Whats your favorite?

[Drake_TigerClaw]

Some people seem to have misunderstood "whats your favorite aircraft?" with "name as many aircraft as you possibly can!"

But its too hard to pick a favorite.

[Tweek]

[quote]Wow I never expected this post to last this long.

[Jakemaster]

Or are you on a DC-3 high right now?

Mine are still the same. Except I'd probably add an F-4F Phantom to the list.

The SEPECAT Jaguar has been one of my favourites for about 10 years, so I think I'll stick to that!

No, the DC-3 is and always will be my favorite.  

[Drake_TigerClaw]

In in the 2030s it would be cool if there was an operational DC-3 to do a commercial flight of a 100 year old plane. And from the looks of the DC-3s operational now it should be a strong possibility.

[Tweek]

In in the 2030s it would be cool if there was an operational DC-3 to do a commercial flight of a 100 year old plane. And from the looks of the DC-3s operational now it should be a strong possibility.

Costs are rising, to keep and maintain an operational warbird, already. I seriously doubt that in 25 years we'll see many, if any, privately owned warbirds that are flying today.

Conventional fuel will even be running out by then

[Dr.Goodfly]

Geez, by 2030, I don't think ANY warbirds will exist. Hell, the F-16 we know now? and the F-35? THEY will be called antiques in 2030! By then, I'll be an Evangelion pilot!

[Jakemaster]

Costs are rising, to keep and maintain an operational warbird, already. I seriously doubt that in 25 years we'll see many, if any, privately owned warbirds that are flying today.

Conventional fuel will even be running out by then

Ah, but the DC-3 is SUCH an incredible design, I honestly wouldnt be surprised if there is at least ONE still operating in 25 years

[Drake_TigerClaw]

I dont usually think of the DC-3 / C-47 as a warbird. It was designed before a war for civilian use. I guess you could call it a warbird. I would probably stamp "Vintage" on it myself.

The DC-3 is also a pretty solid air frame, as long as those engines hold out I think it wil make it. I wish someone still produced large multi row radials. At least there are lots of parts stocked up if you know who to talk to.

Geez, by 2030, I don't think ANY warbirds will exist. Hell, the F-16 we know now? and the F-35? THEY will be called antiques in 2030! By then, I'll be an Evangelion pilot!

I want a penguin that lives in a fridge in my house!

[Tweek]

Ah, but the DC-3 is SUCH an incredible design, I honestly wouldnt be surprised if there is at least ONE still operating in 25 years

Not about design. More about operating costs and complications.

[Drake_TigerClaw]

There are some modernized DC-3s flying about. You know new instruments, turboprops, all that. I'm sure they will last a while because no one would put that kind of money into an aircraft if it wouldent.

[Jakemaster]

Not about design. More about operating costs and complications.

DC-3 is STILL the most economical aircraft one can have for your cargo or passenger operation.  It is so reliable and economical that many operators have chosen to continue using DC=3s instead of upgrading to modern turboprops like the Twin Otter

[Drake_TigerClaw]

DC-3s still see commercial service today although from what I hear its largely cargo service but supposedly at least 400 are still in service and maybe some more in private hands as well as possible business aircraft. One of the selling points is that you can put it down on unimproved runways and start it up again without having to worry too much. Apperently thay are also easy to fix and maintain. I dont know how many are still around but there was also a "super" DC-3 that was said to have longer range and more cargo caacity but because of the crazy overstock of C-47s no one bought them.

You know what they say... "The only replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3."

[Jakemaster]

DC-3s still see commercial service today although from what I hear its largely cargo service but supposedly at least 400 are still in service and maybe some more in private hands as well as possible business aircraft. One of the selling points is that you can put it down on unimproved runways and start it up again without having to worry too much. Apperently thay are also easy to fix and maintain. I dont know how many are still around but there was also a "super" DC-3 that was said to have longer range and more cargo caacity but because of the crazy overstock of C-47s no one bought them.

You know what they say... "The only replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3."

There are plenty of them (most likely more than 400).  Yes most are used for cargo, but thats only because its a very good cargo plane.  Plenty are used for charter flights.  The Super DC-3 was simply Douglas's effort to compete with the planes that were competing with the DC-3 (the Convair 400s etc).  Basically the Super DC-3 had a newly refined gearbay (covered the gear up instead of leaving it exposed), it was a little longer than the original DC-3, had a taller, straigter tail, and I believe it is pressurized.  There are a few of them operating now, and it was in the Air Force for a short time (as the C-117).  The DC-3 is so popular because it is reliable and economical.  Most dont run into any serious mechanical problems, in fact a DC-3 was once found frozen in ice in Iceland, it was dug up and flown home.  The DC-3 is probably the most profitable aircraft of all time, it was the first plane to earn a profit by solely carrying passengers (as in without getting subsidies for carrying mail), and it continues to earn its keep.

[Sakura]

Modern:F/A 18C Hornet.

Classic:Hawker Huricane Mk IIC

[Nexus]

[quote]

DC-3 is STILL the most economical aircraft one can have for your cargo or passenger operation.