During World War II military aircraft evolved from piston-engine fighters to sleek jets. The confict also saw the widespread use of strategic bombing and the first use of the atom bomb.
A stalwart of the Luftwaffe during World War II, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 saw service for the duration of the conflict. Introduced in 1937, the Bf 109 first saw combat during the Spanish Civil War. Due to the longevity of its career, it was the most produced fighter aircraft in history.
The Supermarine Spitfire was the iconic British fighter of World War II. With over 20,000 built, the Supermarine Spitfire saw action in all theaters of the war and proved a nimble and deadly aircraft.
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.
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 Ploesti.
The Grumman F4F Wildcat entered service with the US Navy in late 1940. Flying from American aircraft carriers, the F4F Wildcat was the US Navy's principal fighter during the early years of World War II. While not as maneuverable as some Japanese fighters, the Wildcat was renowned for its durability.
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 Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the primary fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Highly maneuverable, the Japanese Zero outclassed most Allied fighters during the early years of the conflict. As the war progressed, the Zero found itself inferior to the new generation of fighters such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair.
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 P-38 Lightning entered service in 1941, and saw action with American forces for much of World War II. Known for its twin tail booms and single central nacelle, the P-38 was fast and durable. With its nose-mounted armament, the P-38 was favored by American aces such as Richard Bong and Thomas MacGuire.
The Heinkel He 280 was developed early in World War II and was the first true jet fighter. Taking flight in 1941, the Heinkel He 280 suffered from early development problems and was never fully supported by the Third Reich. Though it could have been operational at an earlier date, the Luftwaffe cancelled the program in favor of the Me 262.
The P-47 Thunderbolt was a key Allied fighter and fighter-bomber during World War II. The P-47 Thunderbolt entered service in 1942, and the fighter saw service in both Europe and the Pacific. Nicknamed "Jug," the P-47 Thunderbolt was highly durable and remained in service throughout the war.
The P-51 Mustang was an iconic American fighter of World War II. Originally developed for the British, the P-51 Mustang became critical weapon in the air for Allies due to its performance and range. The P-51 Mustang was retained after the conflict and saw service during the Korean War.
Entering service at the end of 1942, the Chance Vought F4U Corsair became one of the most feared American fighters of World War II. With its gull wings and high speed, the F4U Corsair achieved an 11:1 kill ratio against Japanese aircraft. Retained after the war, the Corsair later saw service during the Korean War.
The first major war to feature widespread bombing, World War II produced a variety of bombers of all shapes and sizes. While some nations such as the United States and Great Britain built long-range, four-engine aircraft, others chose to focus on smaller, medium bombers. This gallery will provide an overview of some the bombers used during the conflict.
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 Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world's first operational jet fighter. A groundbreaking aircraft, the Me 262 entered service in 1944. Though faster than Allied fighters, the Me 262 was not as maneuverable and never appeared in large enough numbers to have an impact on the war.
