesome!!!
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 21:33
by TC
I wonder who the lame brain was that stuck a Skunk Works decal on that Raptor.
I love the pic of that Rhino, Peter! Do you have any of an RF-4C (The Recon Rhino), perhaps? Since it was the fastest Rhino in the fleet, I always thought a good shot would be of an RF-4, screaming along the deck in full blower.
The RF-4: Alone, Unarmed, and Unafraid...
Posted: 26 Feb 2006, 21:39
by RyanCollins
I can't compete with Peter, but IMO this is a good photo of the RR.
Posted: 04 Mar 2006, 00:21
by PetervanStigt
Still working on a recce Rhino. But here are some other favorites of min. The 104 brought me on the aviation track when I was about 6 years old. That was in 1970... EADS Typhoon II of course because it's a delta/canard and the Bone goes without saying...
Posted: 04 Mar 2006, 08:32
by Scorpion1alpha
Hey Peter,
Seems like you can do artwork on just about any jet. How about a Raptor on the prowl?
Posted: 04 Mar 2006, 19:28
by PetervanStigt
Well, scroll back on this thread and you'll probably find one...
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 01:38
by PetervanStigt
Talking about the Born Again Bomber again, I prefer to see the Bone with its wings swept. Then it really looks like an overgrown fighter...
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 04:08
by TC
The B-1 is a beautiful jet. The BONE, the B-58, and maybe the B-47 are the only good-looking bombers I think we've ever had.
The B-29 looked pretty good too. With all of the .50 cals hanging out of it, the B-17 just looked MEAN!
Oh yeah, Peter, on that Recon Rhino, it would be cool if you gave her an SEA camo scheme, with a "JO" tail code. JO would be the tail code for the old 363rd Tac Recon Wing at Shaw. But if not on this one, perhaps a "sequel" pic?
The pics look great, BTW. Keep 'em coming!
Beers and MiGs were made to be pounded!
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 14:19
by PetervanStigt
Been working very hard on the RF-4C for nsome time. Not only to fullfill a promise to you guys but, more importantly to produce it for a fellow I know in Florida. Gary Wright II is still searching for his father, Gary Wright with callsign Gigolo, who went MIA over North Vietnam in this very bird. So, it became a tribute image. And for you TC, well, no JO but another Phantom... pounding a MiG! The same bird I posted earlier but in a Vietnam setting.
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 15:26
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt wrote:Well, scroll back on this thread and you'll probably find one...
After checking the many pages, found the two Raptors you did! Hope they'll be more.
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 15:29
by Scorpion1alpha
Had to add another Raptor(s) here. Brand new ones for the "SPADS".
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 17:31
by PetervanStigt
TC, here's a digital remastering of the Recce Rhino above. Thanx to the wonders of Photoshop...
Posted: 05 Mar 2006, 20:12
by RyanCollins
Talking about the Born Again Bomber again, I prefer to see the Bone with its wings swept. Then it really looks like an overgrown fighter...
I love the wallpaper of the BONE. It looks very cool!
Posted: 07 Mar 2006, 21:40
by PetervanStigt
Deltas and twin tails. Well, it's the twin tail's turn again...
Posted: 08 Mar 2006, 19:32
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter, that Recce Rhino and the MiG killer are absolutely Awesome!!! I must say again that your artwork is GREAT, dude!
This Bud's for you
PS: The Canuck Hornet looks very cool too
Posted: 10 Mar 2006, 22:16
by PetervanStigt
Thanx Ryan! Two more: 1) A nice little plane from an obscure corner in this world was developed with the help of (then) General Dynamics, therefore an F-16 derivative with some Northrop F-5 influences: the AIDC Ching-Kuo, 2) a great a/c with purposeful looks, not the fastest but one of the better A2G platforms of its day, the Intruder...
Posted: 12 Mar 2006, 16:01
by PetervanStigt
What would have become a PRETTY a/c almost came to fruit when L-M proposed a very advanced Viper to the UAE in the mid-Nineties. Much more advanced than they actually got now. It would have looked something like this , don't think so, this Falcon doesn't exist...
Posted: 12 Mar 2006, 17:18
by RoAF
a TER with GBU-12 on the centerline? I don't think so...
But that aside, it would have been a great aircraft, far nicer than the F-16 XL
Posted: 12 Mar 2006, 19:57
by RyanCollins
Wow, the Falcon that never was... It's really cool, Peter!
Well, one of my all-time favorites is this pretty little thing called... A-4 Skyhawk:
Posted: 12 Mar 2006, 23:00
by PetervanStigt
RoAF.
In retrospect I agree, no TER on the centerline. Either a fuel tank or an ECM pod. But hey, just an artist's impression...
Posted: 14 Mar 2006, 22:20
by PetervanStigt
So here's the Super Viper reworked without Centerline TER, which would drag across the concrete while taxying (fairly stupid of me...)
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 01:02
by cutlassracer
Being someone who's always had a thing for older aircraft. The Staggerwing Beech is awfully pretty.
So here's the Super Viper reworked without Centerline TER, which would drag across the concrete while taxying (fairly stupid of me...)
Don't worry, Peter. With the centerline TER or without it, your Super F-16 looks absolutely awesome!!!
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 20:08
by PetervanStigt
Cutlassracer.
I totally agree on the Staggerwing. The first design of Mr. Beech when he became independent and by far the biplane with the most graceous lines...
As I mentioned before somewhere, I can't understand why not more air forces made use of the Anglo/American Harrier...
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 20:56
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter.. Have you got a wallpaper of the SR-71???
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 21:10
by PetervanStigt
Haven't come around to that one yet, but who knows in the future... It is a worthy subject.
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 22:15
by RyanCollins
OK, so...
...what about this???
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 22:58
by cutlassracer
Most people think they're pretty ugly, but I like 'em. Might be because of the jets I've crewed, my 117 was the best flying jet. And before you start the bus remarks, 779 used to fly circles around the single seat boys.
Posted: 15 Mar 2006, 23:15
by cutlassracer
Torrejon AB, SP 90-92/ Homestead AFB, FL 92/ Moody AFB, GA 92-94/ Osan AB, ROK 95/ Holloman AFB, NM 96-99
F-16D 90-0794
90-0779
F-117A 83-0807
This is my signature that never seems to work. Makes the last post make a little more sense.
Posted: 16 Mar 2006, 20:08
by PetervanStigt
So Cutlassracer, the Newbie on this site is actually a Veteran... And regarding the 117, I agree, it's unorthodox but pretty i its own right. And what it can do unseen, that's a testimonial in itself...
Posted: 16 Mar 2006, 22:54
by PetervanStigt
Here's the plane that got me infected with Aviatitis back in about '69...
Posted: 16 Mar 2006, 23:11
by snypa777
cutlassracer wrote:Being someone who's always had a thing for older aircraft. The Staggerwing Beech is awfully pretty.
That is one great looking plane, especially in profile.
Posted: 16 Mar 2006, 23:14
by snypa777
Hey Peter, how about one of the SR-71 down in the weeds at Mach 3! Now that is what I call fantasy art!! I am with Ryan on that one!
Posted: 17 Mar 2006, 07:31
by PetervanStigt
OK OK, working on that one...
Posted: 17 Mar 2006, 09:44
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt wrote:So here's the Super Viper reworked without Centerline TER, which would drag across the concrete while taxying (fairly stupid of me...)
Love that F-16 with F-22 wings. It looks good.
Posted: 17 Mar 2006, 09:49
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt wrote:Cutlassracer.
I totally agree on the Staggerwing. The first design of Mr. Beech when he became independent and by far the biplane with the most graceous lines...
Here's another admirer of the Beech 17 Staggerwing. An oldie, but goodie!
Posted: 17 Mar 2006, 19:16
by PetervanStigt
Shame it will never be... From what I heard and read, more and more participants are backing out of the JSF...
Posted: 17 Mar 2006, 19:22
by PetervanStigt
Looking awesome, especially when demonstrated by the RNLAF during airshows, the very purposefull Apache...
Posted: 18 Mar 2006, 22:53
by RyanCollins
Hey Peter, how about one of the SR-71 down in the weeds at Mach 3! Now that is what I call fantasy art!! I am with Ryan on that one!
DUDE!!!!, that's a great idea!!! Absolutely agree with you, snypa!!!
Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 14:01
by PetervanStigt
Working on it (digitally)...
Posted: 19 Mar 2006, 20:17
by RyanCollins
Posted: 20 Mar 2006, 22:57
by PetervanStigt
Hereby I fullfill my promise, now stop nagging OK...
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 05:13
by JR007
PetervanStigt,
OK, so how much to get you to put the darn TO flaps up, change Tom's airplane, the single seater, to a single seater, and get some copies of that for our team?
Very Nice, Thanks!
JR
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 07:14
by PetervanStigt
TO flaps up? Am I missing something? Is possible, just to fulfill my promise to these guys I (fairly quickly) produced this digital one I p[osted
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 16:26
by MKopack
Scorpion1alpha wrote:
PetervanStigt wrote:Cutlassracer.
I totally agree on the Staggerwing. The first design of Mr. Beech when he became independent and by far the biplane with the most graceous lines...
Here's another admirer of the Beech 17 Staggerwing. An oldie, but goodie!
Here's a rare Panama Canal Zone registered Beech 17 that my Grandfather photographed while based there in the late 30's / early 40's.
Mike
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 16:31
by MKopack
Here's another 1930's aircraft that just 'looks right', the Boeing P-12. This one, a P-12E, was photographed at at Albrook Field, Panama Canal Zone.
Mike
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 21:31
by PetervanStigt
MKopack, nice ones... And for the SR, here's the bird at the appropriate altitude...
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 22:37
by cutlassracer
Never saw one on floats before. All this Mach 3 with your hair fire stuff is cool, but I believe the best looking aircraft were designed during the earlier days of aviation. Our frontline fighters of WW II looked better than anything we have today. There are exceptions of course, Maule M-5, Citation X, SR-71.....
Peter, nice!
Posted: 21 Mar 2006, 23:53
by snypa777
Hail Peter! Great SR-71 picture, low and fast! Yeah, I`ll stop nagging now! Thanks for ALL of your efforts, they ARE appreciated. This one is for you..
Posted: 22 Mar 2006, 02:17
by JR007
Peter,
I PM'd you.
Thanks,
JR
Posted: 22 Mar 2006, 12:26
by Scorpion1alpha
MKopack wrote:
Scorpion1alpha wrote:
PetervanStigt wrote:Cutlassracer.
I totally agree on the Staggerwing. The first design of Mr. Beech when he became independent and by far the biplane with the most graceous lines...
Here's another admirer of the Beech 17 Staggerwing. An oldie, but goodie!
Here's a rare Panama Canal Zone registered Beech 17 that my Grandfather photographed while based there in the late 30's / early 40's.
Photo by: Paul Kopack Artillaryman and Photographer 1914-1993
Mike
That is a gorgeous pic of the Staggerwing your Grandfather took there Mike. That is also the first time I've seen it with float skids too.
Posted: 22 Mar 2006, 17:16
by patzluh
Are You KIDDING ME?!?!
There is no even a little doubt,
the most amazing airplace out there is OF Course the IAI Phalcon!.
Posted: 22 Mar 2006, 18:28
by shiz302
If the dodo bird was an airplane, that would be it, blech.
Posted: 22 Mar 2006, 18:33
by Roscoe
PetervanStigt wrote:My first love, ating from the pre-Viper (my greatest love) era. First flight in 1967, pioneer in the delta/canard configuration. Awesome power but now put out to pasture...
This fight can't be more than about 5 seconds old...because if it were the Vipers would already have reversed on them
Cool picture Peter!
Posted: 22 Mar 2006, 19:31
by PetervanStigt
Thanx Roscoe. Saw your Hero Shot and the thread it was in. Boy, am I jealous... System 37 had a stunning performance for its day, didn't it... Here in The Netherlands we recently received an AJSH-37. It's being demilitarized as we speak. Shame if some kid is playing inside its cockpit and has a one-way ride in the seat or shoots ou T2 hangar to smithereens, right...
Posted: 23 Mar 2006, 14:24
by RyanCollins
Hi again, guys.. It's been a while 'cause I was busy with the school but I'm back
Peter, I must say that those 2 wallpaper of the Blackbird are so COOL, dude!!! You made a great work, man!
Bud for Peter!!!...
PS: the Phantom is pretty cool too..., other Bud for Peter!!!, hehe
Sea Harrier FA.2
Posted: 23 Mar 2006, 15:28
by SierraAlphaHotel
Hi there,
Here is a picture of a Royal Navy Sea Harrier FA.2 (ZH812) taken just prior to it lining up to launch from the 'ski jump' on a dull day (weather wise) at RNAS Yeovilton in the UK.
This picture was taken on the 14th March 2006.
Kind Regards,
Sean
RE: Sea Harrier FA.2
Posted: 24 Mar 2006, 12:57
by PetervanStigt
Good choice! Two more, one is the Mitchell we keep flying in the Netherlands...
RE: Sea Harrier FA.2
Posted: 24 Mar 2006, 19:19
by RyanCollins
Posted: 24 Mar 2006, 20:06
by Maskirovka
PetervanStigt wrote:Thanx Roscoe. Saw your Hero Shot and the thread it was in. Boy, am I jealous... System 37 had a stunning performance for its day, didn't it... Here in The Netherlands we recently received an AJSH-37. It's being demilitarized as we speak. Shame if some kid is playing inside its cockpit and has a one-way ride in the seat or shoots ou T2 hangar to smithereens, right...
Thats some awsome paintings you do! I just love the swedish planes, the Gripen, Viggen and specially the Draken.
Is it OK if I posted a link to that SF-37 Viggen pict. and http://attach.high-g.net/attachments/fl ... t_wall.jpg on a swedish forum ( I offcourse wrote the source and the artist of it)? Have you done any more pics of swedish aircrafts?
Regards Maskirovka
Edit: Do you have a homepage where one can look at your collected work?
sexiest military chopper ever made in my opinion ; must be good to be chosen for the new presedential transport
Andy
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 11:44
by PetervanStigt
I'm sure it is... Looking awesome, Ryan!
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 11:45
by PetervanStigt
This was my reaction on Ryan's burning Mitchell pic, but I happen to agree on the Merlin as well...
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 14:37
by Scorpion1alpha
boff180 wrote:sexiest military chopper ever made in my opinion ; must be good to be chosen for the new presedential transport
I agree the EH101 certainly looks like a very good helicopter. Very capable too. So much so, it is a design considered for the new USAF CSAR PRV helicopter competition to replace our HH-60 Pavehawks.
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 14:41
by Scorpion1alpha
Awsome looking Harrier print Peter.
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 14:44
by Scorpion1alpha
RyanCollins wrote:I found this cool picture of the Mitchell:
I believe this pic was taken at Nellis AFB's Aviation Nation in 2005.
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 20:50
by RyanCollins
Hey, what about this 3 beauties from the 2005 Aviation Nation at Nellis AFB:
Posted: 26 Mar 2006, 20:51
by RyanCollins
And this baby too:
Posted: 27 Mar 2006, 22:59
by PetervanStigt
Nice Dak in Nam colors! Speaking of WWII vintage, here's the awesome Dauntless in her element...
Posted: 28 Mar 2006, 07:33
by boff180
Its old, its potent, it killed the Bismark and the entire Italian fleet.... what is it?
Its the Stringbag herself! The Fairy Swordfish!
(oh and it just so happened my grandfather was a fitter on Stringbags aboard HMS Perseus; aswell as being a LSO).
Andy
Posted: 28 Mar 2006, 20:08
by PetervanStigt
I can appreciate the things they did with the Stringbag which was already officially obsolete at the beginning of WW2. In that respect that bird deserves to be called beautiful in its own right. I keep ending up with the same favorites...
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 00:15
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter, that Dauntless looks too cool!
Have you got a wall of this babe???
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 06:06
by PetervanStigt
Yes I do...
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 18:44
by PetervanStigt
When working on a Constellation at Marana/Tucson, AZ, I saw these overflying us day in day out. So, I had a field day...
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 20:58
by RyanCollins
The A-10... always think that it's beautiful. I don't know why many people say "The A-10 is ugly". I've always think that it's a beauty on it's own right. Nothing can fly so low and kill so many tanks like it (Except the Apache)
Just my
PS: Great Fort, Peter... Really cool dropping his bombs
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 20:59
by PetervanStigt
Report has it that military aircraft are disguised as natural phenomena, seems to appear much more harmless and therefore more effective than stealth...
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 21:06
by PetervanStigt
But on a more serious note: this scooter keeps haunting me because it's so small and sturdy. I guess this was one of your favs too, Ryan. By the way, my Queen is in your country together with her son and Maxima... greetz from Holland...
Posted: 30 Mar 2006, 21:23
by RyanCollins
Yes, Peter, the Scooter is one of my favourites!!! I love that pretty little fighter/bomber.
Your Queen is here in Argentina?? I didn't notice. I have to see the news
Posted: 31 Mar 2006, 12:13
by PetervanStigt
Here are two British designs that had long and distinguished careers and therefore are beautiful in their own right, and yet another Viggen. I'm a bit sad that it's retired now...
Posted: 01 Apr 2006, 20:06
by RyanCollins
I like the Viggen... It's a very interesting fighter. But I'll continue with the WWII bombers:
Posted: 01 Apr 2006, 21:17
by PetervanStigt
I'll stick to jets for a while. The fighters are broadly regarded as the sexiest of them all. Less sexy but no less important are the other assets, like ECM birds or tactical bombers. Therefore beautiful in their own right. The Prowler is the pretty brother of the somewhat chubby looking Intruder, because of its longer and sleeker fuselage. The F-105, the infamous Thud, stands for pushing on relentlessly. Thud Ridge in North Vietnam bears witness to that. Never has a bird flown so fast at sea level and sustaining it for so long. I especially admire the Weaseleers, getting themselves tracked by enemy ground radar and attacking these while in an impossible hostile environment. You have to be insane to become a Weasel...
Posted: 02 Apr 2006, 00:40
by PetervanStigt
Another veteran beauty, the Jag
Posted: 02 Apr 2006, 09:55
by boff180
You have to put that don't you; Colitshall closed yesterday on the 88th birthday of the RAF. With 41sqn's banner being transferred to the fjwoeu and 6sqn moving to CBY to see out the final 18mths of service for the JAG in the RAF. And I'll add a few pics of a real beauty from yesterday, also the first western front line aircraft type to receive a HMS!
Andy
Posted: 02 Apr 2006, 13:57
by PetervanStigt
Yep, it was on purpose... To add to the testimony of the Jag (and to prolongue April Fool's Day), I'll post a Photoshop joke of them...
Posted: 02 Apr 2006, 20:34
by RyanCollins
Hehe, that Thames race looks very cool.
Posted: 02 Apr 2006, 20:44
by RyanCollins
Other plane that I like:
Posted: 04 Apr 2006, 21:22
by françoise
Does this one had his place among yours...
just grey like Vipers
Enjoy your day
françoise
Posted: 04 Apr 2006, 22:50
by PetervanStigt
Beautiful image! You shot it? Looks like a detail of a Stearman. Is it?
Posted: 04 Apr 2006, 23:17
by RyanCollins
Hey, françoise, I'm agree with Peter, that's a nice pic... Really cool!
Cheers
Posted: 04 Apr 2006, 23:51
by RyanCollins
Well, searching on Google.com I found this:
Posted: 05 Apr 2006, 08:38
by françoise
thank's. Yes I shot it. It is a Morane Saulnier of the AJBS of La Ferté alais. This kind of nice place where the planes looks like candy in a nice box even under this grey light weather
Posted: 05 Apr 2006, 16:32
by RyanCollins
Great work, françoise!.. That Morane Saulnier looks pretty good!
Bud for you
Posted: 05 Apr 2006, 16:57
by PetervanStigt
Francoise, I've been there at La ferte Alais, with the Jean Salis collection. Nice candy store indeed. And quite a photographer you are...
Posted: 05 Apr 2006, 19:12
by françoise
thanks for your kind words...
Well about being a photographer. I am just an amateur so the good point of view is that's in that way I am only shooting for pleasure and not for work so it is always good time, nice jets, nice meeting, nice time to share with nice people like you Just being limited by the trip. I would like to go more often on the overside of the sea. Missing the F-16 sometime
Posted: 05 Apr 2006, 22:32
by PetervanStigt
I recognise the passion in your images, very familiar although I do not photograph but illustrate. Keep it up, this way you make just about every aircraft look pretty... Here's a classic in its natural setting and as it's supposed to look... with the elliptical wing intact: Achtung, Spitzfeuer!
Posted: 06 Apr 2006, 21:26
by françoise
this is a great work. Are they illustrations for books or magazines? Are you working with only draw or photos?
So many things to learn
Posted: 06 Apr 2006, 23:03
by PetervanStigt
It's a combination of all of the above. Analogue paintings of aircraft in digital backgrounds, vice versa, analogue/analogue, digital/digital... The end justifies the means, so to speak. Computer is nothing more than an extra painting tool besides my real brushes and pencils...
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 11:11
by françoise
I love the feeling of your creativity whatever tool you use. We just share the same palette of colors....
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 11:43
by snypa777
Bravo Francoise! Very atmospheric work, even a slightly menacing feel about some of your shots. Excellent. Very contrasting style to Peter`s great contributions...One of the reasons why I visit this site so often, as well as the fun banter!
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 12:10
by PetervanStigt
To contribute some more: Here's one of the most beautiful deltas ever to grace the skies, Avro Vulcan. And another beauty not many outside The Netherlands will know, a Fokker G1. Looking very much like a P-38 Lightning, the G1 was there actually first... A true multirole fighter/bomber/recce bird, too few were built by 1940 and some of them even so factory fresh that the lethal armament of no less than 8 guns in the nose was sometimes not installed yet. This armament earned the G1 the nickname 'mower'. The few that were operational reeked havoc among the invading Germans, until Holland had to capitulate due to terror bombing...
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 13:26
by snypa777
Great Vulcan picture Peter. I always loved their camo` schemes. That G1 looked a great bird! I also think the Czech Aero A-102 is a lovely plane but have no pictures at present.
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 15:24
by françoise
What about the feeling...
Does some Fokker G1 still flying?
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 19:43
by RyanCollins
Wow, françoise, that's what I call a cool picture. Awesome!
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 20:42
by PetervanStigt
Francoise:
Almost nothing of the Fokker G1 is left. As far as I can recall only one tail boom is sitting in the Dutch Military Aviation Museum. You have to bear in mind only a couple of dozen G1s were built, half of them with Bristol Mercury engines (G1A) and the other half (destined for a foreign client but commandeered into Dutch service shortly before outbreak of war) with P&W Wasps (G1B). Between May 10 and May 14 1940 the Dutch military services (outnumbered and with mostly obsolete weapons) had to pack it in against Jerry. The G1s were stationed at a couple of airfields (green ones) that were drenched in rain. Neatly parked close and ext to one another because 'it made guarding them on the ground more efficient' and strafing them to smithereens in one pass as well, the Germans discovered... The few that got in the air were able to do some damage, in conjunction with the almost as modern single-engined Fokker D21 fighters, Fokker T5 bombers and dozens of Fokker C5 and C10 Twenties era biplanes. When all was lost many G1s were destroyed on the ground by their own pilots. However some were captured and shipped to Germany, others still in production at Fokkers were finished and also went to Germany. Some publications show that a German Top Gun-like adversary squadron was established, flying G1s. There is no evidence of any G1 surviving overthere. For years now a Dutch G1 foundation is battling to build a G1A from scratch. But they are having a hard time funding this...
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 20:59
by RyanCollins
What about this?
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 21:05
by TenguNoHi
I dont know if anyone's said the T-6 yet but man I really like it. I love the canopy on it, the body, just a nice modern a/c with a classic feel.
-Aaron
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 21:10
by RyanCollins
Have you got any photo?
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 09:23
by françoise
Many thanks Peter .....just hope not looking to your eyes like I just steal the soul of jets not knowing all the history Well Tengu is it a canopy like this one
Ryan ....will leave the run free now.. .....
enjoy your day
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 12:23
by PetervanStigt
Ah Ryan, the ill-fated F-20. Could have been a nice F-5 successor. Too bad that it was operating too much in the F-16 region. Hence the cancellation, also due to a couple of accidents... Gonna look for one of my T-6's now...
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 14:12
by snypa777
Does anybody know what that "thing" is behind the cockpit in Francoise`s last picture of the T-6 canopy?
Is it a radar, fuel tank, an oversize chess piece? A tv monitor showing inflight movies for bored crew? APU, instruments, flotation device (hehe), canopy bump stop? 360 deg rotating lazer cannon?
Somebody please tell me what it is because it`s really bugging me now! I have seen the same object on other aircraft so I guess in flight entertainment was REALLY important on vintage aircraft, right?
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 14:24
by françoise
is this what we call ......."just an idea behind the head !!".....
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 16:10
by boff180
snypa777 wrote:Does anybody know what that "thing" is behind the cockpit in Francoise`s last picture of the T-6 canopy?
Is it a radar, fuel tank, an oversize chess piece? A tv monitor showing inflight movies for bored crew? APU, instruments, flotation device (hehe), canopy bump stop? 360 deg rotating lazer cannon?
Somebody please tell me what it is because it`s really bugging me now! I have seen the same object on other aircraft so I guess in flight entertainment was REALLY important on vintage aircraft, right?
Its the aerial.
Andy
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 17:14
by françoise
With the help of a good pilot ,friend of mine I can let you read what it is...... .a component of the Automatic Direction Finder.....(ADF)
http://www.thaitechnics.com/nav/adf.html just in case you have nothing to read to sleep tonight think I will be less stupid today
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 19:38
by snypa777
boff180 wrote:
snypa777 wrote:Does anybody know what that "thing" is behind the cockpit in Francoise`s last picture of the T-6 canopy?
Is it a radar, fuel tank, an oversize chess piece? A tv monitor showing inflight movies for bored crew? APU, instruments, flotation device (hehe), canopy bump stop? 360 deg rotating lazer cannon?
Somebody please tell me what it is because it`s really bugging me now! I have seen the same object on other aircraft so I guess in flight entertainment was REALLY important on vintage aircraft, right?
Its the aerial.
Andy
What? For the TV?
Thank you Andy and Francoise! I will sleep tonight!
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 19:39
by Scorpion1alpha
Nice photos françoise! I really like that panther artwork also. Just one thing, quit teasing us with just a partial view of the aircraft! Your photography is so nice and sharp that just seeing a partial view of it isn't fair!
Just playing with you.
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 20:21
by RyanCollins
françoise wrote:Well Tengu is it a canopy like this one
!
That's a cool pic, françoise! Keep 'em Coming!!!
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 20:37
by RyanCollins
PetervanStigt wrote:Ah Ryan, the ill-fated F-20. Could have been a nice F-5 successor. Too bad that it was operating too much in the F-16 region. Hence the cancellation, also due to a couple of accidents... Gonna look for one of my T-6's now...
Yes, I'm agree, the Tigershark could have been a good successor, but the sweet sixteen was more important for the USAF than the F-20 (Well, I think there's no doubt about that )
Waiting for the T-6, Peter...
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 20:38
by RyanCollins
Well, this is one of my all-time favourites: It participated in the operation "Rolling Thunder" and was the 2nd "MiG-Killer", after the Phantom, with 28 victories (IIRC).
I'm talking of the powerful F-105 Thunderchief:
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 21:08
by C-130crewchief
C-130 hands down!
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 21:22
by RyanCollins
I think that the C-130 is a beautiful aircraft, specially the Gunship AC-130 Spectre
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 21:34
by C-130crewchief
RAW POWER!!! Known as "The fabulous four engined fighter" in Vietnam.
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 21:48
by françoise
seeing a partial view of it isn't fair!
will just shoot a one piece jet.when I will be able to do some wonderful shots like the C130 in flight
Waiting for the T-6, Peter...
think the Panther did some bad work in his palette
Waiting for the T6 also
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 21:51
by RyanCollins
sweeeeet...
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 22:04
by PetervanStigt
Yep, agree on the C130, wings of freedom and humanity...
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 23:52
by Shaba
Well, I've seen some VERY impressive works by Peter and françoise. Keep it coming, guys.
Btw, 'Painter'...you wouldn't happen to have any F-117 art, would ya?
Posted: 10 Apr 2006, 18:07
by PetervanStigt
Eh, not yet. But who knows. Here are some more British classics I happen to love
Posted: 10 Apr 2006, 21:41
by cutlassracer
I always thought the Tigershark was pretty sharp.
Posted: 11 Apr 2006, 20:31
by PetervanStigt
Found my T-6 image...
Posted: 12 Apr 2006, 15:28
by sprstdlyscottsmn
Dang, the spitfire is dead sexy!!
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 10:41
by françoise
Found my T-6 image...
great work as always ......
Did I miss this one in your collection (hate jet stick on the ground but never get the chance to see it flying .this is my only shot )
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 12:10
by Scorpion1alpha
françoise wrote:
Found my T-6 image...
great work as always ...... Did I miss this one in your collection (hate jet stick on the ground but never get the chance to see it flying .this is my only shot )
All right francoise! That complete picture is exactly what I'm talking about! Nice to see everything (kind of like a girl, I like seeing all of her ). Let's see some more!
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 14:50
by françoise
only once for fun
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 18:51
by PetervanStigt
Francoise, on another thread on this site some people are saying goodbye to the Tomcat. So did I, with some images. If you scroll back on this thread about a dozen pages (are we going on that long..?), you'll find some more. Cheers buddy, great pics as always...
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 20:01
by RyanCollins
Cool wallpapers, Peter!!! Great work, specially the T-6, the Buc & the C-130
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 20:26
by RyanCollins
A couple of trainers:
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 21:06
by PetervanStigt
The Pampa me like, says Yaya Binks. Since I'm in my RAF period I discovered that it's one of the most aestetically pleasing air forces. Especially low-flying Jags and Tornadoes, but also a mighty hunter like the Nimrod which still carries the heritage of the first ever passenger jet, the Comet...
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 21:31
by françoise
love this low flying Jag... so elusive to shoot Well if I passed the test Scorpion... may I go back to the close up now?
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 21:44
by snypa777
Lovely work Peter, the Nimrod looks like it was carved out of granite! 50 years old and just had a major overhaul to MR4. That will give it another 15 years!
The Jaguar has always been pleasing to the eye!
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 21:49
by RyanCollins
Well, Peter.. I'm agree with the Jag, that jet is very pretty, but the Nimrod... Well, tastes are differents .
françoise, that pic is very nice, great stuff!
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 21:52
by snypa777
Ryan, just put your finger over the radome on the nose of the NIMROD and it doesn`t seem so bad!!!! Wish they had fitted SAR!
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 22:08
by RyanCollins
Let's see...
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 22:11
by RyanCollins
YEAH!!!
Posted: 13 Apr 2006, 23:39
by Redtail115
P-51D Mustang! "Cadillac of the sky!"
Especially the ones w/ the Redtails!
Posted: 14 Apr 2006, 02:19
by Scorpion1alpha
françoise wrote:Well if I passed the test Scorpion...
Pass! With flying colors francoise.....
may I go back to the close up now?
Well.....if you must. [/quote]
Posted: 14 Apr 2006, 14:10
by PetervanStigt
I seem to remember someone on this thread asking me if I had produced an F-117. Now I have. And since there are some Jaguar fans here also a Photoshop joke. Another monumental aircraft is the Hurricane. Although the Spit had the rep, the Hurri had the numbers. Bear in mind it was the first ever widely produced British monoplane, and a beautiful one at that...
Posted: 14 Apr 2006, 20:04
by snypa777
Haha, The bridge gag is quite ironic. I was browsing a forum today, some RAF types were talking about flying UNDER the Humber bridge in the east of England.
Just a simple case of, turn transponder off for a few seconds and hey presto! Apparently you could fly an Albert through the same gap, so not really dangerous in a Jag`!
Posted: 14 Apr 2006, 22:13
by RyanCollins
I love the wallpaper of the Jags flying under the bridge. Looks awesome!
Posted: 14 Apr 2006, 22:37
by RyanCollins
Some beauties from Vietnam:
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 09:27
by PetervanStigt
Snypa, I hope the do it, and you'll be there to take a snapshot. When so, please share that impression with us...
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 11:49
by snypa777
Peter, if I took some snaps of that gig, some pilot would find himself in a LOT of trouble!!!
Apparently, that trick under the bridge has already been done a few times!!!!
The most amazing low level stuff for me were the Jag` low level antics in Oman, way back. Some of their antics were crazy! One Jag` flew straight through a hanger, in one end and out of the other. There are a lot of wild "stories", most of them are supposed to be true! One story was of a transport plane that regularly "tapped" the roof of the base bar after take off.
I know this should be in the low level thread but here is a short vid` of the Jag` in it`s element at Thumbrait http://www.helicopterservice.com.au/pho ... mers01.WMV Courtesy of Fox3snapshot.
Also a picture of another beauty, the Hawker Hunter as well as a Jag`.
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 15:49
by sprstdlyscottsmn
I have a pic of a tomcat pulling high speed G's, end result is that it looks like it is going faster than all reason. Not sure if I am doing this right to post it though.
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 20:08
by PetervanStigt
AAAWWW, Snypa! That's LOW! Very very nice and two beauties indeed. I just finished an image yesterday containing two small and colourful beauties doing some low level stuff...
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 21:43
by françoise
I am always very impress by the movement and the light you give in your picture Peter
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 23:23
by PetervanStigt
Just trying to do two things: 1) show the beauty and dynamics of flight and 2) do it on an atmosphere inspired by the old Dutch masters. The Red Arrows image is part of an RAF birthday calendar I'm producing. I guess the Reds are flying a whee bit low but I imagine they are fooling around in the Welsh Machynlleth Loop Area where the RAF is practising its low flying training...
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 23:35
by LordOfBunnies
Peter, here's a fun photoshop project for you. Take the F-35 and put a GAU-8 in it somewhere. The CAS JSF, voila. This is of course just a joke.
Does anybody know of the experimental plane design (never built) that was a precursor to the first American jet? I think it was designed by Lockheed. The plane was a canard design. I only saw it on the History Channel so I don't know if its real or not.
Anyway, Peter do you have any pictures of the AH-6? It's a pretty little helicopter.
Posted: 15 Apr 2006, 23:48
by PetervanStigt
Eh, no I don't. Have to research it too... Or do you mean the Hughes 500/OH-6, the Loach?
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 00:24
by LordOfBunnies
Yeah, that's the one, I saw it as a different name for an attack role, but yeah that's the helicopter.
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 08:18
by françoise
you reach easily your target What I like is capturing for few seconds the light playing with colours on jets.....and for the action I need to train again enjoy your Easter eggs
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 11:19
by PetervanStigt
Love those detail shots of yours Francoise. Gives back an extra sense of the romance that was part of aviation in the Roaring Twenties. You know: the days when planes were of wood and men of steel. Today planes are of steel and men of wood. Oops, I used to be schyzo but we're doin' fine now...
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 11:42
by snypa777
sprstdlyscottsmn, What a cooool Tomcat picture dude, looks like it`s doing Mach 20!
Peter, I really love that Reds rendering, the smoke stream behind them is bang on!!!! Looks great!
Good luck with your RAF calendar, I am sure it will be great. You will have to tell us where we can get hold of a copy when it goes on sale! That will be a MUST have!
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 13:23
by françoise
You will have to tell us where we can get hold of a copy when it goes on sale! That will be a MUST have!
+ 1 will keep one eye on Did you ever try some books also ?...I am just starting to think about one because there is not a lot of place for romance in the magazines you know ......may be it's a too early.....but let's have fun with the new season and we will see
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 15:30
by PetervanStigt
I've been busy with, calendars, books, posters, postcards, squadron prints and what not, so. Hey F., we might want to cooperate...
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 15:57
by françoise
we might....very busy talent man btw....
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 19:55
by Scorpion1alpha
I hear the Eurofighter smiles.....somewhat.
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 20:34
by PetervanStigt
One of the nicest Phantom variants to look at, especially in its sleek 'Barley' grey finish at the later half of its career is the FGR.2. I decided to set up a meeting between one and Braveheart. Been there at Eileann Donan Castle, awesome!
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 20:39
by RyanCollins
Jeez!!! That's a great wall, dude! I love the Phantom... really beautiful!
Posted: 16 Apr 2006, 23:16
by PetervanStigt
Since I've been fooling around with Terragen again, I remembered a request for a Hughes Cayuse. Also te Shaw Recce Rhino found a new hairy situation. Can't get enough of the Phantom either...
Posted: 17 Apr 2006, 08:30
by françoise
rhooooooooooooooo that phantom.......terrific
Posted: 17 Apr 2006, 18:35
by Roscoe
RyanCollins wrote:Some beauties from Vietnam:
That is actually a T-37, not an A-37. Just painted like one, but no boom or inlet screens.
Posted: 17 Apr 2006, 22:35
by PetervanStigt
Yep, now that you mention it, Dragonflies used to carry a lot of external droptanks as well. Still a nice little plane, the Tweet...
Posted: 18 Apr 2006, 19:51
by PetervanStigt
Back to the Swedes and just for the fun of it (now I sound like Bob Ross...): another Buccaneer going low...
Posted: 18 Apr 2006, 22:08
by RyanCollins
Sweeeeeet!!! I love the Gripen, it's absolutely beautiful... and that Buc is awesome.. REALLY low
Again, Great work!
PS: Roscoe, thanks for the info, dude .. I didn't note the difference.
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 17:32
by PetervanStigt
Still going for the purposefull looks as well and still wondering why not more airforces bought it: Harrier
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 17:44
by snypa777
This Bucc` is for you Peter. Still can`t decide on her looks though!
Courtesy of T. McClelland. From his book cover on the aircraft. From Haynes.
Also the mighty Liightning.
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 19:11
by PetervanStigt
Thanx! The Lightning is a piece of digital art, isn't it? Who made it? For you some more British delight and for Francoise some French delight as well...
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 20:01
by snypa777
Nice images as always Peter. Especially the lightning. That F6 picture I posted, don`t know who did it but you can just see a sig` in the bottom right. Difficult to make out. It is a good one though....
I have just discovered some other very good stuff. Again, the sig` is hard to make out......The lone Thud is the same handywork which created the F6 Lightning pic`.
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 20:42
by snypa777
Just found the artists name from the Lightning picture, JJ.Boucher. His site is here..
www.the-vaw.com/. Some great stuff in there.
There is also an aviation artist called Robert Taylor whose work is very impressive also. Have you heard of him? He did the Phantom and Thud flight pictures in my last post. Got his name after I magnified the images in Corel.
Here is one more from Robert Taylor...
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 20:54
by snypa777
Here is one more..A Hurricane in Soviet colours. Well, off work now. Must REALLY do some work when I am working, hehe. It`s been another quiet day!
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 21:12
by PetervanStigt
Snypa, Robert Taylor is quite famous in the aviation art branch. British, one of the leading artistst of the GAvA (Guild of Aviation Artists) of which I'm a collective friend member as well. The Thud does not strike me as a Taylor, more a Lou Drendel or Keith Ferris. You heard of those American artists?
Posted: 19 Apr 2006, 23:33
by snypa777
Yep, I have seen examples of Drendel and Ferris` work. I would say more Drendel than either Ferris or Robert Taylor. Although, not quite convinced the attacking flight of Thuds is by Drendel. His stuff seems to be even more stylized than the Thuds picture?
Your the expert though.How about Michael Norton? Another American...
I love Simon Mumfords work also, think he may be in the GAvA...
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 19:02
by PetervanStigt
No, the Thuds are not Drendel's. Lou is a good friend and esteemed colleague of mine, we swap tutorials back and forth... Ferris I don't know personally, though.
Well, how about a missed opportunity by the British government in the Sixties: TSR.2 was meant to become a high speed penetration bomber/recce. When it started to become very promising at Boscombe Down, as the last prototype flown by the famous Roland Beamont, the TSR was cancelled by MoD. Instead they bought the F-111 which the UK never used and went straight to Australia,to do yet another puchase: the Pantom. As if not enough tax payer's money was waisted, the Rhino was extensively modified with British systems and, even more expensive, Spey engines... Phantom was already offered in the first place but MoD threw away huge sums of money three times to end up with something effective as a Jack of All Trades, but less capable than the TSR specialist Britain was looking for. I would love to see how a TSR.2 with modern systems and powerplants would perform...
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 19:47
by Guysmiley
That's funny, I was just reading about the history of the TSR-2. It would be interesting to hear the British perspective on its development.
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 21:01
by snypa777
Guy`, rather than print the entire story, take a look at this link, it offers a pretty concise and honest view of the TSR2 project.
There were some people in the governments of the day who REALLY wanted the TSR2 killed forever. Shortly after cancellation, the jigs used to build the aircraft were crushed along with surviving airframes. At the BAC factory, MOD people burned piles of drawings, draughts and other documents right outside the doors in front of the people who had contributed so much to the project.
When it`s replacement came along, the Tornado some 15 years later, it still wasn`t as good an aircraft as the TSR2! As well as the TSR2, there was a whole host of military projects canceled, the most notable was the supersonic Harrier.
The next class of large aircraft carriers was also canceled. Britain`s space program was canned as well.
Basically, we couldn`t afford to do it any more. Times changed. We no longer had the vast income in trade we had enjoyed for so long. Trade from ye olde British Empire. The Empire had already collapsed. Not a bad thing in my eyes.
The TSR2 was a prime example on how NOT to build an aircraft. There was a government committee that spent hours deciding on the placement of a single switch in the cockpit. That was just a small sample of the interference. Luckily, some dedicated people have restored one but it will never fly, sigh...
It is remarkable a plane was built at all. One ex-RAF workmate of mine said that the best decision the UK made was to buy the Phantom. He said why they ever messed about with it and removed perfectly good engines and put Speys into it he will never know. He also said that his colleagues just wished the UK would buy US jets as the US made "proper" fighters! With the exception of the Buccaneer which was loved by it`s crews.
P.s. Now, it looks like the RAF will at last get it`s supersonic puffer jet! The JSF B model!
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 21:21
by Guysmiley
Thanks for the link! That last photo is a crazy angle, looks like it would go like a bat out of hell!
Posted: 20 Apr 2006, 23:14
by PetervanStigt
It's still my firm belief that the Government pulled the plug too soon, they should not have pulled it at all...
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 15:09
by snypa777
Peter, I am in agreement. The RAF could have had a superb plane, way ahead of it`s time.
Politics as well as economics played a huge part.
Guysmiley,
In the Thunder and Lightnings link, it says that when the prototype TSR2 flew, with just one burner lit, it left an F.5 Lightning in it`s wake. The Lightning had both motors in full blower and couldn`t keep up. The Lightning itself was good for Mach 2.27 clean. Some Lightnings were able to climb to 85,000ft.+. The worry at that altitude was bursting the canopy seals, as well as flame out, so not many guys did it. I have seen one un-confirmed report of a Lightning getting to near 90,000ft. I bet the pucker factor was very high
The Rooskies used to call the Lightning the English Electric Mig over the radio during the Bear intercept days over the North Atlantic. It is "Mig-ish" in it`s appearance! It even had a rudimentary Data-link fitted in the early `60s. It was very, very expensive. I don`t think it worked too well as it was stripped out of most of them.
I have been lucky enough to sit in a Lightning cockpit. Boy, there was no room to swing a cat!
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 15:27
by PetervanStigt
To celebrate the ill-fated TSR.2, here's another one...
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 19:31
by snypa777
Peter, Whoa! Along with your "Viggen in the snow" wall` that TSR2 picture is my favourite pic` ever! In fact, the TSR2 has just become my new wall .Fantastic work... Look forward to seeing your wallpaper as part of the new site design!!!
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 19:40
by PetervanStigt
Well Snypa, that's in the hands of the guys running this show. I know they are very busy behind the scenes. On my list also is the AVRO Arrow and the various Cocorde research planes like the Fairey Delta 2...
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 19:53
by snypa777
The Arrow, another ship way ahead of it`s time...Think it went the same way as the TSR2.
I will look forward to that! Keep on trucking mate.
On the new site wallpaper, there are at least a million of your wall`s that are good enough to fit a site design already! A possible collaboration with Francoise as you have mentioned would be cool also. An interesting idea.
Well, you got my vote!
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 21:06
by PetervanStigt
Thanx for the support, buddy... Arrow is going to give me a hard time. They were quite thorough in getting rid of the evidence.
Posted: 21 Apr 2006, 21:08
by RyanCollins
Hi guys, I'm back! I must say that snypa and Peter have posted some of the most beautiful aircraft ever, like the Thud, Phantom, TSR.2, Harrier and many more.. really awesome pics and wallpapers!
Well, back , here are some cool aircrafts:
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 12:51
by RoAF
Peter, you have a lot of wonderful artworks there! Is there any chance your work may include a MiG or a Su (especially a MiG-21 PF or a Su-7 BK or Su-22M...) ??? But not in flames please!
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 13:47
by snypa777
Welcome back Ryan! That is a very nice Apache picture, I really like that one.
Peter, that Avro Arrow, I haven`t seen many details on that aircraft, it will be a tough one! There has to be a fanatic somewhere with some photos`.
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 14:23
by PetervanStigt
RoAF, here are some Russian made A/Cs
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 14:29
by PetervanStigt
Snypa, a fellow I know here in Holland is doing research for me now. Back then in Canada they did just as effective a job in destroying everything including tools and jigs as they did with the TSR.2 in Britain. Only surviving piece of the Arrow seems to be a nose section sitting in a museum. There is a Canadian group busy with producing a full scale model... I guess both TSR.2 and Arrow were killed off for political reasons. Maybe Washington did not like the stiff competition they might encounter with these two very fine birds. Tastes like the axed Lavi project in Israel, doesn't it?
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 20:44
by RyanCollins
snypa777 wrote:Welcome back Ryan! That is a very nice Apache picture, I really like that one. Peter, that Avro Arrow, I haven`t seen many details on that aircraft, it will be a tough one! There has to be a fanatic somewhere with some photos`.
snypa, glad you like the photos. Here are a few more
Cheers
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 22:05
by TenguNoHi
Peter, I didnt realise you used Terragen to do your terrain renders. But now that you mention it they do like Terragen renders. Good stuff; I used to fiddle with that prog myself; its a great prog.
-Aaron
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 22:07
by Scorpion1alpha
snypa777 wrote:Guy`, rather than print the entire story, take a look at this link, it offers a pretty concise and honest view of the TSR2 project.
There were some people in the governments of the day who REALLY wanted the TSR2 killed forever. Shortly after cancellation, the jigs used to build the aircraft were crushed along with surviving airframes. At the BAC factory, MOD people burned piles of drawings, draughts and other documents right outside the doors in front of the people who had contributed so much to the project.
When it`s replacement came along, the Tornado some 15 years later, it still wasn`t as good an aircraft as the TSR2! As well as the TSR2, there was a whole host of military projects canceled, the most notable was the supersonic Harrier. The next class of large aircraft carriers was also canceled. Britain`s space program was canned as well. Basically, we couldn`t afford to do it any more. Times changed. We no longer had the vast income in trade we had enjoyed for so long. Trade from ye olde British Empire. The Empire had already collapsed. Not a bad thing in my eyes.
The TSR2 was a prime example on how NOT to build an aircraft. There was a government committee that spent hours deciding on the placement of a single switch in the cockpit. That was just a small sample of the interference. Luckily, some dedicated people have restored one but it will never fly, sigh...
It is remarkable a plane was built at all. One ex-RAF workmate of mine said that the best decision the UK made was to buy the Phantom. He said why they ever messed about with it and removed perfectly good engines and put Speys into it he will never know. He also said that his colleagues just wished the UK would buy US jets as the US made "proper" fighters! With the exception of the Buccaneer which was loved by it`s crews.
P.s. Now, it looks like the RAF will at last get it`s supersonic puffer jet! The JSF B model!
Some very nice pics of the TSR.2 ther snypa. Very unique looking aircraft.
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 22:11
by Scorpion1alpha
Particularly like this JAS-39 Gripen Peter. Good work!
Posted: 22 Apr 2006, 23:53
by PetervanStigt
Thanx guys. Most of the pics in this thread contain Terragen renderings, but some are literally hand-painted. Same story for the aircraft. To celebrate one of the greatest aircraft designers who brought us the Hawker series like the Fury/Hart/Hind, Hurricane, Typhoon/Tempest, Sea Fury, Sea Hawk, Hunter and even had indirect influence in the Harrier and Hawk trainer: Sir Sydney Camm...
Posted: 23 Apr 2006, 18:01
by boff180
nice pics mate but erm... the exact command is..... "smoke on.... GO!"
Posted: 23 Apr 2006, 18:11
by PetervanStigt
Thanx for the tip, I'll change it in due time...
Posted: 23 Apr 2006, 20:26
by RyanCollins
I was going to put photos of the BAE Hawk, but as Peter already did it, here I leave photos of other trainers:
Posted: 24 Apr 2006, 15:34
by PetervanStigt
Nice ones. However the sleekest trainer of them all is at the same time the sleekest F-5 version: F-5F
Posted: 24 Apr 2006, 22:26
by RyanCollins
Yeah.. I always thought that the F-5 is one of the most beautiful aircrafts, aesthetically talking.
Posted: 25 Apr 2006, 12:12
by PetervanStigt
The Dutch have flown the NF-5A/B's for about 20 years, here's an A in the nice livery before everything turned into dull grey...
Posted: 26 Apr 2006, 21:39
by PetervanStigt
And for the piston lovers: the epitomy of that technologie, one of Camm's best: the Sea Fury. No wonder you'll find those in Reno..
Posted: 27 Apr 2006, 17:16
by snypa777
A Sea Fury is quite a prized possession. 450mph in a radial prop`, phew! One shot down a Mig-15 in Korea. It was developed from the Tempest, another Hawker bird.
Here is a lovely trio.
Posted: 27 Apr 2006, 19:30
by RyanCollins
Yeah, the Sea Fury is very pretty. It reminds me another WWII aircraft: The P-47 Thunderbolt.
Posted: 28 Apr 2006, 06:05
by PetervanStigt
Rminds me of a CD with aircraft noise that I have: The Glorious Sound of Big Props. A must have to get inspired for producing aviation art...
Posted: 28 Apr 2006, 09:29
by boff180
PetervanStigt wrote:And for the piston lovers: the epitomy of that technologie, one of Camm's best: the Sea Fury. No wonder you'll find those in Reno..
Otherwise known as taking the Tempest fuselage (itself with the sabre engine downed quite a few 262's) and adding a reverse engineered and modified FW.190 engine
Andy
Posted: 28 Apr 2006, 21:34
by PetervanStigt
...Known as the Bristol Centaurus, right...
Posted: 28 Apr 2006, 21:38
by RyanCollins
Another cool plane from WWII:
Posted: 29 Apr 2006, 11:11
by PetervanStigt
Especially the 'Dora' and the Ta-152 derived from it. FW's designer Kurt Tank was one of the most innovative engineers of his day. Later he had a new career with designing jets for India, like the HAL Marut. There's a pic for you to look up, Ryan...
Posted: 29 Apr 2006, 23:59
by PetervanStigt
Instead, mI looked the HAL HF-24 Marut up, it looks like this, not so unpretty by the way...
Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 00:43
by PetervanStigt
OOPS! I just discovered that I reached the Elite status on this board and quite proud of it... I beat you to it, Ryan. What better way than to celebrate this with a special piece of artwork depicting one of my favorite oldies, a legendary and beautiful amphibian, the Catalina.
Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 08:33
by Guysmiley
The wave effect on that one is great! And congrats on 500!
Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 10:28
by françoise
.......Peter love the way you are fishing light again
Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 11:24
by Raptor_One
I've seen some F-22 pictures uploaded to this thread already, but none of them match this airshow photo (Aviation Nation I think?) taken by Dave O'Brien. The vortices coming off the "chines" are just amazing.
Posted: 30 Apr 2006, 16:55
by PetervanStigt
A stunning pic indeed! Love it and makes me think of a new Raptor illustration coming up. This is just about one of four positions I like to see Raptor best in: slightly from above at 8, 4, 10 or 2 o'clockish. Other positions make it somewhat chubby. Sorry, Raptor One...
Posted: 01 May 2006, 01:10
by Scorpion1alpha
Raptor_One wrote:I've seen some F-22 pictures uploaded to this thread already, but none of them match this airshow photo (Aviation Nation I think?) taken by Dave O'Brien. The vortices coming off the "chines" are just amazing.
Love this pic. Seeing the Raptor pull G's and the vapors pouring off the sides and top of the intakes is breathtaking. At work, I've seen a particular video where they shoved the rear around so tightly, its unlike anything else I've seen.
Posted: 01 May 2006, 01:12
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt wrote:A stunning pic indeed! Love it and makes me think of a new Raptor illustration coming up. This is just about one of four positions I like to see Raptor best in: slightly from above at 8, 4, 10 or 2 o'clockish. Other positions make it somewhat chubby. Sorry, Raptor One...
Well Pete, it has been a while since we've all seen some new Raptor artworks.....
Posted: 01 May 2006, 09:17
by Raptor_One
Okay... here are some fairly stunning F-22 photos that some of you may have seen but that I haven't seen posted in this thread. These are probably more stunning due to the backgrounds and lighting rather than the actual angle or "special effect" (like vortices or whatever).
Posted: 01 May 2006, 16:51
by snypa777
Don`t know if this has been posted before but it gives you a better feel, for the sheer size of the thing.
Posted: 01 May 2006, 16:55
by PetervanStigt
I agree on those, Raptor One... Scorpion Alpha, I'll see what I can do, in the meantime I'll post some of our Swiss friends who do some awesome flying, dodging those Alps. By the wy, the one with the ruins is one of my favo place to do some spotting: Sion in the south of Switzerland. This and Axalp. So sad the Mirage is retired overthere as well.
Posted: 01 May 2006, 17:11
by snypa777
Ok she is not military, but one of the most beautiful aircraft ever.
Posted: 01 May 2006, 17:42
by snypa777
Here is that mighty Avro Arrow Peter. Hope that project is coming along nicely...
Looks like Mig had a long look at it`s front end for the Mig-25!
I didn`t realise it was such a huge aircraft.
Posted: 01 May 2006, 17:44
by PetervanStigt
Couldn't agree more Snypa! Close to the ultimate streamline. To speak in the words of the chase pilot trailing behind the Concorde on her maiden flight: you have no idea how beautiful you look! Sad she is gone.
Posted: 01 May 2006, 17:45
by PetervanStigt
The Arrow project is coming, slowly but surely. I'm reading myself into that project...
Posted: 01 May 2006, 21:11
by RyanCollins
Hi guys!!! Ryan is back !!! Hey, Peter.. Congratulations for the 500th, well done I'll reach the 500th soon (I hope!). I loved that wallpaper of the Catalina, just... FANTABULOUS!!! , I mean FABULANTASTIC!!!.. errr, well, you know what I'm trying to say, hehe
Snypa, that pic of the Concorde with the Reds is great. That aircraft was awesome.. a wonder of engineering.
Well, I'm back with those fabulous aircraft:
Posted: 02 May 2006, 15:05
by PetervanStigt
here are some of my photo manipulations depicting our Catalina. And, not a Raptor but its little sister...
Posted: 05 May 2006, 20:36
by RyanCollins
Wow, Peter.. Great work with the Catalina, really awesome
Here are some photos of an airplane that (along with the F-4 Wildcat) made the difference in the battle of Midway:
Posted: 06 May 2006, 18:58
by PetervanStigt
Yep, a great one. Go back a few pages and you'll find my Dauntless...
Posted: 07 May 2006, 13:38
by PetervanStigt
Another classic in the WWII Pacific Theatre: Corsair with its distinctive inverted gull wing...
Posted: 07 May 2006, 21:01
by françoise
Corsair........hard to find such wonderful lines on the new jets
Posted: 07 May 2006, 21:51
by snypa777
I agree Francoise, the Corsair is a beauty. Look back in this forever thread and you will see some great renderings by Peter of the Corsair. I think also the name very much suits the aircraft.
Her gull wings are sexy! It`s ok, I am going to take my red pill soon!
Posted: 08 May 2006, 17:40
by Scorpion1alpha
françoise wrote:8) Corsair........hard to find such wonderful lines on the new jets
Very nice back end of the F-35 mockup. Now, where is the rest of her?
Posted: 08 May 2006, 17:42
by Scorpion1alpha
snypa777 wrote:I agree Francoise, the Corsair is a beauty. Look back in this forever thread and you will see some great renderings by Peter of the Corsair. I think also the name very much suits the aircraft.
Her gull wings are sexy! It`s ok, I am going to take my red pill soon!
Well snypa, if you like gull wings, you must also like the A-10 too right?
Posted: 08 May 2006, 18:40
by snypa777
Damn right Scorpion`.
I actually don`t think the `Hog is ugly! It has kinda grown on me!
Posted: 08 May 2006, 19:22
by PetervanStigt
The Warthog is in fact quite beautiful because it looks exactly right for its task. I always wondered why the Top Brass in the Pentagon has tried over and over again to retire this great bird, almost from its inception. hen the sh*t hits the fan, Warthogs are called upon to get close in because Vipers can't take that much punishment, right...
Again I fal back on a plane I've shown before, regarded as ugly by many but actually quite pleasing to look at when in operation: Catalina.
Posted: 08 May 2006, 20:36
by françoise
never saw so beautiful Catalina flying...
Did you ever draw this sweet one?
Posted: 08 May 2006, 20:44
by snypa777
The war of the Atlantic couldn`t have been won without the Catalina. The U-boats had no place to hide once they started patrolling.....Great endurance, radar, DF gear. Coastal Command operated the PBY along with Sunderlands/ Liberators, etc...
The Sunderland is an impressive looking bird.
Posted: 08 May 2006, 21:02
by snypa777
The DH-88 comet is also another beauty from yester-year.
Posted: 09 May 2006, 20:17
by PetervanStigt
Francoise, no I never drew one. Snypa, agreed on both the Sunderland and Comet. Great achievement from Scott and Campbell-Black. Did you know our KLM DC-2 Uiver airlier came in second just a few hours after them in the MacPherson Robertson Race?
I seem to remember a request for a Raptor again. Here it is...
Posted: 09 May 2006, 20:24
by PetervanStigt
Just found the most beautiful photo I've ever seen of the Raptor on Airliners'!
Posted: 09 May 2006, 20:26
by françoise
Peter,
I hope to see this Raptor one day this year. Don't know were their nests are
Have you ever seen one F16 doing it's own watercolour with it's blur?
Posted: 09 May 2006, 22:52
by snypa777
Peter, the Raptor is a quirky looking beast. That rear quarter view, from above was shown earlier in the thread. By Scorpion` I think. I agree that it is probably the best angle to view the F-22. I still think the F-15 is better to look at. Even though the F-22 is just an F-15 on steroids!!
Didn`t realise a Dutch DC-2 Uiver had run in that world speed gig! That particular race, was it to Australia? Memory escapes me.
Posted: 10 May 2006, 14:59
by PetervanStigt
Yep, from Mildenhall to Melbourne, celebrating the latter's centennial. Quite a heroic race, worth reading yourself into. And, I agree on the F-15. So I composed a Beagle in a setting I used before in this thread (then with a Gripen)...
Posted: 11 May 2006, 15:29
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt wrote:I seem to remember a request for a Raptor again. Here it is...
Yep, that would be me. Very nice Peter! Sure feel the sense of speed in the artwork.
I too like seeing the Raptor pulling G's and showing vapor like that Airliners pic. Maybe another idea for you're next Raptor art?
Posted: 11 May 2006, 22:25
by PetervanStigt
Maybe maybe. Raptor is not really on my priority list right now. Still struggling with the Avro Arrow project...
By the way Francoise, again a great detail shot of that blurring Viper!
Posted: 13 May 2006, 18:28
by françoise
Little sweet air for this evening
Posted: 13 May 2006, 21:10
by RyanCollins
Hi again!. snypa, I couldn't agree more with you.. the A-10 isn't ugly. I thinks is a pretty on it own right.. nothing can fly so low and kill so many targets like it!
Peter, I love that Strike Eagle wallpaper, is wonderful.. and françoise , your pic of the F-16 is great, too. Great work, guys!
Well, back , we'll miss this beauty:
Posted: 14 May 2006, 06:06
by PetervanStigt
We sure do, Ryan. Hey Francoise, it so happens I'm gonna fly along in an Antonov An-2 like that one today, visiting two airshows in Germany with 4 flight hours in total.... Coincidence, huh... Aestetically the Antonov cannot really be called pretty, but it has some very useful characteristics...
Posted: 14 May 2006, 07:18
by françoise
You can find some pretty angle ... but nothing to do with the F-16
Anyway... enjoy your flight
Ryan, I hope to cross the sea in september to get a last one chance of seeing this beauty flying . You win for the shots with this perfect jet in the gold light.
Keep up the good work!!
Posted: 14 May 2006, 19:56
by RyanCollins
Thanks françoise! I hope you can see it flying. Here are more pics of the Tomcat:
Posted: 15 May 2006, 01:02
by GhostOfRazgriz
New here, but I like the oddities.
The F-15 ACTIVE, an F-15 modified with thrust vectoring engines and canard fins.
And the bastard child of an F-14 and F-22.
Posted: 15 May 2006, 20:35
by PetervanStigt
Here's the An-2 we flew in last weekend, it's in PRETTY good shape...
Posted: 17 May 2006, 20:01
by RyanCollins
GhostOfRazgriz wrote:New here, but I like the oddities.
Hey, welcome to F-16.net , GhostOfRazgriz! Hope you enjoy the site.
I must say that the picture of the F-15 ACTIVE is really cool. The F-15 is a great fighter, and with that modifications looks awesome.. About the F-22 with VG, I think it is pretty, but those wings don't fit very well with the fuselage of the F-22... just my
Cheers!
Posted: 17 May 2006, 22:33
by snypa777
Wonder what happened to that canard F-15 ACTIVE? Guess the canards were canned!
TVC of course found it`s way onto F-22....BTW Ryan, I liked your F-14 pictures, the Turkey will always be a favourite of mine, thanks for posting dude!
Posted: 19 May 2006, 08:12
by françoise
I love this F-15... and the sun also. We need some more
BTW, nice flight Peter . Next time try to come next to the west coast of France
Posted: 19 May 2006, 17:24
by françoise
But I better love the viper you know that!!
BTW, if one "buddy" looking for posters is flying over here... the email adress doesn't work so sorry can't reply
Posted: 19 May 2006, 19:37
by PetervanStigt
Ow, Francoise, that Viper at sunset is absolutely awesome! And, who knows, another An-2 trip to France, good idea. In the meantime I might be lucky and get aboard a B-25 to Sion somewhere in August, in Valais, Switzerland. You know, with the two ruins on a small mountain in the center of the city. Nice way to get a ride to overthere...
Posted: 19 May 2006, 20:53
by PetervanStigt
Here is some Swiss delight with twin tails, an effort to produce the Alpine postcard effect...
Posted: 21 May 2006, 21:24
by RyanCollins
Hi, guys.. nice posts!!! françoise win with that Viper at sunset.. it's really wonderful! ...second comes Peter with the Swiss Hornets, they're cool
Well, here I leave some photos of a great fighter:
Posted: 21 May 2006, 22:04
by Scorpion1alpha
RyanCollins wrote:Hi, guys.. nice posts!!! françoise win with that Viper at sunset.. it's really wonderful! ...
I second that. This is a gorgeous pic francoise.
Posted: 21 May 2006, 22:53
by RyanCollins
Hey, Scorpion, I know that you like the F-22 so, here are some photos of the Raptor:
Posted: 21 May 2006, 23:33
by LordOfBunnies
OK guys, I have to say my peace about the F-16 picture. It looks like a metallic boob with a moon roof. Oh and its very, very cold out. Sorry I just looked at that and found it amusing.
BTFU
Posted: 22 May 2006, 01:53
by Scorpion1alpha
RyanCollins wrote:Hey, Scorpion, I know that you like the F-22 so, here are some photos of the Raptor:
Thanks Ryan! I always enjoy seeing my F-22 Raptor!
Posted: 22 May 2006, 13:11
by snypa777
Great pictures folks, love the Viper pic` by Francoise, very nice. LOB, dirty, dirty mind!
Here are a couple of YF-23 pics`. I think the YF-23 looks awesome from every angle.
I think it`s time for some Typhoon pics! I particularly like the black single seater.
Posted: 22 May 2006, 14:24
by FDiron
The B-1b and the F-16 (sorry, had to mention the viper) are the poster children for what a modern airforce should look like.
The F-15 has a horrible side profile (too thin near the engines), and the F-22s forward swept vertical stabilizers are very ugly. The F-14 is probably the prettiest looking missle-truck.
Posted: 23 May 2006, 14:22
by PetervanStigt
Although this thread is about NON Viper pretty aircraft, I can't help but share these two with you folks: they're just darn pretty...
Posted: 23 May 2006, 21:52
by françoise
Yes, very hard to find an aircraft so pretty
Posted: 23 May 2006, 21:55
by françoise
But more colourful. Could be easier
Posted: 24 May 2006, 22:27
by PetervanStigt
Nice Alpha Jet of Patrouille de France!!!
Posted: 25 May 2006, 12:45
by françoise
Yes I love it!
And now even in grey I am just looking for a net of jets to train shooting
Posted: 25 May 2006, 13:10
by françoise
Nest and SUN!!!!
And the new season will be great
Posted: 25 May 2006, 19:41
by RyanCollins
snypa777 wrote:Great pictures folks, love the Viper pic` by Francoise, very nice. LOB, dirty, dirty mind!
Here are a couple of YF-23 pics`. I think the YF-23 looks awesome from every angle. I think it`s time for some Typhoon pics! I particularly like the black single seater.
Hey, snypa, the 2nd pic of the YF-23 is gorgeous, it looks wonderful, but my fave is the 3rd photo of the Thypoon.. jeez, that airplane is awesome!
Great post, dude!!!
Posted: 29 May 2006, 21:50
by RyanCollins
Well, I find a pic of the swiss version of Mirage III (and I think it's very cool):
Since I'm an admirer of the French designers at Dassault's and also of Francoise's photography, here are two birds in a familiar setting... Sorry Francoise, but these are complete aircraft...
Posted: 03 Jun 2006, 23:04
by RyanCollins
Nice wallpapers, Peter.. can you post one of this beauty?
Posted: 03 Jun 2006, 23:17
by PetervanStigt
I can but have to look into my archives again. In the meantime here's one, emulating the Dutch masters in landscape painting...
Posted: 03 Jun 2006, 23:32
by RyanCollins
Cool
Posted: 04 Jun 2006, 00:48
by asiatrails
All these pictures just go to show that if you design it right it will look pretty - to someone. Paint it right and it will look better. My vote for a pretty jet is the Hunter. Yes these are gun barrels 4 ADEN's
Posted: 04 Jun 2006, 14:39
by PetervanStigt
Yep, the Hunter defines 'when it looks right, it flies right.' Here's my Rafale in a setting that I prefer, thanx to the wonders of Terragen and Photoshop. I happen to think that if the Viper wasn't around, Rafale would be a good favourite. Although designed in the mid-Eighties, it's actually an awesome machine in both aerodynamical and technological aspects...
Posted: 06 Jun 2006, 11:51
by PetervanStigt
...And of course the Raptor in about the only position I like
Posted: 07 Jun 2006, 00:13
by PanAm
Don't forget the infamous SUper bug.................... boy do I luv this jet
Posted: 07 Jun 2006, 00:17
by PanAm
Don't forget the infamous SUper bug.................... boy do I luv this jet
Posted: 07 Jun 2006, 00:19
by PanAm
here's a pic that i forgot to post
Posted: 07 Jun 2006, 01:25
by Redtail115
P-51D Mustang! Especially the ones w/ the Red tails......!
Posted: 07 Jun 2006, 03:02
by PanAm
P-51D mustang must of been the nicest WWII plane ever built, I luv how it has the scoop thing at the bottom, could anyone give me some specs on that?
Posted: 07 Jun 2006, 17:47
by Redtail115
http://www.planestuff.com/p5spec.html Has some really basic specs. Could really find anthing too in depth in regards to that air scoop, but its definiately to help in cooling that beautiful sounding V-12 "Merlin" that we all love. That shot of the heritage Flight over NY is great. Check these out!
Seeing the Rafale in action and the Raptor hauling A$$ looks great Pete!
Posted: 09 Jun 2006, 02:40
by Caprice
Gripen in SA colors is definitely a candidate.
Regards /C
Posted: 09 Jun 2006, 02:53
by asiatrails
PanAm wrote:P-51D mustang must of been the nicest WWII plane ever built, I luv how it has the scoop thing at the bottom, could anyone give me some specs on that?
Read "Angle of Attack" by Harrison Storms, he was involved with the design of it and the Saturn 5.
Posted: 09 Jun 2006, 06:10
by snypa777
PanAm wrote:P-51D mustang must of been the nicest WWII plane ever built, I luv how it has the scoop thing at the bottom, could anyone give me some specs on that?
That is the radiator scoop to cool oil and glycol for the engine. it was a key design feature. If you look at it there is a gap between the fuselage and the sccop at the front, you will see the same feature on the F-16 and even the F-4 on their engine intakes. The gap moves the intakes away from the boundary layer air to allow a clean airflow into them.
The Mustang`s air scoop also had a variable duct at the rear. When air passed through the radiator, it was heated by the exhaust, expanded and gave a small amount of thrust. Some say that this thrust offset the engine cooling drag factor by up to 95% but I am not really sure. The drag created by engine cooling ducts accounted for roughly 10% of total drag in fighters at the time.
It was a real innovation although people argue over whom came up with it. Some say it was the guys at North American, others say it was a scientist at Farnborough (UK). by the name of Meridith whom studied the effects of air flow and intakes. Yet more people say it was Rolls Royce that cracked that nut.
Interestingly, early P-51s didn`t have the gap or gutter above the scoop....
Lastly, the original Alison engine of some 1200hp, was actually better performance wise below 15,000ft than the Merlin 60 series 1600hp unit. The Merlin though was superb at medium to high altitude. The designers knew about the engine performance whilst the thing was being designed and the British always had an eye on fitting the Merlin to make it a good high altitude fighter...along with it`s two stage supercharger.
Although a fantastic aircraft, I don`t hold with the argument that the Mustang was the best fighter of the war, the Bearcat outperformed the Mustang in everything but range, the F4U was better in a lot of ways, the Spitfire could out-turn it.....The Me 262 jet was the best fighter for me.
The P-51 came at the right time though to provide long range bomber escort. The P-51H never saw service in WW2 and could reach over 450 mph with a 2,000hp engine.
Posted: 09 Jun 2006, 23:31
by PetervanStigt
Caprice, great shot of the Gripen. Still one of my favs because small is beautiful. Mustang remains very appealing to me, as is one of my beloved warbirds here in Holland, the B-25 Mitchell. As a matter of fact I'm leaving tomorrow for a two-day trip to a Danish airshow in our B-25J...
Posted: 09 Jun 2006, 23:53
by Redtail115
Alright, PetervanStight you have got to provide some type of link so I can see more of those pics...! They are unreal......!
Posted: 10 Jun 2006, 07:18
by PetervanStigt
Try the free photosite on which I have my own little corner:
And a great team, I saw them perform at Axalp. There's something about looking DOWN on an air display instead of UP... Great image again, Francoise...
Posted: 12 Jun 2006, 08:19
by françoise
thanks
Don't know if this one looking UP or DOWN
Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 20:44
by PetervanStigt
Seems to go overhead in a knife edge, sun in photographer's back. Looking good again.
Posted: 13 Jun 2006, 22:23
by boff180
beautiful aircraft....
took these at a charity photocall at the weekend.... all in military service
Supermarine Spitfire F.MkIX..ex-303(Polish) Squadron... BofB vet.
Gloster Meteor (modified for ejection seat trials)
Beach Super King Air 200
Shorts Tucano T.1
Andy
Posted: 14 Jun 2006, 14:22
by parrothead
Sweet pics !!! For some reason I've always been partial to Spitfires ...
Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 06:31
by françoise
some fresh air for the morning
Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 08:40
by RoAF
Hmmm, looks like two propellers in tandem. What plane is it, Francoise?
Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 10:33
by françoise
one "Supermarine"
Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 22:00
by RyanCollins
Two beautiful fighters (One is ):
Posted: 17 Jun 2006, 22:11
by boff180
RoAF wrote:Hmmm, looks like two propellers in tandem. What plane is it, Francoise?
Its a spitfire RoAF.... in particular a Griffin engine powered version.
Instead of modifying it... someone just took a Griffin out of a shackelton and shoe-horned it into a Spitfire.
Hence the contra-rotating hubs.
Andy
Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 03:43
by PanAm
I don't want to bother making a new topic just for this question so i'll just post it here. I heard somewhere that if a twin engine fighter had it's engines seperated apart from one another, like the Tomcat and the Mig-29, then the thrust would be greater? Could anyone clarify this for me, and what about single engined planes like the viper or twin engine planes with the 2 engines attached like the rafale and SH?
Thanks
Posted: 19 Jun 2006, 06:57
by vipersparkchaser
Here is a pic of my fav fighter right behind if not equal with the viper
By the backgroud you can probably guess where i work; this photo was taken during our airshow a year ago. My two fav mustangs
Posted: 20 Jun 2006, 06:26
by JR007
Vlado does have a very beautiful P-51. He flies his aircraft with extreme precision and respect, and Vlado is a complete gentleman. This is not all that commonplace in the airshow world these days. I definitely include Vlado in the short list that have the courtesy, skill, showmanship, politeness, and finesse that mirror the qualities of Mr. Robert A. “Bob” Hoover.
JR Kincaid
COO - Starfighters, Inc.
Posted: 25 Jun 2006, 21:04
by RyanCollins
Now this is a beautiful one :
Posted: 26 Jun 2006, 19:08
by PetervanStigt
Ryan, I know that particularly JR will like one of these pics... As I said before, the Rocket with a man in t has a special place in my heart, since it's responsible for getting me on the aviation track... I'm quite fond of the Skunk Works project of Kelly Johnson...
Posted: 27 Jun 2006, 00:56
by toan
Sabre:
Posted: 27 Jun 2006, 21:37
by PetervanStigt
Yess, F-86 Sabre, absolutely a classic and a beauty compared to the F-80 Shooting Star that also operated in Korea...
Posted: 28 Jun 2006, 21:14
by space_monkey
I think this picture looks nice from the angle its taken.
Posted: 28 Jun 2006, 22:35
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter, that wallpaper of the SR-71 is pretty cool, nice one, dude!
space_monkey, I have to say that some of the russian fighters are not beautiful just from one angle. Take a look at these :
Posted: 30 Jun 2006, 22:44
by PetervanStigt
Back to the good old days, when my main hobby activity was airplane spotting. In the Seventies Soesterberg AFB in the Netherlands was a combined Dutch/American airbase. USAFE had an outstanding unit based there as part of 2ATAF: the 32nd TFS Wolfhounds. From '69 until '78 the Rhino was their mount and as a spotter I have fond memories of these birds. The 32nd was a unit that has won both the Collier Trophy and Hughes Award several times and is the only foreign unit that was awarded the Dutch Royal Crest and Crown as part of their Disney Wolfhound emblem. Since they were operating in the backyard of the then Queen Juliana they were proud to call themselves 'The Queen's Own'. The American part of Soesterberg was called Camp New Amsterdam. In '78 the good old Smoker gave way to the F-15 Eagle which stayed with the 32nd until their disbandment in the mid-Nineties, marking the end of the only Royal American unit in history...
Posted: 13 Jul 2006, 15:53
by PetervanStigt
Still regretting the retirement of the Good Ol' Tomcat...
Posted: 17 Jul 2006, 10:50
by PetervanStigt
And how about the good old pioneering days? Those planes must have been a beautiful sight in the early Twentieth Century...
Posted: 17 Jul 2006, 15:31
by PetervanStigt
Another Raptor/Arizona combination. The way I like them best...
Posted: 17 Jul 2006, 16:25
by Iron_Eagle
Not the prettiest but one of the pretty ones: MiG-29UB.
DH Hornet
Posted: 18 Jul 2006, 01:59
by asiatrails
Here is the original Hornet by De Haviland.
Posted: 19 Jul 2006, 17:19
by françoise
Posted: 19 Jul 2006, 19:06
by PetervanStigt
Nice one again, Francoise. You've been at RIAT, I did not...
Posted: 24 Jul 2006, 21:42
by RyanCollins
Some beauties (from US and Sweden) :
Posted: 27 Jul 2006, 19:51
by françoise
Ryan
Yes I did Peter
Posted: 27 Jul 2006, 20:37
by RyanCollins
Hey, francoise, that's a great pic. Keep your distance, or you will burn
Posted: 27 Jul 2006, 22:14
by françoise
I will...
Posted: 28 Jul 2006, 20:13
by RyanCollins
françoise
Posted: 30 Jul 2006, 01:25
by Scorpion1alpha
Nice batch of pictures Francoise!
Ryan, you always have good tastes!
Pete, another nice Raptor work. Must consider another angle someday!
Posted: 30 Jul 2006, 20:25
by RyanCollins
Thanks, dude!
Cheers
Posted: 02 Aug 2006, 11:41
by françoise
rhahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Ryan nice point of view .....
Posted: 04 Aug 2006, 18:36
by PetervanStigt
Buenos dias dear ladies and gents, just checking my mail while enjoying my holiday in sunny Vilagarcia de Arousa, Galicia, Spain. Nice pics yáll! Cannot upload some of mine since i am in an internet cafe. Will be back at home base at the 15th. Keep it up and be safe. Greetz, Peter
Posted: 04 Aug 2006, 21:03
by françoise
Enjoy your vacation Peter. Keep the sun with you!
Posted: 14 Aug 2006, 12:05
by PetervanStigt
Hi people, I'm back! 2 1/2 weeks in Spanish Galicia, my wife's homeland. Instead of blue skies and green forests, we've been living under the constant threat of brown/grey smoke and forest fires. Like the Gallegos I'll say: mucho lume y mucho fume: nunca mais! These incendios provocados are destroying this wonderful land, you know... Every day the Canadair CL215 flying firefighters were flying their butts off to stop the burning of (now in total 40.000 hectares) of mountains in the Pontevedra/La Coruna area. If you see them flying, they become so very beautiful! And, because a cousin of my wife is in the Armada, he was able to visit Spain's great carrier Principe de Asturias, with AV-8B+ Harrier II's on board. To produce a nice portrait of the Spanish flying forces, I'll add these together with F-5s and a Hornet...
Posted: 14 Aug 2006, 19:50
by boff180
Awesome as usuall Peter.
But the fact the F-18 is packing ASRAAM, doesn't that make it Australian
Andy
Posted: 14 Aug 2006, 22:56
by PetervanStigt
Nope, it used to be Canadian...
Posted: 15 Aug 2006, 01:41
by snypa777
HOLA! Peter, hope you enjoyed your hols! It certainly sounds like it! That is a fantastic picture of the water-bomber!
Posted: 15 Aug 2006, 18:15
by PetervanStigt
Hola buenas Snypa. The feelings are split up two ways: on one hand it was great to be amongst the Gallego family again and eat myself silly on mariscos, on the other hand the forest fires were depressing... That's why the Canadair CL-415s looked so beautiful, trying to save whatever's left of the woods... It came awefully close this time, even did my two cents as a bombero...
Posted: 15 Aug 2006, 23:32
by snypa777
Sorry to hear that Peter, actually, forest fires are natures way of starting afresh and have some positive effects for the environment over time. Unless some moron starts one or you happen to live in a forest! Woods will regenerate over time and come back stronger than ever. Unfortunately none of us will see the results in our lifetime....
Must have been scary though being so close, hope everybody is ok.
That water effect on your rendering is fantastic, I love effects like that
Posted: 16 Aug 2006, 18:26
by PetervanStigt
Thanx! By the way, the Guardia Civil has determined that about 75% of those fires was man-made on purpose... But this starts to become off-topic now. Here's an on-topic one...
Posted: 16 Aug 2006, 20:30
by Lieven
Great Viggens Peter!
Amazing... this topic has nearly 30,000 views already and close to 600 posts! Wow!
Posted: 17 Aug 2006, 01:22
by snypa777
This thread has become an institution! It never seems to die!
I saw a aircraft very reminiscent of the AVRO Arrow yesterday. The XF108 RAPIER, this was to be the escort fighter for the XB-70 Valkyrie. The idea of fighter escort for bombers died well before the XB-70 though....
It was to be a Mach 3 capable fighter and carried the grandfather of the Phoenix missile, the GAR-9? in internal bays. Unfortunately, it would never have had the range of the XB` but could cruise at M3 for about 2.5 hours.
The two crew were to have an encapsulated escape system, the aircraft had 3 vertical stabs` and two J93 engines...
Posted: 17 Aug 2006, 19:14
by PetervanStigt
Yep, heard about it, another dinosaur that didn't progress beyond the paper tiger stage...
By the way, we should be proud of those figures given by Lieven...
I've always had a thing for airframes that are not necessarily pretty in the aestetical sense but have purposeful looks. I truly admire something like the Warthog, ugly as it is but doing its job like no other. Facing a top brass trying to retire the thing over and over again because it's not sexy and hitech enough, it's still around, as a real hands-on kite. Pilots seem to love the A-10. Same looks-story goes for the Apache helo. And twintails like the Hornet remain among my favourites.
Posted: 17 Aug 2006, 19:53
by TJSmitty
I'll throw one out there........the Saab JAS 35 Drakken....
Must have something to do with those Swedish women.
Remember the Miller Genuine Draft version......
Beer and airplanes.......it just doesn't get much better
Smitty
Posted: 17 Aug 2006, 22:01
by RyanCollins
Hey, Peter, bienvenido!!! Glad you enjoy your vacations in Galicia... Spain is a wonderful place to be.
Those wallpapers are really cool, dude.. I love the A-10, it's a beauty on it's own right, a gorgeous aircraft.
Well, here are some pics of the Warthog
Posted: 18 Aug 2006, 01:16
by afnsucks
The SU-27(all variants) of course. If I ever got the chance to fly in a Russian acft it'd be the Flanker by far. Don't get me wrong there are many fine non-Viper acft out there but the Flanker is just too damn cool.
Posted: 18 Aug 2006, 19:14
by PetervanStigt
Agreed on that one afnsucks. I've seen it fly many times and I am still impressed everytime when it performs the Pugachev Cobra... However, I prefer the single, the dual seems to have too much built-in headwind...
Posted: 18 Aug 2006, 19:20
by PetervanStigt
There's something about the Interwar year designs of Hawker's Sydney Camm, there is a grace to them, like the cars from that same country and era. Take for instance a combination of a Hawker Hart and a Woolsley. As for the Swedes, as I stated before, they are somewhat underestimated but at the pinnacle of technology every time. Right now it's the small and beautiful Gripen.
Posted: 19 Aug 2006, 19:13
by RyanCollins
Ah, the Gripen... I love that aircraft...
Posted: 19 Aug 2006, 19:25
by RyanCollins
What about this beauties :
PRETTIEST
Posted: 19 Aug 2006, 22:23
by olgo
This is what I like.As you can see,thay are all U.S. built.I just have never been able to warm up to anything else.
1. XB-70A
2. F-105D
3. B-58A
4. F-104 SINGLE SEAT ONLY
5. P-51D
If there would be a #6,for me it would be the F-4E,lizard paint only.Its a good looking ugly.
OLGO
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 20 Aug 2006, 21:43
by RyanCollins
Well, olgo.. that's a pretty cool list I like specially the XB-70 and B-58, They're fabulous.
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 22 Aug 2006, 22:18
by parrothead
Definitely two pretty ones !
Of course, I've always liked the SR-71 - and the seat was pretty comfy, too !
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 22 Aug 2006, 22:59
by PetervanStigt
WOW, I envy you, Parrothead! Where was this bird sitting? Pima?
Here are some more pieces of artwork depicting favorites of mine. First one, the NF-5B twoseater, has these sleek dolphin-like lines that I also like in the almost similar T-38. Second one, one more Gripen. Can't believe how small it is. Third one has a special place in my heart, although being a civilian kite. The Douglas DC-2 was more or less the dress rehearsal for the famous DC-3/C-47 Dakota/Skytrain. As far as I know there are only two complete and airworthy a/c's left of the slightly more than 200 built. One of these two we (the Dutch National Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome at Lelystad Airport) keep in the air. Last I know the other one is sitting helpless in California. Bear in mind that this DC-2 is, together with the Boeing 247, among the first all-metal airliners produced back in 1934. Our DC-2 resembles a KLM bird (the 'Uiver') that flew the famous MacPherson Robertson Air Race between Mildenhall/UK and Melbourne/AUS in '34, and, with a crew of 4 and a cargo of 3 passengers and hundreds of pieces of mail, came in second behind the Limeys Scott & Campbell-Black in their DH-88 Comet 'Grosvenor House'. Look it up in the history books, it was quite a heroic race and the KLM Uiver flew it like a regular airline hop to the other side of the world.
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 23 Aug 2006, 04:09
by parrothead
PetervanStigt wrote:WOW, I envy you, Parrothead! Where was this bird sitting? Pima?
Nope, it wasn't Pima - it was at the March ARB Air Museum on the day of the airshow . If you've seen the movie Space Cowboys, you've seen that jet on the big screen with Tommy Lee Jones .
More great artwork - thanks for posting it and relating that story about the KLM DC2 !
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 23 Aug 2006, 18:19
by PetervanStigt
Allright, now I know, I saw Space Cowboys. The Ripe Stuff cracked me up! I guess you agree that the type of small delicate humour that Clint Eastwood tends to put in his movies' conversations is hilareous... Thanx for the compliments and greetz to Sin City.
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 24 Aug 2006, 04:17
by parrothead
Yep, that's the one ! Great movie!
The compliments are well deserved and greetz right back at you in the Netherlands !
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 26 Aug 2006, 05:23
by parrothead
For pretty, I think I'd have to go with the Tomcat . Maybe it's because I grew up with 'em, but they always tug at the emotions . I'm gonna have to make it back to March Field for open cockpit day so I can sit in my favorite jet with my favorite squadron markings !
F-4Phantomflier wrote:Yes, but I don't really fancy the look of the SR-71
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 26 Aug 2006, 12:44
by PetervanStigt
Parrothead, be sure you get yourself photographed when sitting in that awesome bird, and don't forget your Tom Cruise look... Yep, the good ol' Tomcat, I'll miss her as well... Despite the engine troubles in the pre-F-110 era, there was something both powerful and beautiful about the F-14. What is it? The nose drooping down, the twin tails, the tunnel ending up in the beaver tail, swing wings, the AWG-9/Phoenix combination, or all of the above? When I was about 10 years old back in '74, three planes captured my imagination: the Viggen, the F-14 and the YF-16 doing its LWF competition. Gosh, am I that old..? Those were the days of planes that still had character. Sounding like Gums now... Sorry for the YF, this is supposed to be a non-Viper topic...
RE: PRETTIEST
Posted: 26 Aug 2006, 18:15
by PetervanStigt
I can also agree on the Rhino...
Posted: 26 Aug 2006, 19:19
by olgo
Thats a good one.Were did it come from?
My #4 and #6 on the same painting.Sweet
OLGO
Posted: 27 Aug 2006, 10:40
by PetervanStigt
Olgo, I produce these things, it's what I do for a living...
Posted: 27 Aug 2006, 10:50
by PetervanStigt
It's not only jet fighters that are appealing to me. I must say that Lockheed has produced some fine turboprops...
Posted: 28 Aug 2006, 13:28
by olgo
Peter
One never knows what they don't know.
Great stuff.
Olgo
Posted: 28 Aug 2006, 19:13
by PetervanStigt
Thanx, buddy. I know you couldn't have known, you know...
Posted: 28 Aug 2006, 23:03
by boff180
A british classic!
I took these at the weekend... yes these two birds live and did full burner runs down the runway... just aren't allowed to lift off
Andy
Posted: 29 Aug 2006, 05:44
by skrip00
Why werent they allowed to take off?
Posted: 29 Aug 2006, 19:07
by PetervanStigt
Boff. Is this the Cold War Jets taxi run show at Bruntingthorpe? Here are my Lightning and another British classic, the Harrier (GR.7 in this case)
Posted: 29 Aug 2006, 21:39
by asiatrails
CAA (British FAA) are unwilling to provide the necessary approvals without a lot of money and support from the OEM's. You have to go to South Africa to see them flying - so far.
Posted: 29 Aug 2006, 22:03
by PetervanStigt
Pity, that's too far for the time being...
Posted: 29 Aug 2006, 22:32
by boff180
Peter: yup taken at that event!
Skrip: Asiatrails is partially right; the CAA have a policy of not allowing any ex-military aircraft which has a reheat (afterburner) to be operated in civilian hands, due to the risks and complexity of the aircraft. The Lightning in particular had a high record of engine fires so is banned from flying in Civi hands in the UK.
List of jet warbirds cleared to fly in the UK:
Gloster Meteor
DeHavilland Vampire
DeHavilland Venom
DeHavilland Sea Vixen
EE Canberra
Hawker Hunter
Folland Gnat
Aero L-29 delfin.
Aero L-39 Albatros
Jet Provost
Strikemaster
Lockheed T-33A
Mig-15
Cleared but not yet flying (ie. being made airworthy):
Hawker Siddley Buccaneer
Avro Vulcan.
Andy
Posted: 30 Aug 2006, 08:26
by parrothead
Now that's just a downright crying shame ! The Starfighters have TWO F-104s in the air here in the States and Bill Reesman has his (second) MiG-17F - great in night shows with the pyrotechnics and flickering afterburner . Oh yeah, then there's the Collings Foundation's F-4, a couple of MiG-21s... the list goes on. I say let 'em fly if they can prove that they can maintain 'em !
Posted: 30 Aug 2006, 18:59
by PetervanStigt
Hear hear, Parrothead. But Europe has always been lagging behind in this respect and I don't foresee any change yet.
Posted: 31 Aug 2006, 03:06
by asiatrails
I agree, the authorities are pretty risk averse and want to keep private aviation to things like C-150 or Bolkow Junior's. Even Chipmunks are sort of frowned upon.
Posted: 31 Aug 2006, 08:52
by parrothead
I hear ya guys. Chipmunks frowned upon ??? Someone needs to get some different leadership!
I don't want too much out of life - really! All I want is my own F-14, $$$ for gas and maintenance, clearance to carry live rounds in the gun and shoot the heck out of my own private land (there's already someone with an F-101 like that from what I hear), maybe an F-16, more $$$ for gas and maintenance, my own airport, rezoning of my land as a supersonic zone ... Not that much !
Posted: 31 Aug 2006, 09:48
by PetervanStigt
I can see you're a humble guy, Parrothead...
Posted: 31 Aug 2006, 22:01
by RyanCollins
Three beauties:
Posted: 01 Sep 2006, 01:51
by asiatrails
If I had the money I want one each of these:
Posted: 01 Sep 2006, 01:54
by asiatrails
[quote="parrothead"]I hear ya guys. Chipmunks frowned upon ??? Someone needs to get some different leadership!
Fabric covered wings, fun to fly, good for aerotows and aerobatic - must not be allowed !! can't show up the nosewheel crowd by landing on grass - and having fun - huff huff.
Posted: 01 Sep 2006, 07:09
by françoise
F16 weatherforcast
Posted: 02 Sep 2006, 20:44
by RyanCollins
Hey, nice one, françoise... it's a cool pic
Posted: 03 Sep 2006, 09:26
by PetervanStigt
Yep, very creative photgraphy, Francoise, as usual... I guess we can't help but put in a Viper into this non-Viper thread. Because it's so damn pretty... AsI told before, its forerunner, the F-104, got this aviation enthusiasm started for me back in the late Sixties.
Posted: 03 Sep 2006, 20:26
by françoise
we can't help but put in a Viper into this non-Viper thread
it could but it's so lovely jet.....
Posted: 03 Sep 2006, 21:48
by PetervanStigt
Nice image! Did you know I know the guys running this solo display Viper? They're using my products as well...
Posted: 03 Sep 2006, 21:54
by RyanCollins
Really??? What kind of products do they use?
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 01:46
by Raptor_One
RyanCollins wrote:Really??? What kind of products do they use?
LOL... my question exactly. That just sounded funny.
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 19:30
by françoise
Did you know I know the guys running this solo display Viper
I don't have this chance .......but I met in Riat some nice members of the crew of the 313 squadron
They're using my products as well...
......did they borrow you the white colour to draw clouds with the F16 didn't put one more photo of F16 in this thread you will kill me
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 20:15
by PetervanStigt
The RNLAF F-16 Solo Display is using one of my illustrations as a poster and a T-shirt is about to be reproduced in larger quantities. Not to kill you off Francoise but I have to show this one, an old-school manually painted image (gouache on board) of my latest anniversary tail design (Bonzo 55 Years), the real one is finally up and running at 312 TFS/RNLAF. Last Viper from me on this non-Viper thread...
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 20:20
by Raptor_One
Ahhh... those kinds of products.
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 20:29
by RyanCollins
That's nice...Can you sell me a T-Shirt, Peter ?
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 21:19
by PetervanStigt
They've got to be printed first, Ryan...
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 21:24
by françoise
+1 for the T-shirt Well ok you kill me of is there a gooffy pilot in the team wearung your T-shirt??
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 21:37
by RyanCollins
Ok, I'll wait for the T-Shirt...
Posted: 04 Sep 2006, 22:31
by RyanCollins
Here's a beautiful fighter:
Posted: 05 Sep 2006, 02:13
by asiatrails
Let me know when they are available.
Posted: 05 Sep 2006, 10:32
by Scorpion1alpha
françoise wrote:
we can't help but put in a Viper into this non-Viper thread
it could but it's so lovely jet.....
Beautiful shot Francoise!
Posted: 05 Sep 2006, 10:33
by Scorpion1alpha
RyanCollins wrote:That's nice...Can you sell me a T-Shirt, Peter ?
Make that 2.
Posted: 05 Sep 2006, 16:58
by PetervanStigt
I'll pass it on to the RNLAF Solo Display Team... In the meantime, here's an aircraft that is in my view the most beautiful propliner ever and we're proud to keep it airworthy at Lelystad/NL
Posted: 05 Sep 2006, 18:03
by françoise
you mean this one better
Posted: 05 Sep 2006, 20:44
by PetervanStigt
Francoise, that's its sister ship. A little story: The Constellation you uploaded here is the 'MATS Connie', an L-749A that used to be owned by John Travolta. Up until less than a year ago it was owned, flown and maintained by the Connie Group, based at Marana/Tucson in Arizona. Today, the plane is sitting in a South Korean aviation museum.
Our Constellation was stored at the Connie Group's platform and sat there helplessly for about 7 years. Until we (the Dutch National Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome) came along and took charge of the bird. Together with the Americans we cranked our Connie up to flying status in about a year and a half. I myself have been there to work on our Connie there twice, in high Summer (45 Degrees Celsius in the Sonora Desert), as a 'cosmetic'. First trip for me was paint stripping 4 layers of sh*t applied by 4 owners. The second trip was applying a new livery on it. In September 2002 our Connie was flown on its own power from Tucson, via Texas, Canada, Iceland, Scotland and Britain to The Netherlands. It's in major overhaul now but will fly balls out during next year's airshows in Europe. Be sure to watch it...
Posted: 06 Sep 2006, 20:10
by PetervanStigt
Hey guys and dolls, in a few days time it's 5 years ago that we were all struck by Nine-Eleven. After this, the world was never to be the same anymore. Here's a tribute to the fine NYC people...
Posted: 07 Sep 2006, 21:57
by RyanCollins
Great wallpaper, Peter... It's a nice tribute to the victims of 9-11.
Posted: 07 Sep 2006, 22:06
by Raptor_One
I don't believe F-22s have patrolled over Manhattan, but I'd love to see them if they did. Having the Blue Angels flying around my neighborhood several months ago was pretty cool. A few F-22s would be even better... maybe.
Posted: 08 Sep 2006, 06:04
by PetervanStigt
Maybe not Raptor One, but as part of a Heritage Flight at least one F-22 flew over Manhattan...
Posted: 08 Sep 2006, 07:54
by Raptor_One
PetervanStigt wrote:Maybe not Raptor One, but as part of a Heritage Flight at least one F-22 flew over Manhattan...
Really? Do you have pictures? I live in Manhattan, so it would be nice to see pictures of an F-22 flying over the city.
Posted: 08 Sep 2006, 17:44
by PetervanStigt
Oops, you are right and I made a mistake. The Raptor was not part of a heritage flight over Manhattan... Which aircraft were, you can see in these images. Here they are...
Posted: 08 Sep 2006, 21:42
by Raptor_One
Yeah... I saw those pictures earlier this year and sort of had a picture of them in my mind when you mentioned heritage flight. The only thing is that I didn't remember the F-22 being part of it. My memory was foggy though. If ever there is a picture of the F-22 flying over Manhattan, I will have it framed! Hehehe....
Posted: 09 Sep 2006, 19:31
by RyanCollins
Wow, I've never seen those photos before.. they're absolutely fantastic. Four beauties flying over Manhattan..(Yes, I think that the Warthog is a beauty )
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 00:05
by PetervanStigt
Our aerial contribution in Afghanistan...
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 08:44
by françoise
Thanks for the little story Peter. your work is always stunning. I love the action draw of the moving jets
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 09:36
by PetervanStigt
OW! These pics of yours are just as stunning, Francoise...
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 13:56
by PetervanStigt
Another Dutch Zipper...
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 16:59
by PetervanStigt
Since I can't get enough of the love of my youth, the 104, I made it again in a different setting. With this image I'm taking a risk.
Story:
The early Seventies marked an era in which The Netherlands became acquainted with terrorsm. Young members of an ethnic group decided to back their demands to the Dutch Government up with this means. An embassy was occupied, a train was hijacked, few years later a primary school was occupied and again a train was hijacked. I will not get into the background of those youngsters and their motives, avoiding becoming political. The following action is hardly known outside my country.
It was the early morning of (I believe) June 11th 1975. The hijacked train had been sitting in the middle of nowhere for a couple of weeks and the situation was getting out of hand, hostages were about to be killed. During that time a plan had evolved to put an end to this drama. Six Dutch F-104s strafed the train in full A/B without firing a single shot, at below 100 ft and around 400 MPH, like they had practising at an airbase days before. In the resulting ear-deafening commotion the Marines, who had steadily been sneaking up the train, saturated the train cockpit (the command post) with bullets and blew up the balcony doors, killing some terrorists and setting the hostages free.
Bear in mind that this was the pre-special forces era. It's the only real operational sortie of the F-104 in its 22-year career in the RNLAF.
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 20:56
by RyanCollins
That's my Zipper!!!
Posted: 10 Sep 2006, 21:52
by RyanCollins
Two aircrafts from Argentina:
Posted: 11 Sep 2006, 18:57
by PetervanStigt
Pucara and Pampa, nice ones, Ryan...
Posted: 13 Sep 2006, 15:09
by PetervanStigt
Here's one of my favorite Zipppers, part of the fastest civil display team...
Posted: 13 Sep 2006, 21:42
by RyanCollins
Nice one...
Posted: 14 Sep 2006, 19:52
by PetervanStigt
Gotta post this one (sorry, it's a Viper...)
Posted: 15 Sep 2006, 21:23
by PetervanStigt
Air battle occurs in a three-dimensional space, as we all know. In my effort to emphasize this I produced these three wallpapers. The first two yall know. The third is a different story. About 15 years ago I tried to come up with a self-designed aircraft as an answer to the 4th generations fighters appearing on scene. I called it MANTA: Multirole Aircraft of Natural Technology Aerodynamics. Not just a pleasing shape but also more or less designed internally, as far as I was able to as a non-engineer basing myself on a quarter of a century aviation reading.
Posted: 17 Sep 2006, 17:36
by PetervanStigt
By far the nicest way for a civilian ike me is watching (with envy) the aerial ballet of solo or group demo teams.
Posted: 18 Sep 2006, 02:16
by snypa777
Hey guys, up late tonight! Those blue painted F-104`s look fantastic! Never seen any like that before...Thanks!
Here are a couple of others in unusual camo`.
Posted: 24 Sep 2006, 23:00
by RyanCollins
snypa, dude!, the last picture is gorgeous!!! You win this Bud, pal...
Posted: 04 Oct 2006, 18:46
by françoise
... Snypa... it looks like in pyjamas
Well what about this one... A piece of history is turn again
Posted: 04 Oct 2006, 19:10
by PetervanStigt
Yep Francoise, sad to see the big cat go... Been crying a whole pool of tears over it...
But, how about these two of my favorite WWII warbirds..?
Posted: 05 Oct 2006, 08:22
by françoise
nice draw as always Peter
.....could you tell us please more about this draw
Posted: 06 Oct 2006, 12:52
by PetervanStigt
Which one? One of mine, or a background on the lovely image you just posted? You image seems to depict a Tomcat of the (then) VF-84 'Jolly Rogers'. They were movie stars in a Hollywood production called The Final Countdown. Look it up, it's an amusing movie with Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas and James Farentino...
My images as always are a combination of analogue and digital paintings and photos if necessary...
Posted: 06 Oct 2006, 15:19
by PetervanStigt
Time to portray the Blackbird again. It's so spectacular that I can't get enough of it...
Posted: 07 Oct 2006, 19:22
by PetervanStigt
And another one from Kelly Johnson
Posted: 07 Oct 2006, 20:57
by RyanCollins
Oh yes, the Blackbird... It's one of the most beautiful aircrafts ever made, along with the Viper, of course
Posted: 08 Oct 2006, 20:27
by parrothead
Foxtrotting awesome again - great job Peter !!!
Posted: 08 Oct 2006, 22:16
by PetervanStigt
Here's a little story that both our Belgian webmasters might remember:
On the 4th of July 1989 the 32nd TFS, then operating F-15Cs from Soesterberg AFB, The Netherlands, experienced their most bizarre QRA in the Cold War period. A Russian MiG-23 Flogger had taken off from a Polish airbase. Due to some sort of malfunction its pilot decided to punch out for a nylon letdown. The Flogger went on ballistically, flew into West German airspace. By then two Flying Tenniscourts from 32nd's Wolfhounds had been up within 4 minutes from Zulu Alert, caught up with it and flew formation with it across Holland until it crashed close to a home in a suburb of the Belgian town Kortrijk. By doing so it caused the only European casualty of war by the hands of a MiG, killing 19-year old Wim de Laere...
Posted: 09 Oct 2006, 15:45
by PetervanStigt
Talking about MiGs buying it, over Korea it was a great party for the Americans in the founding father of the modern jet fighter: the Sabre...
Posted: 10 Oct 2006, 08:02
by françoise
Thanks for the answer Peter Never saw the Blackbird Wonderful jet!
Posted: 10 Oct 2006, 21:12
by RyanCollins
françoise, you mean that you never saw a Blackbird in an airshow or something like that, right? Or you never saw a photo of the Blackbird before???
Posted: 11 Oct 2006, 13:44
by françoise
Never saw it flying or even in static ..just went once in the Smithsonian museum but in the down town of Washington so never saw it .but your draw are a pleasure
Posted: 11 Oct 2006, 18:50
by Patriot
Here is polish MiG-21 Fishbed (from 10th TFS, Łask, well-known in Poland as 'nail' or 'iron') towards the evening of his service. Fishbeds has retired in 2003. His successor will be F-16. Nevertheless I'll be always have sentiment to this aircraft
Posted: 15 Oct 2006, 13:50
by PetervanStigt
Nice MiGs, Patriot! Here are some rotaries that I fancy. The Vietnam war has always had my interest. It's sometimes called the Helicopter War. The French Panther is one of the neatest widebody helo designs I've ever seen...
Posted: 15 Oct 2006, 21:03
by RyanCollins
Nice wallpapers, Peter I like the second one, with the Loach and the OV-10 Bronco, it's really cool.
Posted: 15 Oct 2006, 21:30
by RyanCollins
Nice wallpapers, Peter I like the second one, with the Loach and the OV-10 Bronco, it's really cool.
Posted: 16 Oct 2006, 11:18
by Scorpion1alpha
Haven't visited this thread in a while. Love the F-15 and F-86 artworks. Those are beauties.
Posted: 16 Oct 2006, 19:58
by Patriot
PetervanSight, as always
Posted: 16 Oct 2006, 20:02
by Patriot
...great pic with Huey
Posted: 17 Oct 2006, 18:39
by françoise
Great pics Peter
Something to drink?
Posted: 19 Oct 2006, 11:52
by PetervanStigt
Nice one Francois. I've seen the little twister going into the Viper's intake lots of times. The engine is a real pickpocket... here's my beloved Tomcat, in better times before its retirement.
Posted: 21 Oct 2006, 00:20
by PetervanStigt
Now here's a long-standing promise that I fullfill: the Canadian Avro Arrow. And here's a story about bad politics and economic pressure:
Both the Arrow of the mid to late Fifties and the British BAC TSR.2 of the early Sixties (that I posted before in this topic) shared the same fate. Both were very promising designs, half a dozen built and flight-tested each. Had they been given the opportunity to come to fruit, they might have built up an extensive career lasting until the Millenium, becoming obsolete only by the turn of the century. It was not to be: the USA saw their market decreasing if the Brits and Canucks were to proceed with these fine products that were proven to be the pinnacle of aviation technology. And Washington decided to do something about it.
The TSR.2 high-speed penetrator was proven to be far superior to its American competitor, the F-111. The latter suffered from teething trouble when hastily tested over Vietnam in Operation Combat Lancer, some of them went MIA. Then, under American economic pressure Downing Street 10 axed the TSR.2 project, bought F-111s which never saw service in the RAF and were dumped in Australia. The F-4s, already on the shelf during the TSR.2, were purchased and extensively modified with British Spey engines and avionics. Throwing away millions of taxpayer's money not once, not twice but three times...
The Canadian Arrow interceptor, and its outstanding Orenda Iroquois engine, was to be Canada's reply to the Communist threat in that era. Again, American economic pressure axed the project, Canada bought F-101 Voodoos instead. Until the F-14 and F-15 came along, the Arrow would have been much more effective in defending Canada's borders than aything else in the sky.
Bear in mind the Phantom was more or less multirole, heavily depending on BVR missiles and crews trained that way. Problem was that the BVR missile, the AIM-7 Sparrow, was missing its target in 80 to 90% of the instances it was used over Vietnam. Until AMRAAM came along the British Skybolt and Skyflash (improved British adaption ofthe Sparrow) were doing their job just fine.
Both Britain and Canada had the edge, lost it because of the story above and never recovered from this.
Posted: 21 Oct 2006, 15:25
by Patriot
simply WOW
breathtakeing !
Posted: 28 Oct 2006, 11:34
by PetervanStigt
Another favorite of mine: one that might be regarded as the WWII F-16, the Mustang...
Posted: 29 Oct 2006, 20:32
by RyanCollins
That's a nice wall, Peter... What about this four beauties???
Posted: 30 Oct 2006, 00:18
by PetervanStigt
Nice bunch, Ryan. Those Americans sure know what to send in the air for a Heritage Flight: four of my all time favs...
Posted: 14 Nov 2006, 05:44
by Spooky
RyanCollins wrote:That's a nice wall, Peter... What about this four beauties???
Is that Mustang "Gunfighter"? If so i have sat in it.
Hehehe, someone may have already posted this but...
Posted: 14 Nov 2006, 22:49
by PetervanStigt
Ouch, that's a nice business end of the Warthog!
Posted: 15 Nov 2006, 17:11
by Tomcat_71
F-14 Tomcat (any variant). No wait, a Jolly Rogers Tomcat! No wait, a Jolly Rogers Hornet!
Posted: 15 Nov 2006, 23:23
by PanAm
F-14 Tomcat (any variant). No wait, a Jolly Rogers Tomcat! No wait, a Jolly Rogers Hornet!
But still, the jolly rogers colour scheme still looks much better on the Tomcat rather than the Super Hornet.
Posted: 19 Nov 2006, 11:43
by Scorpion1alpha
Great image of a great aircraft!
Posted: 24 Nov 2006, 00:14
by RyanCollins
Wow, that's an amazing picture of the Tomcat, dude! But I think that the SH looks really cool with the Jolly Rogers scheme.
Posted: 24 Nov 2006, 08:49
by deeenkaY
I can't go past the sexy F-18
Posted: 26 Nov 2006, 13:09
by PetervanStigt
Hi, it's been a while. Busy and all... Nice pics yáll! Here are some of mine again. I keep going back to the same classics, this time with a high Zipper content...
Posted: 29 Nov 2006, 07:00
by indian_sukhoi
Mine will be always the Flankers, Especially the Sukhoi-30MKI.
I was gone crazy on Sukhois when i first seen a Sukhoi-30MKI manaurvers in an Airshow conducted by Indian Airforce.
Posted: 01 Dec 2006, 18:01
by Spooky
It is the Phantom of course!!!
Posted: 05 Dec 2006, 00:40
by RyanCollins
Etendards :
Posted: 20 Dec 2006, 21:01
by Foxtrot97
Typhoon with afterburner
Posted: 22 Dec 2006, 21:10
by RyanCollins
Ah, the Typhoon... it's a beauty, like this other:
Merry X-MAS
Posted: 01 Jan 2007, 13:48
by PetervanStigt
Hi guys, been away for a while. Some very nice a/c's you've uploaded. First off all (although a bit belated): Mery Christmas and a happy New Year, feliz Navidad y un prospero Anho Nuevo.
Been busy but here are some of my favs again. Quite a few, to make up for lost time...
Posted: 02 Jan 2007, 21:44
by françoise
Just one of mine... for the sun rise light and one for starting the New year in action
Posted: 04 Jan 2007, 21:30
by RyanCollins
Peter and françoise, you two posted the best wallpapers of this new year.. nice work guys, I like specially the Mirage wall, is really gorgeous!
Posted: 09 Jan 2007, 19:48
by RyanCollins
Check this:
Posted: 13 Jan 2007, 19:45
by françoise
Thanks Ryan.....
Posted: 14 Jan 2007, 14:39
by PetervanStigt
Yeah, thanx Ryan!
Posted: 16 Jan 2007, 20:28
by RyanCollins
Thank YOU, guys!
Posted: 20 Jan 2007, 19:03
by PetervanStigt
In the everlasting search for the prettiest non-Viper, I decided to come up with my hypothetical plane: MANTA. I believe I posted some MANTA stuff before but here are some more. By the way, MANTA stands for Multirole Aircraft of Natural Technology Aerodynamics. I'm a Burt Rutan disciple when it comes to aircraft shapes...
We might start a new thread: design your own ultimate F-16 successor...
Posted: 20 Jan 2007, 22:15
by RyanCollins
Pete, the MANTA looks pretty nice, really cool... Have you got some other desings???
Posted: 21 Jan 2007, 10:18
by françoise
Peter love your Manta idea...
It's always hard to compete with the pure lines of the F-16
Posted: 21 Jan 2007, 15:43
by Scorpion1alpha
PetervanStigt wrote:In the everlasting search for the prettiest non-Viper, I decided to come up with my hypothetical plane: MANTA. I believe I posted some MANTA stuff before but here are some more. By the way, MANTA stands for Multirole Aircraft of Natural Technology Aerodynamics. I'm a Burt Rutan disciple when it comes to aircraft shapes...
We might start a new thread: design your own ultimate F-16 successor...
That "MANTA" design looks very futuristic. Nice job on it.
Posted: 25 Mar 2007, 23:22
by RyanCollins
Some wonderful aircraft:
Posted: 27 Mar 2007, 00:05
by Sundowner
The MANTA is really nice, but have some RCS related issues... and I don't think it could fly with shape like that... but, oh well, even the F-4 flew, so it is probably a matter of engine
Posted: 27 Mar 2007, 00:30
by Tim
The pic of the Mustang and Corsair is amazing. Not to mention the two most beautiful airframes ever conceived.
Thanx Ryancollins. you just made a miserable day much better
Posted: 29 Mar 2007, 02:13
by Scorpion1alpha
Sundowner wrote:and I don't think it could fly with shape like that... but, oh well, even the F-4 flew, so it is probably a matter of engine
With the right motors, you can make a brick fly.
Posted: 29 Mar 2007, 18:33
by PetervanStigt
Yep guys, that's true, you can make a brick fly with sufficient power. MANTA is just a personal exercise of mine to see if I can come up with something feasible without being an engineer and solely based on 30 years of reading about aviation... The Flying Tenniscourt remains one of my favs...
Posted: 30 Mar 2007, 07:14
by Darkhorseman
Sorry Chaps. Supermarine Scimitar F1 every time.
1. It's a Naval Aircraft.
2. There is no need for a second reason.
Posted: 30 Mar 2007, 08:29
by PetervanStigt
Nice and odd one, Darkhorseman... No one ever mentioned the Scimitar. Isn't there one left at Yeovilton/UK?
Posted: 30 Mar 2007, 16:17
by Darkhorseman
Hi. Yes, there's one at Yeovilton, one at an outdoor aero park called 'Flambards' in Cornwall. There is also at least one on static display somewhere in the USA. No photo at the moment, so I'll post a random link instead;-
Yeah, Pete... the Eagle is a wonderful aircraft, but it's succesor is very very cool too:
Posted: 03 Apr 2007, 07:57
by parrothead
Another wonderful plane to behold was the Concorde . Graceful lines and so wonderfully designed for high dollar passengers - the nose drooped so that it could look down it on mere serfs like me (just kidding ) .
Posted: 03 Apr 2007, 17:18
by PetervanStigt
Yep, for a civilian plane I must say the Concorde is the prettiest. Like the chase pilot on its first trip mentioned over the radio: 'you have no idea how beautiful you look...')
Posted: 03 Apr 2007, 19:28
by Scorpion1alpha
RyanCollins wrote:Yeah, Pete... the Eagle is a wonderful aircraft, but it's succesor is very very cool too:
Posted: 04 Apr 2007, 20:32
by PetervanStigt
Agreed, agreed. But the Raptor (and much more so the JSF) has to grow on me a little. I seem to have this emotional bond with the Eagle, since they have been stationed at Soesterberg AB/Camp New Amsterdam until a few years back. That was the 32nd TFS 'Wolfhounds', part of 2ATAF and the only USAFE-unit that could receive orders from a foreign state (i.e. The Netherlands). The 32nd was the only 'Royal' American unit, receiving the Dutch Royal Crown and Apple of Orange crest on their emblem. Anyone here heard of the 32nd..? Before the Eagle they flew F-86, F-100, F-102 and TISEO F-4E. Tail code was CR.
Posted: 20 Apr 2007, 22:02
by françoise
Love the Eagle.....hope to see one day the LN base to be in the nest of them if they please
Posted: 21 Apr 2007, 11:25
by PetervanStigt
Well, Francoise, Lakenheath is not that far away for you. Just cross the Channel... Love your pic by the way...
Posted: 22 Apr 2007, 21:46
by RyanCollins
Wow, guys... those wallpapers are really nice! the Flying Tennis Court is great
Posted: 26 Apr 2007, 13:35
by françoise
love your stunning draw also
..Well yes I know this is not so far.but you know ... don't know how to drive on the wrong side of the road ....;and I guess I can't call the base just saying ..hello I am françoise would like to come and shoot your jets for my pleasure ... would love to see their faces if I am doing this!!!
Just staying on the nature runway for the moment...
and it's fun also......
Posted: 26 Apr 2007, 14:11
by boff180
You want gorgeous? I'll give you gorgeous.
Posted: 26 Apr 2007, 18:37
by parrothead
Great shot, Andy !
Now why can't I get a flypast like that out here in Nevada ?
Posted: 26 Apr 2007, 19:04
by VPRGUY
One of my personal favorites...
Posted: 28 May 2007, 13:23
by françoise
this one stay my favorite.even in the grey weather.....let's rock with the new Airshow season !!
Posted: 30 May 2007, 17:29
by PetervanStigt
Nice ones, people... It's been quite a while for me to be here again, but here are some of my favs...
Posted: 31 May 2007, 07:32
by françoise
you didn't loose your magic pencil Peter .....nice to see you again
Posted: 20 Jul 2007, 17:05
by bdn12
The only M3 aircraft ever-
Posted: 22 Jul 2007, 21:25
by RyanCollins
The Valkyrie and the Blackbird... Nice ones, bdn12!!!
I remember the first time I saw the Blackbird... I fell in love with it (like the F-16) Really a wonderful aircraft...
Posted: 22 Jul 2007, 22:26
by boff180
Two beauts from riat....
Posted: 25 Jul 2007, 15:01
by RyanCollins
It's the Nighthawk!!!
Posted: 25 Jul 2007, 15:43
by boff180
F-117 eh?
My take
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 03:17
by Lodni_Kranazon
IMHO it has to be (like Peter) my first love: The Starfighter! I've never had the opportunity to even SEE one in person but since my parents got me the Revell kit it has always been my favorite. Followed closely by the RA-5C.
RE: My take
Posted: 10 Aug 2007, 22:14
by RyanCollins
Well, I have to be honest: SHE was my first love...
RE: My take
Posted: 21 Aug 2007, 12:57
by ANYTIMEBABY!
thats not even a question....lol
Posted: 24 Aug 2007, 03:52
by SixerViper
The prettiest view of an airplane ever is a clean F-106 coming at you head-on at low level with the burner blazing! Wish I had a pic of it. All you see is the droopy nose, two huge intakes, and a huge plume of heat waves blasting out the back of the jet as it comes screaming by! If that doesn't affect you, nothing will.
To this day, she is STILL the fastest single-engine airplane ever to fly!
Posted: 30 Aug 2007, 18:58
by Carswell
The F-15 has always looked really graceful flying to me, very effortless looking.
Posted: 04 Sep 2007, 20:09
by RyanCollins
Posted: 08 Dec 2007, 16:55
by françoise
F16 stay the best with it's Christmas colour
Posted: 12 Jan 2008, 22:43
by PetervanStigt
Hello Y'all! Long time no see. No, it was not out of sight out of mind, just a lot of developments going on in my life demanding my attention. Glad to see that this thread is still going strong...
Here are my 50 cents again...
Posted: 16 Jan 2008, 20:09
by RyanCollins
This is a perfect duo...
Posted: 21 Jan 2008, 19:17
by françoise
perfect as always my two cents again also
Posted: 21 Jan 2008, 19:52
by PetervanStigt
Good to see that your photography retains a very very high standard as well, Francoise!
Posted: 21 Jan 2008, 20:50
by StolichnayaStrafer
Have to go with my all time favorite:
Somewhat biased though. My Dad was a crew chief at Andrews AFB when the 4th FIG scrambled the first Sabres to Korea. Dad wound up in Japan doing all of their overhauls(he had TOO much fun there! ). The first ones there looked the best- sort of reverse WWII invasion stripes, better than those orangy yellow bands they had later on.
Posted: 23 Jan 2008, 01:55
by StolichnayaStrafer
Sorry, but I love these guys too!
Look Ma, no catapult!
I just love all things Flanker!
Posted: 23 Jan 2008, 19:19
by PetervanStigt
I can agree with that, it's a huge but gorgeous twintail...
Posted: 24 Jan 2008, 00:36
by snypa777
StolichnayaStrafer, is that the Admiral Kuznetsov? Peter, glad to see your back, hope all is well. Stunning renders as usual!
Posted: 24 Jan 2008, 01:17
by StolichnayaStrafer
Yup- the pic is from a joint US/Russian exercise in the Med from 2003(?). A bunch of our guys are on the deck touring it up, there were other pics of officers in the Sea Flanker cockpits too. I got these 8 x 10s from Ebay, they're pretty nice framed with a bunch of all sorts of stuff on the walls of my Fun Room!
Update: Here's a couple more off of the wall, when the Flying Tigers had bigger mouthes!
A-7D Corsairs sure aren't ugly to me!
Posted: 24 Jan 2008, 15:10
by snypa777
StolichnayaStrafer, thanks for that. I love the A-7 too!
Here is a vid` taken from the Kuznetsov, currently on a Med` cruise with 2 Sovremmeny class ships and escorts. A Frogfoot has a particularly heavy landing which damages the aircraft. Accidents do happen. The Su-33`s look cool though, but because there are no cats`, the launch weight for them is very low, ie they can only carry a light load of AAM`s and not a full fuel load.
Watch out for the escort destroyer being tossed about in heavy seas, 10,000 tons but looks to be a pig at sea keeping! I swear it turns into a submarine at one stage. Feel sorry for the crew on board.
I got this press photo last year of the HMS Invincible steaming up the channel on 11/22/1980- I think it was her maiden voyage?
Love those Sea Harriers!
Funny though, the press release backing calls it an Anti-Submarine Cruiser, and the Admiral Kuznetsov is referred to being a Cruiser class vessel as well!
Posted: 25 Jan 2008, 18:52
by snypa777
Yes, Invincible class carriers were actually called "Through deck cruisers", simply to avoid calling them aircraft carriers. In the 1960s, when CVA-01 was canceled, the mere mention of "Aircraft carrier" and the huge costs incurred would send goverment money men running for cover. The phrase became a dirty word. Through deck cruiser was more acceptable. Just politics. The Kuznetzov AFAIK is actually a real deal converted cruiser, a little bit different.
I really miss the Sea Harrier, or the SHAR as it was known. However, we move with the times I suppose.
Don`t think that was Invincible`s maiden voyage as she was commissioned into the RN in July 1980 and actually launched in 1977, great pic` though.
Posted: 25 Jan 2008, 19:07
by StolichnayaStrafer
Ok, maybe her after commissioning voyage?
Different birds then:
My favorite Tomcat markings! Hmm, 2 to 1 odds with Croatian MiG-21s...
bets are open!
Posted: 25 Jan 2008, 23:50
by asiatrails
Concorde 001 (F-WTSS) Concorde 002 (G-BSST), both aircraft in flight together at the Paris Airshow.
Posted: 25 Jan 2008, 23:57
by asiatrails
snypa777 wrote:Yes, Invincible class carriers were actually called "Through deck cruisers", simply to avoid calling them aircraft carriers. In the 1960s, when CVA-01 was canceled, the mere mention of "Aircraft carrier" and the huge costs incurred would send goverment money men running for cover. The phrase became a dirty word. Through deck cruiser was more acceptable. Just politics. The Kuznetzov AFAIK is actually a real deal converted cruiser, a little bit different.
I really miss the Sea Harrier, or the SHAR as it was known. However, we move with the times I suppose.
Don`t think that was Invincible`s maiden voyage as she was commissioned into the RN in July 1980 and actually launched in 1977, great pic` though.
Through deck cruiser with elevators in the middle of the deck to prevent fixed wing aviation, or so the bean counters thought. There is a SHAR flying privately in the USA, Its owned by Col. Art Nalls (USMC Rtd.) watch for it at air shows.
Do you think they were flying that close or is this a photoshop deal? I liked the photo, bought it anyway!
Posted: 22 Feb 2008, 22:50
by RamsteinPilot526
My personal favorite is MiG-21, it isn't the most graceful looking thing in the world but it has a certain appeal to it.
Posted: 06 Mar 2008, 20:28
by RyanCollins
RamsteinPilot526 wrote:My personal favorite is MiG-21, it isn't the most graceful looking thing in the world but it has a certain appeal to it.
Well, I'm going to kill you, hehe
Posted: 07 Mar 2008, 05:24
by SixerViper
Stoli-- That second pic of an A-7 dropping retarded bombs--that's 70-0955 and we had that jet in the Va Air Guard from 1981-91. Good to see that pic again! This pic was taken when it was at England AFB LA, probably just before it was transferred to us, since it no longer had the white underbelly.
Posted: 15 Apr 2008, 23:30
by Dedaylewis
Look at this bad boy.
Posted: 16 Apr 2008, 02:30
by StolichnayaStrafer
The greatest little plane that wasn't:
The F-5G, better known as the F-20 Tigershark.
I liked the BMW Ascot Gray paint job better though.
Posted: 17 Apr 2008, 13:54
by boff180
Taken by a friend of mine yesterday (Chris Branston); the delta lady lives again!
Seems like an old topic, but seeing how it is stickied, it seems safe for me to post here.
@PetervanStigt: I like the design you've got for your MANTA, but I don't see any boundary layer separators in that first picture. You might want to add some. Also, MANTA was a term already used to describe the Multi-Axis No-Tail Aircraft, which was a planned, tailess F-22 derivative.
One of the best lookers in the aircraft world is the SR-71 Blackbird, in my opinion. It's design is so utterly unlike other aircraft that it has that exotic feel to it. On top of that, it has nice smooth features such as the blending of the fuselage into the wings and the addition of chines. The F-105 is my favorite aircraft, but the SR-71 has the better-looking design. I'm also a fan of the Su-47's design as well as the Flanker series.
There was also a Lockheed concept for a hypersonic aircraft that I absolutely love. It never made it off the drawing board, but that doesn't mean I can't like it. It reminds me of a sleeker B-1 with fixed wings:
Posted: 21 Aug 2008, 11:50
by Mike_NZ
Here's mine:
1. Eurofighter Typhoon
2. RAH-66 Comanche (helos count too right?)
Posted: 21 Aug 2008, 12:46
by StolichnayaStrafer
It's an eggbeater, but a military eggbeater at least!
Actually, I really love the Comanche a lot.
Comanche rules
Posted: 22 Aug 2008, 23:33
by Mike_NZ
I've loved the comanche ever since I first heard of it 15 years ago. A stealth helicopter that's more maneuverable than any other helo. Carries nearly as much as the Apache, is quite (tank operators couldn't hear them coming) and looks damn cool!!
Such a shame the US Army decided to shelve and spent the money saved on upgrading other hardware... oh wells.
RE: Comanche rules
Posted: 23 Aug 2008, 02:29
by FlightDreamz
Mike_NZ
Such a shame the US Army decided to shelve and spent the money saved on upgrading other hardware... oh wells.
My other favorites are the <a href="http://www.willisms.com/archives/tomcat.jpg">Grumman F-14 Tomcat</a>, <a href="http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/sr71fi~1.jpg">the SR-71 Blackbird,</a> the <a href="http://www.aerocatures.com/Graphics/junkyardhawg.jpg">A-10 Warthog</a>
<a href="http://media.nasm.si.edu/webimages/640/2007-29651_640.jpg">the Grumman X-29</a> and the <a href="http://www.sci.fi/~fta/yf-23-headl.jpg">Northrop YF-23</a> ATF competitor to name a few. Sorry 'bout all the links.
RE: Comanche rules
Posted: 24 Aug 2008, 07:03
by hobojet
the most pretty and elagant airplane is most definatly the F-86 SABRE
I don't know if this aircraft has been mentioned as the prettiest military aircraft(non-viper) but the JA-37 Viggen is in my prettiest list.(Sorry I don't have a pic to post)
Posted: 16 Sep 2008, 22:39
by RyanCollins
Ryan is back!!! ... Well, only for this post, to be honest, I haven't got too much time to visit this great forum, but I will try to keep posting...
Here's the Viggen, BlueViper... it's really nice:
Prettiest aircraft
Posted: 21 Oct 2008, 05:53
by edpop
Hands down it is the beautiful F106 Delta Dart !!!!!!!!!!
The XB-70 was a most beautiful bird, it should have went into production!!!
Posted: 21 Oct 2008, 20:18
by kamov
I agree and would love to have seen a what might have been version, in a drab gray color.
Posted: 29 Jul 2009, 02:41
by froe
Definitely the Dassault Rafale.
Posted: 18 Oct 2009, 07:05
by RyanCollins
Well... nobody mentioned those before (I think : ) so here they are... the first fighters... IMHO they're beautiful...
Posted: 20 Oct 2009, 12:12
by Scorpion1alpha
I agree with you Ryan. Those two classics are beauties.
Posted: 12 Nov 2009, 01:11
by StolichnayaStrafer
I have always loved the sleek lines of the Albatros series, especially the D.III!
A true workhorse for Germany's flyboys, these babies had laminated plywood fuselages. Talk about early luxury model aircraft!!!
Posted: 06 Dec 2009, 08:34
by geogen
Properly updated to modern spec, perhaps this absolute beaut would not only still be operational, but still in production!
Posted: 06 Dec 2009, 16:05
by StolichnayaStrafer
Wow, that was a pretty cool design and definitely ahead of its time.
I miss North American.
Posted: 09 Feb 2010, 01:32
by henshao
You'll have to excuse me for not sifting through 50 pages, but the Foxbat is the muscle car of fighter jets and I'm in love.
Pure muscle. That's beauty to me.
Posted: 11 Mar 2010, 23:23
by RyanCollins
The perfect combination of beauty, speed, manuverability, climbing rate and service ceiling.. No, I'm not talking about the -16, hehe... Gentleman, the Mustang P-51...
Cheers
Posted: 30 Mar 2010, 13:33
by fasteagle
All century series planes look awesome too.
Posted: 27 Jul 2010, 19:44
by RyanCollins
Does this fighters counts?
Posted: 16 Aug 2010, 01:50
by geogen
I'd love to see what the artist of above graphics could do with an F-16XL.
Posted: 08 Sep 2010, 01:59
by mustang65
SR-71 Blackbird looks really nice too it looks sleek and sexy.
Posted: 13 Oct 2010, 05:22
by velocity264c
My Favorite aircraft along with picture
Posted: 13 Oct 2010, 06:39
by RyanCollins
Awesome pic, the Raptor is one of my favourites too... BUT
"Because kicking your a$$ with the F-15 and F-16 for 30 years got boring." LOL
EPIC!
Posted: 25 Dec 2010, 06:15
by leviathan
Posted: 20 Mar 2011, 09:14
by 1st503rdsgt
leviathan wrote:
Funny thing about that. Seems the AF wanted to drop the Hog (too ugly for candy a$$ed fighter jocks) until Congress made it clear that it would void the Key West agreement of 1948 and give the planes to the Army and Marines the if they didn't want 'em. Of course the flyboys nearly sh!t themselves at the thought of groundpounders pissing on their fixed-wing tree and decided to keep a few around.
First Rock
Posted: 07 Jun 2011, 02:31
by stereospace
My first love...the F104 Starfighter.
Posted: 07 Jun 2011, 02:34
by stereospace
Then I fell for this one..the B-58 Hustler. Gorgeous.
Posted: 07 Jun 2011, 02:36
by stereospace
But my all time favorite has to be the XB-70 Valkyrie.
Posted: 06 Aug 2011, 17:58
by southernphantom
The REAL Rhino.
Posted: 25 Sep 2011, 03:05
by thestealthfighterguy
A-10
Posted: 16 Dec 2011, 02:50
by falcon17
If your okay with modern and vintage then heres what catches my fancy
1. P-51D
2. T-50 PAK-FA
3. F-15C
4. F-14
5. SU-35S
6. GO-229 (Germany's flying wing that never made it to the frontlines)
7. C-47/DC-3 (sure its a cargo plane but it just looks so classy to me)
8. B-17G
Posted: 27 Dec 2011, 18:10
by sparky
Sure, it's not an American aircraft, but I think its proportions are absolutely perfect.
Posted: 06 Apr 2012, 22:54
by count_to_10
Wait, we have an entire thread devoted to "The Prettiest military aircraft", and in the entire 50 pages of posts, there are only two pictures of the YF-23, both sitting on the ground?
I mean, come on. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that the only reason anyone (other than Northrop Grumman) cared that it lost the competition was because it was the most beautiful plane we had ever seen.
Posted: 03 May 2012, 17:13
by Lightndattic
I know the Bone has already been put forward, but this shot from a few months ago just blew my mind. Brandon was nice enough to send me a high def version of this and it's been my desktop for months.
Posted: 23 May 2012, 05:48
by edpop
Another pretty aircraft.............the RA-5C Vigilante
Posted: 29 Jun 2012, 21:55
by flighthawk128
SR71 Blackbird or F18 Hornet (Digital Camouflage)
Posted: 13 Nov 2012, 19:40
by cerberus
XF-108
Posted: 07 Dec 2012, 18:28
by 1st503rdsgt
Has anything really looked as good since?
Posted: 18 Dec 2012, 23:49
by sorrydog
My vote is the Starfighter, and it has been my vote since I saw a model of it when I was 10 years old. It even looks good in ugly Luftwaffe livery...
Posted: 27 Jan 2013, 20:14
by KamenRiderBlade
Continuing with the Macross theme
The VF-25
Posted: 12 Feb 2013, 21:08
by flighthawk128
Actually, I also support the Commanche. Real nice bird.
Posted: 05 Jun 2013, 04:10
by flyman2009
F/A-18F Super Hornet
F-84 Thunderstreak
Posted: 25 Jul 2013, 12:08
by StolichnayaStrafer
The McDonnell XP-67 Bat, a plane way ahead of its time:
I always saw it as a prop version of the Blackbird due to the radical contouring and blending of the airframe:
Too bad there was only the prototype.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 16 Feb 2014, 18:52
by voodoo
F-15,P-51,F-14,F-18E and lastly the SU-27. Gorgeous birds in my book
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 16 Feb 2014, 22:29
by zero-one
Not sure why no one thinks the F-35 is beautiful, to me it looks like it would fit nicely in StarTrek.
No Offense but the YF-16 looks like its something George Jetson would fly, too 70s futuristic for me
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 24 May 2014, 02:17
by edpop
Don't remember if we have any posts on this thread showing the "Fake F-37" from the movie Stealth? Now this is a thing of beauty! All in favor say 'yahoo'!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 24 May 2014, 03:46
by popcorn
edpop wrote:Don't remember if we have any posts on this thread showing the "Fake F-37" from the movie Stealth? Now this is a thing of beauty! All in favor say yahoo!
You can still post a pic of Jessica Biehl..,I'll gladly yahoo that..
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 24 May 2014, 11:45
by uclass
popcorn wrote:
edpop wrote:Don't remember if we have any posts on this thread showing the "Fake F-37" from the movie Stealth? Now this is a thing of beauty! All in favor say yahoo!
You can still post a pic of Jessica Biehl..,I'll gladly yahoo that..
It's actually amazing what a search will turn up when you enter J-XX or J-20.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 23 Aug 2014, 11:06
by tsr1
The TSR2:
The Tu-22M:
The S3A Viking:
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Sep 2014, 12:12
by uclass
+1 for TSR2
Avro 730
Sadly had to settle for Vulcan, probably the most manoeuvrable strategic bomber ever made. Damn budgets, damn budgets:
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Sep 2014, 13:29
by mixelflick
edpop wrote:Don't remember if we have any posts on this thread showing the "Fake F-37" from the movie Stealth? Now this is a thing of beauty! All in favor say 'yahoo'!
ASW_Fake_FA37_1.jpg
YAHOO!
Not thrust vectoring though? We can find fault, with anything here...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Sep 2014, 20:55
by uclass
mixelflick wrote:
edpop wrote:Don't remember if we have any posts on this thread showing the "Fake F-37" from the movie Stealth? Now this is a thing of beauty! All in favor say 'yahoo'!
ASW_Fake_FA37_1.jpg
YAHOO!
Not thrust vectoring though? We can find fault, with anything here...
I'm going to be sad here, but in the film it did.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Sep 2014, 21:02
by uclass
Re:
Posted: 10 Nov 2014, 00:57
by mixelflick
This...
count_to_10 wrote:Wait, we have an entire thread devoted to "The Prettiest military aircraft", and in the entire 50 pages of posts, there are only two pictures of the YF-23, both sitting on the ground? I mean, come on. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that the only reason anyone (other than Northrop Grumman) cared that it lost the competition was because it was the most beautiful plane we had ever seen.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Nov 2014, 15:17
by zero-one
I know its a bit overused but the Raptor is one beautiful machine
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 03 Dec 2014, 03:40
by outacontrol
I just spent the last hour checking every photo in this thread and I gotta say, there's not ONE pic of the 111. I mean, what's up with that? Does she not deserve at least an honorable mention? She's as sexy as some of the acft. mentioned here, if not sexier than a lot of them.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 09 Feb 2015, 09:03
by captain_dalan
Are we limited strictly to jets? If not.... then the either the Spit mk5 or the F4U Corsair.....
If so..... hmmm just prettiest.....i guess, the F-8 Crusader sexiest..... F-14 sleekest.... F-15
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 10 Mar 2015, 16:45
by mixelflick
captain_dalan wrote:Are we limited strictly to jets? If not.... then the either the Spit mk5 or the F4U Corsair.....
If so..... hmmm just prettiest.....i guess, the F-8 Crusader sexiest..... F-14 sleekest.... F-15
I'm a HUGE F-15 fan, but have to give it to the Cat on looks. Looks downright mean, nasty and built for war. The Eagle looks almost docile (yet elegant) by comparison.
Coolest looking bird is PAK-FA IMO. For all her imperfections, the layout is just fantastic. And then they had to throw in those sexy LEVCON's or whatever. Wow. Those are the equivalent of DD's!!!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jun 2015, 18:08
by uclass
Vulcan.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 22 Jul 2015, 18:30
by slapshot!
My current desktop background. I loved the aggressor F15s.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 27 Jul 2015, 13:16
by uclass
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jul 2015, 10:07
by borg
Good angle, but bad weather
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jul 2015, 13:55
by wbh
I don't have a photo , but the B-47 is the prettiest
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 30 Jul 2015, 13:52
by uclass
Which one?
Or
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 06 Aug 2015, 11:42
by charlielima223
Because I am ground pounder at heart but always kept my eye to the sky these are my favorites and why...
Because its everything that everything else is NOT... and its just so bad a$$.
Because sometimes the ass-tards that gives you a bad day needs to die more than once...
old fashion hunter killer teams
Serious amounts of bad a$$ can come in small packages to...
The very first aircraft I was ever able to name and identify... thank you Top Gun
If you were to combine Blake Lively, Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, and Lena Headey into a fighter aircraft, you get this...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 12 Aug 2015, 22:25
by oldiaf
F-22 Raptor even more than F-16
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 12 Jan 2016, 11:21
by tincansailor
uclass wrote:Vulcan.
Add my vote for the Vulcan. Just an amazing looking aircraft. So far ahead of it's time. The British were still at the leading edge of aviation technology in the 1950s. Blended lift body like the flying wing. The Vulcan was the co-star in the James Bond movie "Thunder Ball". Me and my friends had never seen a cooler airplane. At the time other then the B-52 what bomber could have attacked East Falkland from 4,000mi away? I just wonder what it's RCS was? V is for Victory Bombers.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 12 Jan 2016, 14:22
by sferrin
tincansailor wrote:At the time other then the B-52 what bomber could have attacked East Falkland from 4,000mi away?
B-1B (though technically it was nuclear only at the time).
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 18 Jan 2016, 04:55
by geforcerfx
sferrin wrote:
tincansailor wrote:At the time other then the B-52 what bomber could have attacked East Falkland from 4,000mi away?
B-1B (though technically it was nuclear only at the time).
Or not armed at all, thought the B-1 entered service in 1986.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 19 Feb 2016, 08:33
by tincansailor
geforcerfx wrote:
sferrin wrote:
tincansailor wrote:At the time other then the B-52 what bomber could have attacked East Falkland from 4,000mi away?
B-1B (though technically it was nuclear only at the time).
Or not armed at all, thought the B-1 entered service in 1986.
Since the Vulcan's used inflight refueling that opens up the contenders list a bit. Using the KC-10 Extender as a refueling aircraft the FB-111 with EFTs could do the job. The Soviet TU-95 Bear, or the TU-22M Backfire Bombers using TU-16N Badgers for airborne tankers could also have done it.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 19 Feb 2016, 21:19
by jetblast16
OK, there are several "pretty" planes I like. It all depends on my mood. But the Streak Eagle is one of my all time favorites. So regal looking:)
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 00:41
by vilters
I love the Eagle, but I do not think it is sexy.....
For a "male" airplane? The F-104. That thing screams SEXY ! ! ! !
For a "female" airplane? There's only one. => The F-5 Tiger 2 with its slender, almost fragile looking, female shaped tip-tanks. A plane with boobs that hold, Oeps... Fantasy on overdrive. . . . . LOL.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 07:48
by edpop
It doesn't get much prettier than the F86 Sabre Jet!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 07:52
by edpop
Of course, the A5 Vigilante isn't too shabby either:-).
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 21:23
by jetblast16
vilters wrote:I love the Eagle, but I do not think it is sexy.....
For a "male" airplane? The F-104. That thing screams SEXY ! ! ! !
For a "female" airplane? There's only one. => The F-5 Tiger 2 with its slender, almost fragile looking, female shaped tip-tanks. A plane with boobs that hold, Oeps... Fantasy on overdrive. . . . . LOL.
104, hahaha...yep. Do you mean this, vilters?
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 21:46
by jetblast16
The early days...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 21:55
by jetblast16
While we're at it...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 20 Feb 2016, 21:57
by jetblast16
For the B-1 lover in you.....
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 23 Feb 2016, 11:03
by charlielima223
jetblast16 wrote:For the B-1 lover in you.....
aft.jpg
When I went to Nellis AFB open house airshow, it was hell trying to get shuttled back to the parking lot over at the speed way. There weren't enough buses. Luckily though I got to see a BOne take off in full AB. Unfortunately I don't have a really high quality camera.
yeah it looked something like that. Seeing the BOne take off at full AB and hearing the sound gave this former solder a... B-1R Not all the best shows in Las Vegas happens on the strip or near down town...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 23 Feb 2016, 16:50
by jetblast16
charlielima223, check out that below YouTube of two Bones taking off at night, more like blasting out of Nellis, in full AB. As they pass the camera, the glow from their afterburners reminds me of something out of the 1978 series of Battlestar Galactica. aWeSOmE LOL.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 23 Feb 2016, 18:29
by sprstdlyscottsmn
Saw a Bone do a high speed pass on a cloudy and humid day in Lackland. Watching "500,000 plus lbs go 500 plus knots" with a nice condensation cone was amazing.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 25 Feb 2016, 18:03
by snypa777
Goofy F-15s.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 25 Feb 2016, 18:14
by snypa777
Stuff you don`t see very often.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 27 Feb 2016, 14:25
by charlielima223
The F-80 was always appealing to me.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 03 Mar 2016, 16:54
by str
Mirage G
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 04 Mar 2016, 15:29
by jetblast16
str nice!
I just saw this gem in the news today. Russia's new SR-10 trainer. She's a beaut in my opinion! I love it!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 04 Mar 2016, 22:21
by charlielima223
jetblast16 wrote:str nice!
I just saw this gem in the news today. Russia's new SR-10 trainer. She's a beaut in my opinion! I love it!
FmebdwsP3To.jpg
forward swept wings... very interesting. I haven't seen that feature since the X-29 and the Berkut.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 05 Mar 2016, 08:27
by edpop
The CF-105 Avro Arrow from Canada back in the 50's and 60's was pretty sweet!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 05 Mar 2016, 19:00
by jetblast16
CF-105 Avro Arrow - AWESOME. I love those high speed interceptors from the 50s and 60s. I also really like the F-108. Sick plane man. See below.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 05 Mar 2016, 23:02
by count_to_10
charlielima223 wrote:
jetblast16 wrote:str nice!
I just saw this gem in the news today. Russia's new SR-10 trainer. She's a beaut in my opinion! I love it!
FmebdwsP3To.jpg
forward swept wings... very interesting. I haven't seen that feature since the X-29 and the Berkut.
I thought that forward swept wings were intended to reduce induced drag in turns, but didn't work as well as expected. What's the point on a trainer?
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 06 Mar 2016, 01:26
by charlielima223
count_to_10 wrote:I thought that forward swept wings were intended to reduce induced drag in turns, but didn't work as well as expected. What's the point on a trainer?
From my understanding the forward swept wing design was supposed to help keep airflow over control surfaces during high AoAs.
It is also my understanding that forward swept wings actually produce "more drag" than conventional swept back designs. Forward swept wings would always have slower top speeds when compared to swept back wing. Northrop Grumman tried to get around this with the Switchback concept. You'll see that concept in fictional aircraft in video games and movies.
speaking of concept or experimental aircraft. This one is just too damn sexy in my eyes.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
'According to UPI, the manufacturer claims this gives the plane better stability at slower speeds and "enhanced takeoff and landing performance."'
Looks completely out of proportion to me, like an F/A-18 front fuselage being mated to something undefinable.
Yeah it looks like a mish mash of a lot of everybody else`s ideas.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 04 Apr 2016, 17:05
by snypa777
str wrote:Mirage G
g8.jpg
man that's a beauty.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 07 Apr 2016, 15:26
by jetblast16
If looks could kill... The Raptor looks like a UFO or something from certain angles. Wicked looking
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 18 Aug 2016, 00:00
by nutshell
PAK for me hands down is the prettiest thing ever ^^
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 05 Sep 2016, 16:26
by uclass
I know it's a prop, but MiG-31 Firefox.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 06 Sep 2016, 15:45
by durahawk
For bombers, I'm hard pressed to find an airplane more elegant than the B-47: For fighters, I think the Dassault Rafale has some of the sexiest curves around:
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 06 Sep 2016, 18:47
by sferrin
durahawk wrote:For bombers, I'm hard pressed to find an airplane more elegant than the B-47:
You're not looking very hard :
I've always liked the lines of the T-38:
Still king though IMO:
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 19 Sep 2016, 04:52
by charlielima223
There was always something appealing to me about the F-104. Stealth is the future, the F-104 to me always looked like it came from the future.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 19 Sep 2016, 07:59
by edpop
Special paint schemes for the Italian F-104S Starfighters. These are pretty aircraft.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 19 Sep 2016, 09:29
by tincansailor
All beautiful birds, but my vote is for the Avro Vulcan. I've been in love with her since I first saw the movie "Thunderball", when I was 6 years old. Like the flying wing an accidental stealth bomber years ahead of it's time.
May not be the prettiest, but probably the baddest.
That was a friggin warplane. It looked like it would beat you down, kick sand in your eye, take your lunch money, then take your girl. Just a big honkin brute.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
May not be the prettiest, but probably the baddest.
That was a friggin warplane. It looked like it would beat you down, kick sand in your eye, take your lunch money, then take your girl. Just a big honkin brute.
It's the intakes and dorsal fuel tanks. It makes it look like a body builder with massive shoulders and a bull neck.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 01 Jun 2017, 16:31
by mixelflick
The "F-19" pictured here was hardly the only one! Testor's had a model in the late 80's of the "F-19" Stealth Fighter. Was pretty bad a$$ too. Can someone post a picture?
I bought/made one...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 01 Jun 2017, 17:36
by SpudmanWP
mixelflick wrote:The "F-19" pictured here was hardly the only one! Testor's had a model in the late 80's of the "F-19" Stealth Fighter. Was pretty bad a$$ too. Can someone post a picture?
I bought/made one...
Testor
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 02 Jun 2017, 07:13
by linkomart
The F-35 (no not that one, this one) The looks of it has a special place in my heart. Chatted with the chief designer a few times before he passed away, he made quite a few good stories about the development and design.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jun 2017, 19:28
by mixelflick
SpudmanWP wrote:
mixelflick wrote:The "F-19" pictured here was hardly the only one! Testor's had a model in the late 80's of the "F-19" Stealth Fighter. Was pretty bad a$$ too. Can someone post a picture?
I bought/made one...
Testor
That's it! I was hot on that when I heard there was a model, saved all my paper route money and built it. Jet black finish, believe it came with your choice of 2 LGB's or Maverick missiles. I opted for the Maverick's
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jun 2017, 21:46
by f-16adf
Wow, the F-19!!!!!
I think that was probably around 1986ish??? I liked it, but never built it. That pic brings back memories though-
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jun 2017, 22:12
by botsing
SpudmanWP wrote:
mixelflick wrote:The "F-19" pictured here was hardly the only one! Testor's had a model in the late 80's of the "F-19" Stealth Fighter. Was pretty bad a$$ too. Can someone post a picture?
I bought/made one...
Testor
Ha, that brings back memories of playing this game a lot while skipping school.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jun 2017, 23:06
by laos
So slim and neat... A-5 Vigilante
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Jul 2017, 22:54
by mixelflick
botsing wrote:
SpudmanWP wrote:
mixelflick wrote:The "F-19" pictured here was hardly the only one! Testor's had a model in the late 80's of the "F-19" Stealth Fighter. Was pretty bad a$$ too. Can someone post a picture?
I bought/made one...
Testor
Ha, that brings back memories of playing this game a lot while skipping school.
F19.JPG
Never knew there was a game! But man, that Testor's model. I was convinced they nailed it! It's still an enticing design IMO, though I have no idea if it would have ever flown, LOL
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 06 Aug 2017, 04:36
by charlielima223
One is slow the other is fast
I don't know what it was about the A-6 but it always looked good to me.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 09 Aug 2018, 01:59
by madrat
Not my favorite, but kind of cool
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 28 Aug 2018, 20:03
by mixelflick
lrrpf52 wrote:
The YF-23A was the sleekest, most futuristic fighter ever made IMO. It looked meaner and faster than an F-14, and that's really saying something. It was as fast or faster vs. anything else flying, had better stealth and room to grow. The legs on it (including supercruise) would have been phenomenal, even with the two prototype engines it was flying with.... in 1990!!!
They say much of this made it into the F-22. You can certainly see that in its reported super-cruise numbers (mach 1.5 spec, 1.8 in reported operational service). But on sheer looks alone, it's hard to beat the black widow. I hope the rumors are true that its still flying, in one form or another..
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Aug 2018, 00:39
by popcorn
Beautiful beast
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Sep 2018, 17:36
by foxhound_31
Can't beat the Berkut :
I saw it once in the news as a teenager, and fell in love immediately ; I didn't have the internet back then, and most books about planes I could find back then were rather old and didn't have any info about it, but I was gradually able to find more and more data about the plane, and now it is, every now and then, my computer's background screen.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Sep 2018, 19:17
by hythelday
Why not Foxhound?
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 30 Sep 2018, 18:30
by f-16adf
......The YF-17 Cobra. Truly a beautiful/remarkable jet.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 30 Sep 2018, 18:47
by sinusoiddelta
The F-15K sans CFT’s (and paint)
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 30 Sep 2018, 22:53
by jetblast16
^ Nice!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 01 Oct 2018, 21:33
by hkultala
B-1B
Spitfire
Sea Fury
Lockheed A-12 (the SR-71's second canopy makes it uglier than this)
Me-262
De Havilland Mosquito
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 01 Oct 2018, 23:20
by vilters
The wooden wonder was a technical masterpiece.
But all out, I'd go for the F-104 or A-5 Vigilante. But I have a sweet spot for the Mirage 2000 series. (But they drink fuel. Always wondered what a Mirage 2000 with a P&W or GE engine might be like.)
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 30 Nov 2018, 04:01
by zero-one
Need I say more
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 07 Jul 2019, 00:14
by f-16adf
B-29, one of the coolest looking WWII bombers.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 04 Aug 2019, 16:56
by f-16adf
The mighty F-15.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 09 Aug 2019, 22:44
by falcon.16
Fw 190 D-13
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 10 Aug 2019, 18:12
by milosh
Nick name needle fit well:
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Aug 2019, 15:47
by f-16adf
The mighty F-14 Tomcat, and in VF-84 colors!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 11 Aug 2019, 23:44
by southerncross
milosh wrote:Nick name needle fit well:
Indeed!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 16 Jan 2020, 21:43
by lukfi
I know I'm late to the party, but:
Saab J-35 Draken in Austrian Air Force colors
And if we were strict, since we are in the "Modern Military Aircraft" section, the most beautiful (IMO) among the jets in production today:
Dassault Rafale, the French mistress you dream about even though you can't afford her
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 21 Apr 2020, 07:54
by nutshell
zero-one wrote:Need I say more
2020 and still unbeaten. Dont tell me LM didnt have aesthetics is mind when they designed the raptor.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 21 Apr 2020, 14:25
by mixelflick
nutshell wrote:
zero-one wrote:Need I say more
2020 and still unbeaten. Dont tell me LM didnt have aesthetics is mind when they designed the raptor.
Didn't think so, at least when I first saw it. Looked boxy to me from some angles. But it grows on you, doesn't it? It's not as mean looking as an F-14, not as pointed as a Mig-25. But from certain viewpoints it looks downright nasty, like directly from behind, head on and when it turns aggressively. I will say this: The production F-22 is MILES better looking than the prototype. Yikes. The production version's clipped wings, re-designed horizontal stabs and slightly smaller vertical stabilizers all look SO much better, along with moving the cockpit further forward.
I do think the SU-57 is up there in the looks department too. Just a shame that the back half of it isn't as good as the first half, aesthetically at least...
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 29 Apr 2020, 22:37
by nutshell
The FraudFlanker is indeed a pretty girl, but is exactly like those beauties with awesome face, sexy belly and a way too big bootie...and short legs (small tail fins).
F35C sorta grew on me, i think im a sucker for fifth gen ladies.
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 30 Apr 2020, 06:48
by rowbeartoe
The F-16!
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 02 Jan 2021, 17:09
by nastle
Habu wrote:Obvisouly, you can't say the F-16. I'm talking just about other airplanes that catch your fancy. For me:
beauty is in the eye of the beholder
viper does not even come close , does not even look like a fighter
I would say f101 supermarine scimitar f102 tu128 f4K etc
Re: OK, then what's the PRETTIEST military aircraft (non-Vip
Posted: 04 Jan 2021, 02:01
by c130kcf
Don't even need a photo. The F-86 is the most graceful and "prettiest" in flight. Hands Down.
Posted: 17 Jun 2005, 17:41
. The JAS-39 is very neat and sexy, but my fav. one is this lady.
(ATG/IAI Javelin) :
and I didn't even need to post a picture 
. We're talking Non-Viper here, buddy... How about the Good Ol' Phabulous Phantom..?
you're right, Peter... I went off topic... 
One of the most sexiest jet I've ever seen IMHO: The Rockwell B-1B Lancer
Nice to see everything (kind of like a girl, I like seeing all of her 
??? Someone needs to get some different leadership!
She's as sexy as some of the acft. mentioned here, if not sexier than a lot of them.
