perseus

Interesting, since Geoffrey Regan mentions the Zero in his book of military blunders. However, it is only to mention its prey the Brewster Buffalo "a combat aircraft of quite appalling inadequacy". They were withdrawn by the summer of 1942. he refers to the Zero as one of the best combat aircraft ever designed. I suppose its performance was down to its lightweight structure, so it could only be used against aircraft of lesser performance.

The Messerschmidt Gigant glider designed for operation Sealion, might be another contender. This monster had to be towed by two he-111 bombers bolted together, no wonder why the Luftwaffe required air superiority!

The Fairey Battle was another poor aircraft, although the Russians used the similar looking Il'yushin IL-2 which was armoured, built in larger numbers than any other single type of aircraft and formed the backbone of the Soviet air force for much of the war.

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Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country. Herman Goering