WW2 US Aircraft
The aircraft on this page helped win World War II — and the men who flew them deserve to be remembered. Explore fighters, bombers, and everything in between, with real history, specs, and the scale model kits that bring them back to life.
10
Aircraft Profiles
8
Categories
1933–1945
Service Era
Fighter Aircraft
American fighter aircraft of World War II ranged from nimble single-engine dogfighters like the P-51 Mustang and F6F Hellcat to twin-engine heavy fighters like the P-38 Lightning and the first operational jet fighters. These aircraft escorted bombers deep into enemy territory, achieved air superiority over both Europe and the Pacific, and produced some of the most legendary aces in aviation history.
FighterNorth American Aviation
P-51 Mustang
FighterChance Vought Corporation
F4U Corsair
Bomber Aircraft
US heavy and medium bombers carried the strategic air campaign against the Axis powers. From the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress formations over Germany to B-29 Superfortresses in the Pacific, American bombers struck at the industrial heart of the enemy. Medium bombers like the B-25 Mitchell and B-26 Marauder provided tactical support and interdiction across every theater of operations.
Heavy BomberThe Boeing Company
B-17 Flying Fortress
Medium BomberNorth American Aviation
B-25 Mitchell
Attack Aircraft
American attack and dive bomber aircraft delivered precision strikes against enemy positions, shipping, and armor. The SBD Dauntless changed the course of the Pacific War at Midway, while the SB2C Helldiver carried the fight through to Japan's doorstep. Ground attack variants like the A-36 Mustang provided close air support for troops on the ground.
Torpedo Bombers
Torpedo bombers were essential to US naval aviation, delivering devastating attacks against enemy warships. The TBF Avenger became the backbone of carrier strike groups after replacing the obsolete TBD Devastator, whose heroic sacrifice at Midway helped set the stage for one of history's greatest naval victories.
Seaplanes & Flying Boats
American seaplanes and flying boats patrolled the vast ocean expanses of both the Atlantic and Pacific. The PBY Catalina became the most important maritime patrol aircraft of the war, locating enemy fleets and rescuing downed airmen. From massive flying boats like the PBM Mariner to compact floatplanes launched from battleships, these aircraft extended naval reach far beyond the horizon.
Transport Aircraft
Transport aircraft were the unsung heroes of the Allied war effort, moving troops, supplies, and equipment across global distances. The C-47 Skytrain — the military DC-3 — was called one of the four most important weapons of the war by General Eisenhower. From dropping paratroopers on D-Day to flying the Hump over the Himalayas, American transports kept the war machine running.
Trainer Aircraft
The massive expansion of American air power in World War II required an equally massive training program. Aircraft like the AT-6 Texan and BT-13 Valiant trained hundreds of thousands of pilots, navigators, and gunners. These "Pilot Makers" were essential to producing the skilled aircrews that would fly combat missions around the world.
Reconnaissance & Observation
Light observation and reconnaissance aircraft served as the eyes of ground commanders across every battlefield. Tiny, unarmed planes like the L-4 Grasshopper — the military Piper Cub — flew low over the front lines spotting for artillery and providing real-time intelligence. These unassuming aircraft played a vital role far out of proportion to their size.
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