You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
OK after a suggestion in another thread: which plane, which could have been successful IF the designer had had a free hand, was most badly affected by the government/air force requirements or meddling?
Two to start with;
1:The Defiant which if it had had even two forward firing guns could have been as successful as the Bristol Fighter in WWI.
2:The Stirling which if it had proper wings and an undivided bomb bay would have possibly killed the Lancaster. It wasn't a disaster but was certainly hampered by what was asked of Shorts. They did produce a redesign which would have been effective (assuming the Centauri didn't catch fire!) but were stopped because it would disrupt the production of the original design!
Any other ideas?