When you guys come in to land, do you ever feel a need to land and stay to one side of the dotted line and check over your shoulder before you cross it?
I think both side were pretty until about the mid 60s when both sides started slapping on a lot of new weapons systems, etc.
Everyone's built ugly bombers. B-52? Come on. Makes a Bear look downright stylish. However, Britains V-bombers were all quite attractive. Fighters are a wash: English Electric Lightning? I'm British and it still makes me wince. We won't even start into the A-10. Pretty is as pretty does, I say.
It's like the original R1100RS. I thought it was awful when it first came out, but now, I think it's one of the most beautiful designs I've ever seen.
I think there's an association that happens over time to create the sentiments we deem attractive. You didn't have the chance/experience to develop those sentiments with soviet era aircraft. I remember the first time I looked at an R75/5 (near the main gate to Plattsburgh AFB, btw) I thought it was the goofiest looking thing I'd ever seen. Now, after tens of thousands of enjoyable miles on /5's I think they're one of the most elegant designs ever created.
When it snows here, the ones over by our school flip up in the air like those tractors in the movie Cars.