The Two Jerseys wrote:Grenartia wrote:
I wonder if they ever tried to secretly make Do-335 inspired versions of the Mustang and the Spitfire...
I think after the P-52 through P-58, the USAAF realized that pusher layouts are crap compared to tractors, then when jet engines came out they said "I want to go to there..." and stuck with them.
As for the Spit, the design process probably went something like this:
Nigel: "I say, have you seen this new Jerry aeroplane?"
Rupert: "Which one?"
Nigel: "The one with an engine at both the front and at the back."
Rupert: "Sounds rather odd."
Nigel: "Indeed, but it is fast."
Rupert: "I should think so."
Nigel: "Do you think we should try that design with the Spitfire?"
Rupert: "I don't know, it would rather ruin the look of the Spitfire, wouldn't it?"
Nigel: "Yes, quite right. Best not then."
Rupert: "Jolly good then. Fancy a spot of tea?"
Nigel: "Yes, that sounds lovely!"
to be fair the p-52 and p-58 look like someone went "lets throw two planes together and see what happens."
also this would be the American response.
"Is the P-51 broke"
"No"
"Then we don't need to fix it."