WW2’s Most Iconic Allied Fighter Planes

During WWII, over 700 fighter plane models were produced. In no particular order, here are the best Allied fighters of WWII:

Hawker Hurricane

With its sturdy frame and innovative design, the Hawker Hurricane had excellent survivability. 

One of the most unusual innovations was the Hillson FH.40. This was intended to increase fuel capacity and improve lift during takeoff. With this feature, extra fuel could be carried easily and jettisoned when no longer needed.

The Hurricane was more than just a war machine for Britain. It managed to shoot down over 1,500 Luftwaffe planes, contributing up to 60% of Britain’s air victories.

Supermarine Spitfire

The Spitfire was a constant presence in every battlefield for the British. The Spitfire was more innovative, featuring a distinctive elliptical wing shape, retractable landing gear, and a powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. During the war, it excelled as a fighter, interceptor, and reconnaissance jet during WWII.

P-51 Mustang

The Mustang from the United States earned a lot of hype during its time, from being the fastest fighter to destroying more enemy planes than any other fighter. It earned a reputation for its excellence. It was also excellent in ground attack missions, taking out targets like tanks, trains, and airfields.

F4F Wildcat

The Wildcat emerged as a fighter plane that was neither the fastest nor the most advanced in WWII. Despite its limitations in speed and maneuverability, it had hidden advantages. With its robust structure, superior power, and pilot protection, the Wildcat began to show its claws. Its 0.50 caliber guns would penetrate the Japanese Zero’s body and turn the tide.

F6F Hellcat

The Grumman F6F Hellcat held its own special place in history. An upgrade from the F4F Wildcat, the Hellcat was known for its folding wings that saved space on aircraft carriers and traded speed for excellent climb rates and maneuverability. Its rugged well-armored design proved to be highly efficient in combat with over 5,000 enemy planes shot down, it was crucial to the victory of the Allies.

Vought F4U Corsair

In WWII and the Korean War, the Corsair stood out as an American fighter plane. Designed for aircraft carriers, it became renowned for its reliability. Its distinctive inverted gull wings and large propeller made the plane easily recognizable and highly effective in combat. In 1953, approximately 13,000 Corsairs were built. Even Japanese pilots were awed by the plane’s toughness.

P-38 Lightning

This US Air Force aircraft was renowned for its versatility and legendary toughness. Completing 130,000 missions, it successfully sank ships, attacked enemy ground targets, disabled tanks destroyed defense positions, and shot down several fighters and bombers across different theaters of war.

Its twin tail gave it a radically new appearance. The machine guns mounted in its nose could fire 409 rounds per minute, quickly disabling German Folke Wulf 200 Condors in seconds.

P-47 Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt, weighing 17,500 lbs. was the heaviest single-engine fighter of its time. Despite its massive size, it can reach top speeds of up to 426 mph combining firepower with a formidable bomb-carrying capacity. It managed to destroy about 7,000 enemy aircraft.