Having flown the F9F-2/5/6/8 and FJ-3/4B I submit the FJ-4 had the sexiest
fuselage profile, plus well swept wings that looked great as a flight broke
left for landing.
Interestingly, though the FJ-4B was 1,000 lb. heavier than the FJ-3 with the
same J-65 engine it's lower drag fuselage and greater wing area made it
faster at top speed. Moreover, the FJ-3 ailerons extended to the wing tips,
consequently in a high speed dive putting the stick to the left or right
resulting in a roll in the opposite direction than expected. Also, the early
FJ-3 leading edge droop slots were closed or opened by aerodynamic pressure.
In a tight fur ball with an "enemy" the inner wing slot would pop open
causing a roll to the outside of the turn giving unfair advantage to lesser
airplanes such as the F4Ds, F10Fs, F3Hs and other clunkers. That said, the
FJ-3/4 had probably the most well layed out fighter cockpit. Too bad it was
low powered as were all the F9Fs as well!
WDA
USN Ret. (almost half a century ago)
"Dale Falk" wrote in message
...
In article . net,
"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote:
"TV" wrote in message
...
I've narrowed it down to two:
http://www.voodoo.cz/tomcat/b/f14058.jpg
I'd have to go with the one on top.
I'd have to go with the FJ-2
You guys are pretty much tasteless!!
http://www.stushepherd.homestead.com...F9FPanther.htm