5 Famous WWII Aircraft Restorations You Can See Today

The preservation of World War II aircraft provides a window into the past, highlighting the resilience and innovation of those who fought in the conflict. Some of these restored planes are more than museum pieces; they are flying artifacts that continue to inspire awe. The following aircraft, meticulously restored, represent remarkable stories of survival and dedication to history.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXe — Military Aviation Museum

The Spitfire is widely regarded as a symbol of Britain’s defiance during World War II. Among its many surviving examples, one stands out—MJ730. Built in 1943 at the Vickers-Armstrong factory, this aircraft played an active role in combat. Test-flown by the renowned Alex Henshaw, MJ730 was shipped to Morocco before seeing service in Italy with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s No. 417 Squadron. It flew critical missions over Anzio, then transitioned to support the invasion of Southern France with No. 154 Squadron.

MJ730 also took part in operations in Greece and the Balkans before moving to the Italian Air Force post-war. Its journey didn’t end there. It served briefly with the Israeli Air Force and, by the 1970s, sat abandoned on an Israeli kibbutz. Salvaged and restored by British enthusiast Robs Lamplough, it flew again in the late 1980s. Today, MJ730’s wartime markings, including a question mark chosen by its former squadron leader, George Silvester, make it a standout piece of aviation history.

North American P-51D Mustang — National Museum of the US Air Force

The Mustang was a game-changer for the Allies, helping secure air superiority over Europe. The Military Aviation Museum’s P-51D, constructed in 1945, is a stunning example. Painted to represent a fighter flown by Lt. Col. “Wild Bill” Bailey of the 353rd Fighter Group, it showcases black-and-yellow checkered nose markings and Bailey’s signature “Double Trouble Two” nickname.

Originally designed to meet British specifications, the Mustang’s effectiveness soared after the addition of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. With its superior high-altitude performance and lethal armament, it drastically reduced bomber losses in Europe. The museum’s example is not just a historical artifact but a flying tribute to the efforts of airmen like Bailey, who flew over 180 combat missions during the war.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina — Military Aviation Museum

The Catalina was a versatile workhorse, excelling in reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue missions. With a range unmatched by most other aircraft of its time, it became essential in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The Military Aviation Museum’s PBY, built in 1943, served extensively in the U.S. Navy.

Operating from bases in French Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Gibraltar, this aircraft was part of the Allied effort to hunt German submarines. After the war, it transitioned to Coast Guard service before being retired in 1956. Its sleek restoration showcases the aircraft’s role as a critical asset in long-range missions, from convoy escort to rescuing downed airmen.

Curtiss P-40E Warhawk — Military Aviation Museum

The Curtiss P-40 may not have been the fastest or most advanced fighter of the war, but it filled a vital role when it was needed most. The museum’s P-40E was originally built in 1941 and sent to the Soviet Air Force through the Lend-Lease program. It flew missions defending the strategic port of Murmansk before being shot down and abandoned in Russia.

Recovered decades later, this Warhawk was painstakingly restored in New Zealand and now flies with markings reminiscent of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), better known as the Flying Tigers. Its shark-mouth nose art and historical connections to ace “Tex” Hill serve as a reminder of the crucial role this rugged fighter played in defending Allied interests.

North American B-25J Mitchell — Champaign Aviation Museum

The B-25 Mitchell gained fame for its versatility and was most notably used in the daring Doolittle Raid on Japan. The museum’s B-25J has been restored to resemble an aircraft from the 340th Bomb Group, which conducted bombing campaigns in the Mediterranean.

The B-25 was renowned for its reliability and adaptability, able to perform tasks ranging from precision bombing to ground support. The museum’s restoration highlights its robust design, complete with gun turrets and bomb bays, offering a glimpse into the role medium bombers played in securing victory. This particular aircraft is a testament to the ingenuity of its designers and the bravery of its crews.