Who was the best pilot of the 20th century?

Answer 1

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Hans Rudel

-2,530 combat missions (a world record), during which he destroyed almost 2,000 ground targets (among them 519 tanks, 70 assault craft/landing boats, 150 self-propelled guns, 4 armored trains, and 800 other vehicles) as well as 9 planes (2 Il-2's and 7 fighters). He was also responsible for the sinking of the Soviet battleship Marat, two cruisers and a destroyer. He was never shot down by another pilot, only by anti-aircraft artillery. He was shot down or forced to land 32 times, several times behind enemy lines.

Source(s): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans-Ulrich_Rudel

Answer 2

That's an absurd question. It is like asking who was the best baseball player, or who was the best looking actress, or who was the bravest soldier. It is impossible to select just one as THE best. There were many outstanding pilots and they cannot be compared on equal terms because each is unique in his / her own way.

Answer 3

Jimmy Doolittle anybody?

Answer 4

Unlike Rudel, Hartmann never lost a wingman.

Answer 5

That one guy

Answer 6

Me.