7 Heavy Bombers That Dominated the Skies in WWII

The Second World War was a period where air power fundamentally changed the dynamics of warfare. This era saw the development and deployment of some of the most iconic bombers that not only played pivotal roles in various battles but also showcased the rapid advancements in aviation technology. From carrying out devastating raids to changing the course of the war, these aircraft left an indelible mark on both military history and the development of aerial combat tactics. Below, we explore seven heavy bombers that ruled the skies during WWII.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Well-known for the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombardments, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress built upon its predecessor, the B-17, to transport larger explosives over greater distances. Debuting in 1940 and in production until 1960, a total of 3,970 Superfortresses were made, with 29 still in various states of preservation today, and two that remain flight-worthy.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Recognized as a formidable American bomber, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was introduced in 1935 by Boeing and took its first flight in 1938 in Dayton, Ohio. Engineered for the United States Army Air Corps and later adopted by the Army Air Forces, it is the third most produced bomber in history. A fleet of 12,713 were constructed before its retirement in 1968, and now 46 remain, serving as historical artifacts.

Piaggio P.108

The Piaggio P.108 Bombardiere stood out as Italy’s only four-engine heavy bomber during World War II, marking a significant advancement in the Regia Aeronautica Italiana’s strategic capabilities. The bomber was engineered with four Piaggio P.XII RC.35 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engines, each capable of churning out 1,500 horsepower, enabling the P.108 to fulfill various roles including long-range bombing, anti-shipping missions, and as a transport aircraft. Its versatile design showcased an impressive payload capacity, able to carry 7,700 pounds of bombs for strategic objectives.

Avro Lancaster

Regarded by many experts as the RAF’s most significant bomber, the Lancaster was a versatile quadruple-engine aircraft, accommodating seven crew members. Capable of carrying up to 14,000 lbs of conventional bombs, this plane was integral in numerous war efforts. When production ceased, a slice of aviation legacy was sealed with the impressive number of 7,377 units.

Dornier Do-217

One of the Dornier Do-217’s crowning achievements was its significant bomb capacity, enabling it to play a pivotal role in both the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle of Normandy. Its ability to guide ground assaults and anti-shipping strikes showcased its strategic value beyond the capacity of a typical bomber. The aircraft’s design facilitated this versatility; the cockpit and crew positions were placed forward in the fuselage, leading to a distinct tapering towards the aft, resulting in its pencil-like silhouette. The engines, mounted in a fashion resembling a high-wing monoplane, and the Split-T tail design, contributed to its distinctive appearance and aerodynamic performance.

Short Stirling

Introduced in 1941, the Short Stirling marked its place in history as the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first four-engine heavy bomber. With a capacity for a seven-member crew, it played a crucial role in ground attack missions and operations across Great Britain, Egypt, and Belgium. Over its service life, 2,383 Stirlings were produced, but the rapid pace of aviation advancements during WWII rendered its design outdated, leading to its retirement by war’s end. Powered by four engines, each delivering 1,640 horsepower, the Stirling could reach speeds up to 270 MPH and was lauded for its capability to perform extensive bombing runs and critical missions. However, its operational ceiling was limited to 16,995 feet due to its wing design – a factor that, while beneficial for takeoff and low-speed handling, made it susceptible to enemy defenses and restricted its high-altitude performance. Despite these limitations, the Short Stirling remains a significant contributor to the Allied efforts during the war, showcasing the evolution of military aviation technology.

Heinkel He-177

The Heinkel He-177, operated by the Luftwaffe in World War II, was Germany’s sole long-range heavy bomber with a payload and range comparable to the Allied four-engine bombers in Europe. It boasted high cruising and maximum speeds, outpacing its Allied counterparts. However, the He-177 was plagued with design and functional issues, including the demand for engines of at least 2,000 horsepower, which were not yet proven reliable. The Daimler-Benz BD 606 power plants, coupled with tight engine nacelles, were predisposed to catching fire, unfortunately earning the bomber the moniker “Reich’s lighter.” Despite an improved design emerging later in the war, it was too late to have a significant impact. The He-177 saw some action on the Eastern Front, culminating in its last recorded operational sortie during an assault on Velikiye Luki in 1944. After this point, the bomber saw no further use in the conflict.