Battle of Britain
Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Supermarine Spitfire
"Never in the field of conflict was so much owed to so many by so few". In this famous statement Sir Winston Churchill must have referred not only to the pilots of the British fighter command during the Battle of Britain but to the legendary Spitfire as well. Designed by Reginald Mitchell, it reached production in 1938 and fulfilled its destiny by being matched against the Messerschmidt Bf109 in the Battle of Britain. No aircraft achieved such fame in all its variants as the Spitfire. No other aircraft of the war has such an aura of the glamour and mystique as the Spitfire. It was one of the first truly modern aircraft to emerge during WWII. Constant improvements in power, armament and engineering during the war gave the Spitfire a margin of superiority over its adversaries.
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Spitfire IX (clipwing)
This version of the Spitfire was first assigned to territorial defense and operated from 1943 until the end of the war. These variants of the Spitfire enjoyed an excellent record along with the Hawker Typhoon for low altitude operations and ground support. A speed of 368 miles per hour in level flight sea level made it a favorite with R.A.F. pilots.
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Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Battle of Britain
Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Hawker Hurricane
The first monoplane fighter of the Royal Air Force. The Hurricane with its fabric covered tail section will forever be associated with the Battle of Britain. A distinction it shares with the famous Spitfire. Never intended as a dog fighter, the Hurrican's value lay in its great versatility. It performed superbly, taking on the German bombers while the faster Spitfire occupied the Escorts.
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Boulton Paul P.82 Defiant
The Defiant was a clean and pleasant aircraft. From the start of the "Night Blitz" it operated successfully at night without radar. The Defiant was a fighter with a crew of two and heavy turret. It served well against the Bf 109's and JU 88's. Later it was equipped with radar that made it even more formidable. Later in the war it served in air sea rescue. One of its most interesting variants was when it carried a jamming system to confuse the German air defenses. It was one of the first electronic warfare aircraft.
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Battle of Britain
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Battle of Europe
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De Havilland Mosquito
One of the most versatile combat aircraft ever produced. The fast and agile Mosquito operated as a heavily armed fighter, a radar equipped night fighter, and an attack bomber. There were unarmed reconassance variants that depended on unmatched speed for protection. No other aircraft enjoyed its reputation of being involved in so many special missions. It's light, all wood, airframe had enormous ability to absorb punishment and was easy to repair. Its ability to make speed precision attacks enhanced the RAF's contribution to victory.
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Hawker Typhoon
The Typhoon was almost a total disaster. Later after difficult development it sprang into favor by demonstrating that it could overtake and destroy the fastest fighter bombers in the Luftwaffe. Heavily armed with four cannon and eight rockets it was a devastating ground support fighter. On one occasion, operating from forward bases it proved its mettle by attacking the German forces with devastating effect destroying 175 German tanks in one day.
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Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Battle of Britain
Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Messerschmidt Bf 109E
First flown in 1935, some 35,000 Bf109's were produced. It was the greatest combat aircraft in history. During the Battle of Britain its main adversary was the British Spitfire. In evolution, the aircraft was constantly improved. The Bf109 was the mainstay of the Luftwaffe in the Air Battle of Europe. It combined speed and armament including a cannon that fired through the propeller hub. From July through October of 1941 during the Battle of Britain the official loss of aircraft was 915 British vs. 1733 German Aircraft.
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Junkers JU 87 Stuka
The Stuka enjoyed a reputation that struck terror to those on the ground beneath it. The JU-87 was possibly the most effective tactical bombing machine of World War II and spearheaded the "Blitzkreig" battle tactics of the German Army in the early part of the war. During the Battle of the Britain the superiority of the British fighters forced the Stuka to be withdrawn to the Eastern front used in close support of ground troops in a theater where the Germans enjoyed air superiority. The JU87 remained in the German Air arsenal and in production until 1944. Over 5,700 Stukas were built.
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Battle of Britain
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Battle of Britain
Battle of Europe
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Messerschmidt Bf110 Destroyer
The Bf110 was designed to meet a request from the Luftware for a strategic long range fighter. It proved to heavy and not maneuverable enough to compete with Spitfire or even the Hurricane. Soon the Bf109 was having to escort the escort fighter. Later variants were packed with radar and night fighting equipment. These models played a major part in the night battles over the Reich against the British. During the Polish campaign, the Bf110 was impressive in a close support role. Able to inflict heavy damage on ground troops while destroying aerial opposition they encountered. The Bf110 proved to be tough and versatile plane, especially as a night fighter.
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Focke Wulf FW 190A
The FW 190 was designed to complement the Bf109. In 1942, the FW190 was far superior to the Spitfire MKV. It was faster than any allied fighter and carried heavier armament. It appeared in different variants with the FW190D proving again to be one of the fastest fighters in the sky. Many of the great aces of the Luftwaffe flew the FW190 in all theaters.
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Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Battle of Europe
Battle of Nomandy
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Focke Wulf FW 190D
In the evolution of the FW190, the D variants with its nickname, "Dora" was the most successful version of the entire family. The Dora maintained remarkable performance especially in its ability to climb. The FW 190D's competed with the American P 51 and the British Spitfire. It was a feared fighter by American bomber crews and was a factor until the end of the war. What hampered the effectiveness of this fighter was the lack of skilled pilots toward the latter period of the war.
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Messerschmidt Bf 109F
The BF109 was the result of structural and aerodynamic modifications to the basic Bf109 airframe and the installation of higher performance power plants. With input from Adolf Galland and other noted fighter aces the Bf109F was given increased firepower. In the early period of the War the Bf109F ruled the skies over Europe. It served the Luftwaffe in almost every capacity including, interceptor, fighter-bomber, night fighter, escort fighter, and ground attack plane. With a capable pilot it was normally more than a match for any of its allied counterparts.
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Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Battle of Europe
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Messerschmidt ME 262
In 1944 a revolutionary fighter, the ME 262 the first operational jet fighter in the history of aviation attacked USAAF B 17's and B 24's. Had the German jet program not been held back by official disinterest the ME 262 might have been the Luftwaffe complete air superiority. The ME 262 proved to be exceptional. It was faster than any other existing aircraft and was maneuverable and heavily armed. It represented the Luftwaffe's swan song. This example of the best German engineering was credited with destroying over 100 allied bombers and fighters.
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Mitsubishi A6M Reisen Zero 21
The Zero fighter took part in every major action in which the Japanese Navy was committed. Its fame was due mainly to victories won against all types of land and carrier based allied aircraft. The Zero 21 was used in the attack on Pearl Harbor and continued with a series of success marked with victory at Wake Island. Unfortunately for the pilots much of its maneuverability and speed were due to the lack of armor protection for the pilot and wing tanks. Variants remained in production until the end of the war. More Reisen were built than any other type of Japanese aircraft. The Zero remains a legendary a legendary symbol of Japanese air power.
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Battle of Midway Island
Battle of Wake Island
Battle of the Coral Sea
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Battle of the Mariana Islands
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Mitsubishi A6M5 Reisen Zero 52
This aircraft was possibly the most efficient of the Zero variants. One of the main reasons for its development was the previous Zeros had insufficient dive speed compared to the allied aircraft they faced. The Model 52 exhibited a dive speed of up to 410 mph. It reached the front in time to meet the US Hellcat F6F. It held its own against the less maneuverable Hellcat despite its insufficient armament, lack of armor and fuel tank protection. The Zero 52's suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Hellcats during the Marianis "Turkey Shoot." Later the Zero 52 was used in devastating Kamikaze attacks. Still the Zero is considered by some to be the ultimate in fighter design and beauty.
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Nakajima B5N Kate
When the Pacific War began the Kate was the most modern carrier borne torpedo bomber in any air force. It was instrumental in crippling the US Navy's battleship force at Pearl Harbor proving once and for all the effectiveness of air power. During the next year Kates delivered fatal blows to three US carriers, the Lexington, Yorktown, and Hornet. It participated in all Japanese carrier operations until replaced in 1944 by the Tenzan (Jill). During the 1944 Philippines campaign staggering losses from improved US fighter aircraft forced its relegation to maritime reconnaissance and patrol.
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Battle of Midway Islands
Battle of Wake Island
Battle of the Coral Sea
Battle of Marina Islands
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Battle of Midway
Battle of Wake Island
Battle of the Coral Sea
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Aichi D3a Val
In the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 the Val was the first Japanese aircraft to drop bombs on US targets. It enjoyed considerable success during the first year of the war and sank more allied shipping than any other single type Axis aircraft. The Val was considered one of the best dive bombers of the war. It placed approximately 87 percent of its bombs on target during the attacks on the British cruisers HMS Cornwall, HMS Dorsetshire, and the carrier HMS Hermes during the Indian Ocean campaign. In the battles of Midway and Coral Sea, heavy losses of the experienced crews, aircraft and carriers forced the Japanese to assign an most Vals to land based operations.
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Brewster Buffalo
The little Brewster Buffalo was the first US Navy monoplane to see combat. The Buffalo was evident during 1941 in the "Neutrality Patrols" because of its long range capabilities. Twenty-one Buffalos flown by pilots of the US Marine Corps put up a heroic struggle in the First Battle of Midway despite being out classed by the superior Zeros. In 1940 numerous Buffalos were sent to Finland. Where they did extremely well throughout the war. Britain, Holland, and Australia also used the Brewster Buffalo.
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Battle of Midway Island
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Battle of Midway Island
Battle of the Mariana Islands
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Grumman TBF Avenger
The Avenger was the best of the last torpedo bombers. It was one of the largest of all the US carrier based aircraft. Its deep fuselage allowed to carry the large 21 inch torpedo or up to 2,000 lbs. of bombs. Its strong, durable air frame could absorb terrific punishment and remain serviceable. It did not get off to a successful start during the Battle of Midway. However, later, it became one of the main stays of the US Navy until the end of the war.
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Grumman Wildcat F4F
The Wildcat was the first of the family of Navy Cats and the founder of a series of excellent carrier fighters. Inferior in many ways to the A6M Zero, the Wildcat was a factor in the conflict in 1943. It first saw combat at Wake Island where six aircraft defended the island against far superior Japanese forces. It emerged with a splendid reputation. It was known for its ability to operate for small escort carriers that would not support larger aircraft. Variants of the Wildcar were in service with every US Carrier based fighter squadron by the start of 1943.
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Battle of Wake Island
Battle of the Coral Sea
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Battle of the Marina Islands
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Vought F4U Corsair
Air supremacy was achieved by the United States when the Corsair and the Hellcat reached the front line. The Corsair with its distinctive "gull wings" was the first used by the British as a carrier based fighter. Later, the US Navy successfully used the Corsair in carrier based operations. Corsairs were also flown by the Marine pilots as well. The Corsair destroyed 2,140 enemy aircraft compared to only 189 combat losses. It continued to carry out tactical air support well into the jet age and the Korean War.
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Grumman F6F Hellcat
Big and beefy and not at all elegant, the Hellcat was one of the aircraft most responsible for the United States achievement of air superiority in the Pacific. Hellcats destroyed more than 6,000 hostile aircraft. The first delivery flew from the carrier Essex. They were used in great numbers during the battle of the Marina Islands "Turkey Shoot". The operational career of the aircraft continued unchecked for the duration of the war. After its introduction it fought in all the Air Battles of the Pacific. It earned a lasting reputation by its superiority over excellent Japanese fighters.
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Battle of the Mariana Islands
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Battle of Midway Island
Battle of the Coral Sea
Battle of the Mariana Islands
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Douglas Dauntless SBD
Great importance was attached by the US Navy to the dive bomber. The Dauntless was the most famous. It saw service for the duration of the war and was successful from its inception. SBD's launched from the carriers Enterprise and Yorktown were Akagi, Kaga, and the Hiryu on June 4, 1942 at the battle of Midway. These losses resulted in the turning point of the war against the Japanese.
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Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
The Helldiver was designed to carry torpedos, depth charges or bombs internally. It was larger and faster than the Dauntless but never quite achieved success of the larger Avenger as a torpedo bomber. Some variants were fitted with twin floats to operate as larger scouts and search and rescue planes for capitol ships in support of the lighter Kingfisher. (Also available with floats on request)
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Battle of the Marianas Islands |
Battle of Mariana Islands
Battle of Europe (P38 J)
Battle of Normandy (P38 J)
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Lockheed P 38E Lightning
Controversial from its inception, the P-38 was an important element in the American aerial arsenal in the European, North African and Pacific theaters throughout the war. It was one of the most powerful fighters, with two turbocharged engines and opposite rotating props. It saw use in reconnaissance, fighter, and night fighter versions. In 1943, a P-38 shot down Admiral Yamahoto, the originator of the plan to attack Pearl Harbor. With endurance and speed it was flown by some of the leading American aces.
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Republic P47D Thunderbolt
The P47 was a work horse in the Allied arsenal in the later part of the war. It was one of the largest single seat, single engine, aircraft of the war. It was ulitized as air to air fighter, a bomber escort, and devastating ground attack bomber and became a foremost factor in ground operations. Its heavy firepower accounted for major losses to German forces during the invasion of Europe and operations on the Western front including the relief of Bastogne. It was used in the Pacific theater as a bomber escort and a ground attack fighter. The Thunderbolt carried nearly 2,000 lbs of weapons and ammunition.
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Air Battle of Europe
Battle of Normandy
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Battle of Europe
Battle of Nomandy
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North American P-51D Mustang
Possibly the best fighter of all, the P 51 appeared in the second half of the war. Powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin engine it was one of the most powerful and successful piston powered aircraft ever to take the skies. Its operational career found it in use on all fronts during the war. Its greatest role was the ability to escort the US daylight bombers deep into enemy territory. They were as vitally important as the B-17's and B-24's in the success of the late warbombing campaigns. The Mustang is credited with destroying 4,950 enemy aircraft. A variant of the P-51 flew in the last mission of WWII over Japan on August 14, 1945. Its active duty continued into the Korean Conflict.
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