Thinking outside the box... What about the Grumman 'Goose'? It was a multirole (Transport, Sea Rescue, Patrol, Training) flying boat aircraft that was used by multiple countries so we don't have to tie it to the US.
Some possible SA's for the Goose:
Air Rescue: Once per game, if this aircraft did not make an attack and was not aborted it can perform a rescue mission. If it is in the same or adjacent sector where a friendly ship was destroyed this turn. Score 3 vps at the end of the turn
Sea Basing: This unit can base only in a coast or island sector on your side of the map. Don't place a rearming counter on this unit during your air return step.
Supply Run: Instead of attacking during your Air Attack step, this unit can make a Supply Run in its sector. If it does, roll a die. On a 4 or higher, remove 1 hull point of damage from an Installation in this sector at the end of the turn
the Mitsubishi Ki-30 Ann light bomber or the Vought V-93S Corsair (not only bombed the French squadron at Koh Chang but the American version killed King Kong)
LT
***************************************** If blood be the price of admiralty, Lord God, we ha’ bought it fair!
Here is a twist how about something like 2 slots every set being given to AAAF? The game died before it's time not to mention it's time was poorly timed lol being as WAS had just been cancelled so people were hesitant. The game could use cards to great effect and it is a part of this overall forum.