The JA 37 was one of the most formidable fighters of its generation; the most advanced aircraft built in Europe at the time.
Swedish Thunderbolt – The Saab JA 37 Viggen
Playlist - Forgotten Aircraft
Nanchang J-12; China’s First Lightweight Fighter
Many countries tried out light jet fighters. But an often forgotten one is China’s J-12, designed to act as a “guerrilla” aircraft against technologically superior enemies.
The CC&F FDB-1; When People Don’t Want to See the Writing on the Wall
When CC&F decided to build a fighter, they went all out on the latest cutting edge features. Unfortunately, it was a biplane….in 1938….
The Consolidated TBY Sea Wolf – A “When Good Enough Beats Better” Case Study
The Sea Wolf was close to being a possible replacement for the Grumman Avenger. But bad luck and problems leaves it as a “what-if?” aircraft.
Ilyushin Il-20; Beast From the East
The Soviet Air Force really took the armoured attack aircraft – the Shturmovik – to heart. After World War 2, they wanted an improved model. So Ilyushin came up with the Il-20, which was many things, but not a looker.
As Sweet as a Warthog! The Northrop YA-9A
With the A-10 being such an icon, it’s easy to forget that it was nearly pipped at the post by its rival – the Northrop YA-9A
Desperate Heroism; The Vickers Vildebeest
Built to a 1924 requirement, by 1942 the Vickers Vildebeest was obsolete. But still in service in Malaya it was thrown into the attack,
French Eagle – the Dassault Mirage 4000
When the USA cut fighter exports in the ’70s, France offered a number of alternatives. To compete against the formidable F-15, Dassault created the Mirage 4000 – a formidable multirole aircraft.
End of the Spits – The Supermarine Spiteful and Seafang
The Spitfire is an icon, but it was recognised that improvements could be made. This led to the Spiteful and Seafang, two of the fastest piston engine aircraft to ever fly.
Fifi the Goblin; Grumman’s First Fighter
When people Grumman, it brings to mind tough, capable carrier fighters. And the company’s first fighter was that, even if given unusual names.
The Westland Whirlwind Reassessed
My first “Forgotten Aircraft” video was on the Westland Whirlwind. But new research means it is time to revise old ideas on this aircraft.
About This Playlist
The Martin Baker MB.5? Westland Wendover? Some of the aircraft here have just faded into history. Some were good planes that just came at the wrong time and so are now barely remembered. And some are just so utterly weird it boggles the mind as to what the designers were thinking!
