World War II Bombers

The Avro Lancaster was a bomber flown by the Royal Air Force during World War II. The Avro Lancaster entered service in 1942 and was used for the remainder of the conflict. The Lancaster was heavy bomber that was primarily used at night.

The B-17 Flying Fortress was a key American heavy bomber during World War II. Developed by Boeing, the B-17 entered service in 1938, and was used in all theaters of the war. During the course of the war, B-17s dropped 640,000 tons of bombs on Germany.

One of the largest aircraft to see service during World War II, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress was the last major addition to the US bomber fleet during the conflict. Easily recognized by its distinctive silhouette, the B-29 is best known as the aircraft that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Bristol Blenheim was a light bomber that entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1937. Seeing use until 1944, the Bristol Blenheim flew in most theaters of World War II. Designed as a light bomber, the Blenheim was also adapted to night fighter and photo reconnaissance variants.

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was one of the principal heavy bombers used by the US Army Air Force during World War II. First flying in late 1939, the B-24 Liberator saw extensive service during the war and was also used for maritime patrols. One of the B-24's most famous raids occured in 1943, when the aircraft struck the oil fields near...

The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a US Navy dive bomber used during World War II. The SB2C Helldiver experienced a variety of technical problems during its developemnt and after its introduction which led to a widespread dislike of the aircraft by crews. Despite these issues, the SB2C Helldiver saw extensive service during the last two years of...

The de Havilland Mosquito was one of the most versatile aircraft of World War II. Entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1941, the de Havilland Mosquito largely served as a fast bomber and fighter-bomber. Built primarily of wood, the de Havilland Mosquito served throughout the conflict.

The Douglas SBD Dauntless was the US Navy's principal dive bomber during the first half of World War II. Introduced in 1940, the Dauntless play a pivotal role at the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. Beginning in 1943, the US Navy began replacing the SBD Dauntless with the SB2C Helldiver.

The Douglas TBD Devastator was a torpedo bomber used by the US Navy during the early days of World War II. The TBD Devastator was in service at the start of the war and took part in the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway before being replaced by the TBF Avenger.

The Grumman TBF Avenger was the US Navy's principal torpedo bomber during World War II. Entering service in 1942, the Avenger first saw combat at the Battle of Midway. The TBF Avenger served throughout the war and saw service with several nations.

The B-26 Marauder was a medium bomber used by the Allies during World War II. Entering service in 1941, the B-26 Marauder was initially plagued by accidents. Seeing service in most theaters, the B-26 Marauder ultimately proved to be a highly effective aircraft.

The Mitsubishi G3M "Nell" was a Japanese bomber during the early years of World War II. First flying in 1935, the G3M Nell initially saw service against China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The G3M Nell gained famed for its role in sinking HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse.

The Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was a noted dive bomber used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. Entering service in 1936, the Ju 87 Stuka was a feared and effective weapon during the early years of the war. The Ju 87 Stuka fell out of favor later in the war as Allied fighters improved.

The B-25 Mitchell was an American medium bomber during World War II. Designed by North American, the B-25 Mitchell saw extensive use duing the conflict and is best remembered for the 1942 Doolittle Raid. B-25s were also used as ground attack aircraft.