The 5 Largest Aircraft Manufacturers of WWII

World War II was a time of great conflict and change, not just on the battlefields but also in the technology that defined warfare. The planes, tanks, and ships created during this time significantly impacted how we think about these vehicles today. Some of the most important technological advancements in the motor and aerospace industries came from innovations made during WWII. Various companies produced thousands of aircraft for different countries involved in the war, but a few stood out because of their significant contributions and production volumes.

Boeing

Today, when people think about passenger planes, Boeing is usually the first name that comes to mind. Boeing’s significant presence in the aerospace industry is not new; it goes back to World War II. Founded by William Boeing on July 15, 1916, in Seattle, Washington, the company started with the B&W Seaplane. During World War II, Boeing was a key supplier for the US Air Force, producing around 16,000 four-engine heavy bombers. Their most notable models were the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress. Today, Boeing has two main divisions: Boeing Commercial Airplanes, which makes passenger planes, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security, which focuses on military aircraft, satellites, and space vehicles.

Republic Aviation

The Republic Aviation Corporation was another major player during World War II. Founded by Russian expatriate Alexander de Seversky in 1931 as the Seversky Aircraft Company, it was later renamed after financial difficulties and a change in leadership in 1939. Republic Aviation produced about 15,000 aircraft used by both the United States and China. Their most famous plane was the P-47 Thunderbolt, which was equipped with .50-caliber machine guns and rockets. Another notable model was the P-43 Lancer, first used by the US Army Air Corps in 1940. Despite its success during the war, the company faced financial issues after the war and was acquired by Fairchild Aircraft in 1965.

North American Aviation

North American Aviation became the largest aircraft manufacturer for the United States during World War II, producing approximately 26,000 units. The company started as a holding business but shifted to manufacturing in 1934 after the Air Mail Act. Significant models from North American Aviation included the P-51 Mustang, a versatile fighter/fighter-bomber used in both WWII and the Korean War, and the B-25 Mitchell, a medium bomber named after aviation pioneer Major General William “Billy” Mitchell. After World War II, the company struggled financially and was eventually sold to Boeing in 1967.

Lockheed Corporation

Lockheed Corporation was a significant aircraft producer during World War II, producing over 16,000 units. Founded in 1926 by brothers Allan and Malcolm Loughead, their first success came with the Vega, a six-passenger monoplane. The company’s most famous military plane during WWII was the P-38 Lightning, a piston-engine fighter used by the US Army Air Corps. The P-38 was unique in that it remained in production throughout the war, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to Japan’s surrender. In 1995, Lockheed Corporation merged with Martin Marietta Corporation to form Lockheed Martin, which remains a major aerospace company.

Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss-Wright was the second-largest aircraft manufacturer during World War II, producing around 20,000 units. The company was formed on July 5, 1929, from the merger of 12 companies associated with Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Before the war, Curtiss-Wright was already known for its P-38 Hawk, widely used in the 1930s and 1940s. During WWII, they expanded their line, producing models like the SBC2 Helldiver and the P-40 Warhawk, the latter known for its iconic shark mouth design. The company’s focus on building fighter planes for the US military helped it succeed during the war.