Overview of the Best War Planes Of World War II and Why

Overview of the Best War Planes Of World War II and Why

Even by today's standards, the planes that dominated the skies during World War 2 were awesome.

Fast, agile, and deadly, they were fearsome as they were beautiful. They were the key weapons during the clash of ideologies and soaring personal ambitions at a pivotal period in the 20th century.

The antagonists in that great conflict brought contrasting styles which were put to the test during aerial combat.

The Japanese Zero adhered to the doctrine of the ultimate attack aircraft and did away with defensive armor and heavy machine guns to stay light. The "Wonder Weapon of the Pacific War" was incredibly agile and elusive at low altitude dogfights, but it was not as responsive above 20,000 feet. Because of its light frame, the Zero also had difficulty diving at high speed and easily exploded when hit.

The American Wildcat was big and hefty, but it was the extra load of armor plating and superior firepower that made it a formidable fighter. The Wildcat was tough, even while on the receiving end of enemy fire. It proved the perfect match against the Zero, which couldn't absorb much damage and was often unable to deliver the coup de grace because of its light armament.

At the forefront of the German onslaught was the Messerschmitt Bf109. The all-metal monoplane was initially met with lukewarm interest by the Nazis who first commissioned it. In combat, however, the Bf109 impressed skeptics with its speed and agility. It went on to become the most varied and respected Luftwaffe fighter of World War 2.

On the British side, legendary exploits have been attributed to the Spitfire fighter-interceptor, said to be the most popular plane of the war. Powerful yet easy to handle, the Spitfire earned the admiration of German aces, one of whom was said to have demanded to fly it at the height of the Battle of Britain where scores of Bf 109's were downed by the British defenders.

Regardless of their affiliations, the planes of World War 2 fulfilled their strategic roles-to harass and intimidate opposing infantry, transport troops and provisions, and deliver deadly cargo to cripple and demoralize the enemy. Their sleek and graceful lines belied their ferocity. They pushed the limits of performance and daring in the hands of the heroic pilots that guided them.

Modern aviation may have progressed astronomically since the last Great War, but the planes that fought it will never be forgotten.