It's the 100th year of powered flight and I wanted to look back at the most influential aircraft. Below are the categories and my opinions, please tell us yours.
Most Influentian Passenger Jet: The DH Comet and Avro Can. Jetliner were the first but you can't argue that the Boeing 707 influenced most passenger jets aircraft after it.
Most Influential Modern Jet: The Airbus series is the most influential modern group of aircraft. They brought together top technology and the new A380 promises to return the comfort and luxury of the early days of passenger flight.
Most Influential Fighter Jet: It's a toss up between the Me262 and the Avro CF-105. The 262 brough in the jet age but the Arrow was the first true modern jet fighter. It's design can even be seen in modern supersonic aircraft such as the Concorde.
Most Influential Jet Bomber: Can't argue it's the B-52.
Most Influential Prop Liner: I'd have to say the DC-3 because it brought comfort, speed, and affordability to passenger air travel for the first time.
Most Influential Prop Fighter: I'd say the Spitfire as it revolutionized air combat. The F4U Corsair is up there too for the same reason.
Most Influential Prop Bomber: Definately the Avro Lancaster. Fast and easy to fly. Looked good too with jet engines too if anyone has ever seen a picture of the "Super Lanc".
Most Influential Overall Prop: The Cessna 172 as it has trained more civilian pilots than any other in it's history.
Most Influential Overall Aircraft: Sure the Wright Flyer started it all but I believe that the Apollo 11 space craft was the most influential because it took Aviation to beyond the limits ever thought possible. It went farther, faster, and endured longer than any aircraft before it.
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