Plane of the Year 2009

[Webmaster]

It's time again, the annual Plane of the Year election. I don't know about you, but to me the year 2009 flew by at Mach 3 and I missed half of it, but here's the selection. Not sure why we only considered fighters in the past, so I added some nominees of other types.

[F-111 C/C]

What is the criteria? Most improved, most capable, biggest surprise, etc.? Difficult to chose one when some are fighters, some are transport that BOTH deserve the award in their respective specialties. Sorry to be difficult. I think I'll just vote for the plane that had the most positive impact on Military aviation this year. Since it will only allow me one vote, I'll say F-18E/F for fighters and C-17 for transport.

[Webmaster]

It's up to you. We never had any criteria before. It isn't a "the best aircraft" vote. Even if it's just fighters we can argue over criteria all year long. I suppose it's personal how you rate them. I might have made it a bit more difficult with the addition of some non fighters. If that's a problem, just consider the fighters only.

[Ramon]

Hello all,

I do not want to be a "party-pooper", but I mis the A-10 Warthog
in this list. Was very important during CAS support in Afghanistan.
And furthermore they continued the upgrade with the new wings
for the older models, and the Precision Engagement Capability for
the A-10A and C Thunderbolt II models.

Regards, Ramon 

 

[Webmaster]

Okay, added the A-10. You can change your vote now as well.

[Ramon]

Okay, added the A-10. You can change your vote now as well.

Thanks Niels,

Much appreciated.

[RecceJet]

Hi all! I've been away for a bit; settling into a new location. I still won't be here very much until my own internet is up and running.

I voted for the C-17, but it's hard to decide. As always there are numerous aspects to consider and numerous capabilities to weigh up. Ramon brings up a very good point about the A-10, and this is an old airframe! The fact that it is still used effectively and heavily today is a good reason to nominate it as the plane of 2009.

Since everyone has their favourites and everyone bases their votes on the news they get and other knowledge, my vote is due to Australia's expansion in the use of their C-17s in 2009; by flying troops and equipment right to the front line. Prior to 2009 it was either Australian Hercs or USAF C-17s that would bring much needed supplies into more remote areas of the current conflict.

[F-111 C/C]

Our -111s used to fly with the Aussie -111s at Red Flag at Nellis and those poor maintenance guys would fly all the way from Australia to Nevada in a C-130!!! (I think they would stop in Hawaii). If you've ever flown in a C-130 then you can appreciate how much that must have SUCKED. What a cold, noisy, SLOW ride that must have been. I'm sure they're LOVING the C-17s!

[Viggen]

Ok, i went with the Gripen. The main reason is , no other manufacturer tries as hard to sell their aircraft as SAAB does. Oh yeah, and for patriotic reasons also. 

[Gripen]

I went for the Gripen to...because...I always do?

[Eldorado82]

foe me it would be AH-64 APACHE \(longbow) very elegant aircraft....

[Webmaster]

Due to the limited number of votes, and huge candidate list, we didn't have a clear winner. So here's a reset. The three candidates each got two votes in the previous run. Vote again, and let's see which one comes on top now.