Another 5 World War II Planes Often Ignored

World War II saw the rise of many famous aircraft that played significant roles in battles around the world. While planes like the P-51 Mustang and the Spitfire often steal the spotlight, several other aircraft also made important contributions yet remain less well-known. These overlooked planes have unique stories and capabilities that deserve recognition. Here are five such aircraft that played roles in World War II but often go unnoticed.

Curtiss-Wright CW-21 Demon

The Curtiss-Wright CW-21, also known as the CW-21 Demon, is an American fighter interceptor developed in the 1930s. This aircraft took its first flight on September 22, 1938. Despite its modern design for the time, it never gained acceptance from the American armed forces. The CW-21 was intended to be a lightweight interceptor with a high climb rate, allowing it to engage bomber formations with little warning. This design philosophy led to a focus on speed over traditional dogfighting capabilities.

With a length of 27 feet 2.5 inches and a wingspan of 35 feet, the CW-21 was powered by a single Wright R-1820 G5 Cyclone nine-cylinder radial piston engine, producing 850 horsepower. The aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 314 mph, which was competitive for its time. However, the CW-21 lacked essential features like armor and fuel tank protection, which led to its rejection by the Army Air Corps. Despite these setbacks, the prototype was sent to China for evaluation, where it found a second chance.

The Chinese Air Force appreciated the CW-21 as a suitable replacement for their outdated biplanes against the invading Japanese forces. An improved version, the CW-21B, featured upgrades like a new undercarriage and hydraulically operated flaps. While the CW-21 could compete with Japanese fighters like the Ki-43 Oscar, its limited numbers and lack of self-sealing fuel tanks hindered its effectiveness. Ultimately, only 62 units were built, with one surviving the war after being captured by Japanese forces. Today, no original CW-21 Demons are known to exist.

Tupolev Tu-2

The Tupolev Tu-2 was a Soviet twin-engine high-speed bomber designed to fulfill the requirements of a fast and efficient bombing platform. Built to compete with the German Ju 88, the Tu-2 had a reputation for speed and agility, which made it a formidable adversary in the skies. Designed by Andrei Tupolev, the Tu-2 entered service during the war and saw action in various roles, including bombing, reconnaissance, and even torpedo attacks.

With a length of 13.8 meters and a wingspan of 18.86 meters, the Tu-2 was powered by two Shvetsov ASH-82 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, each generating 1,850 horsepower. This design allowed the aircraft to reach a maximum speed of 328 mph, making it one of the fastest bombers of its time. The crew typically consisted of four members, and the aircraft was known for its relatively large bomb capacity and flexible design.

Over 2,000 Tu-2s were produced, and the aircraft served well into the 1950s. Some surplus models were supplied to China during the Chinese Civil War, where they were used effectively. The Tu-2’s robust design allowed it to adapt to various roles, showcasing the versatility that made it a vital asset for the Soviet Union.

Heinkel He 112

The Heinkel He 112 was a German fighter aircraft developed by Walter and Siegfried Günter as a contender for the Luftwaffe’s 1933 fighter contract. Although it came in second to the BF 109, the He 112 demonstrated excellent performance and had notable features. Despite not being selected for widespread use, it served in limited numbers with German allies, such as Hungary and Romania, and saw combat during the war.

With a length of 9 meters and a wingspan of 11.5 meters, the He 112 was powered by a single Junkers Jumo 210 engine, capable of delivering around 600 horsepower. Its design included a streamlined shape that contributed to its speed and maneuverability. The aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 348 mph, making it competitive in dogfights. Though the He 112 was overshadowed by the more successful BF 109, it still earned respect for its capabilities and performance in the air.

The He 112 was notable for its export potential, as it gained interest from several nations seeking modern fighters. Despite its limited production numbers and service, the aircraft was a stepping stone in the evolution of German fighter design.

Macchi C.205 Veltro

The Macchi C.205 Veltro was an Italian fighter aircraft that entered service in 1943. It was one of the last and most advanced fighters produced by Italy during the war. The C.205 was developed from the earlier C.202 Folgore and featured improved aerodynamics and armament. It was designed to compete against more advanced Allied aircraft, such as the P-51 Mustang.

The Veltro had a length of 9.16 meters and a wingspan of 10.82 meters. It was powered by a Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine, providing about 1,480 horsepower, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 370 mph. The aircraft was armed with four 20mm cannons, giving it formidable firepower in dogfights.

Despite facing challenges during the war, the Macchi C.205 was well-regarded for its performance and agility. Pilots praised its handling characteristics, which allowed for effective maneuvering in combat. The C.205 represented Italy’s best efforts in fighter design during the conflict, contributing to the aerial battles over Europe.

Westland Welkin

The Westland Welkin was a British fighter aircraft designed for high-altitude defense. Developed during the early years of World War II, it aimed to counter high-flying German bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. The Welkin was notable for its unique design, featuring a large wingspan that allowed for stability at altitude.

With a length of 11.4 meters and a wingspan of 14.3 meters, the Welkin was a significant aircraft. It was powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, producing around 1,500 horsepower. This power enabled it to reach speeds of approximately 360 mph, which was impressive for a high-altitude fighter.

Despite its potential, the Welkin faced challenges in production and was overshadowed by other aircraft. Only a small number were built, and they did not see extensive combat. However, the aircraft represented an innovative approach to high-altitude defense during a critical period of the war.