I'm also a big fan of the P-47, but it's the razorback for me. Probably my fave for WW2
The Phantom is a gnarly looking fighter, but I think at the moment my favorite plane is the Skyraider. It's not very ** CENSORED **, but it's tough and versatile and there are some family ties to it.
If I'm going off looks, I'd have to say the B-17, it has to be one of the most photogenic planes ever to fly, no bad angles, probably a tie with the Spitfire for me. I do love some ugly planes. I have a serious soft spot for inter-war. The Buffalo, the Duck, P-35....
For me, its the F4U Corsair. I fell in love the with the Vought Corsair, every since I watched the black sheep squadron in the 70s. It was love at first site and its never changed. Some where around the early 2000's, I went to the largest F4 fly in at that time. It was in Mount Comfort Indiana and even made Air and Space magazine. Watching those birds Taxi, take off, soar, land and park was amazing.
A10, without a doubt. Followed by SU-25. There is a lot to be said for both Corsair and Thunderbolt in WWII, both huge planes, so engineers just put a bigger engine in 'em, with bigger prop, and sent 'em out. And they succeeded.
All blessings flow from a good mission statement.
Pogo was right. So was Ike.
"A Gentleman is a man who is only rude intentionally." (Churchill)
Give credit. Take responsibility.
WW-II: PBY-5A, SBD Dauntless and TBD Devastator.
Cold War: F-4 Phantom II, A-1E Skyraider and A-10 Thunderbolt II.
"It is a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the road and, if you do not keep your feet, there is no telling where you might be swept off to."
With me - too many to count. I don't have one specific favorite...
WWI - multiple aircraft from both sides.
WWII - same situation. I don't judge machines by who used them.
Modern - large range there as well - including the "Scooter" as well as some Migs, F-4 etc...
"It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the beans of java that the thoughts acquire speed. The hands acquire the shakes, the shakes become a warning. It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion." - Programmer's Mantra