Top 10 Fastest Bombers Of WW2
Image Credit: USAF
World War II was a period of rapid technological advancement, especially in aviation. While fighters often steal the spotlight, bombers played a crucial role in the conflict, delivering devastating payloads over long distances. Speed was a vital asset for these aircraft, allowing them to evade enemy fighters and reach their targets more effectively. Here’s a look at the top 10 fastest bombers of WWII that were not just prototypes but actually took to the skies.
1. Arado Ar 234 “Blitz” – 461 mph (742 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
The Arado Ar 234 holds the distinction of being the world’s first operational jet-powered bomber. Introduced by Germany in 1944, it achieved speeds up to 461 mph, making it the fastest bomber of WWII. Its speed and altitude capabilities made it nearly impossible for Allied fighters to intercept.
2. de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito – 407 mph (655 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
Nicknamed the “Wooden Wonder,” the British Mosquito was a versatile aircraft serving in roles from reconnaissance to night-fighter. Its lightweight wooden construction and powerful twin engines allowed it to reach speeds of 407 mph, enabling it to outrun many enemy fighters.
3. Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse – 388 mph (624 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
The Me 410 was Germany’s attempt to improve upon the flawed Me 210. Serving as a heavy fighter and bomber, it reached speeds of 388 mph. While it had mixed success, its speed made it one of the fastest bombers in operational use.
4. Arado Ar 240 – 384 mph (618 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
Designed as a multi-role aircraft, the Ar 240 served in reconnaissance and bomber roles. Its advanced aerodynamics and powerful engines allowed it to achieve speeds of 384 mph, though it saw limited service due to handling issues.
5. North American A-36 Apache – 365 mph (587 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
The A-36 was the dive-bomber variant of the P-51 Mustang. Used primarily in the Mediterranean Theater, it combined the Mustang’s speed with dive-bombing capabilities, reaching speeds up to 365 mph.
6. Boeing B-29 Superfortress – 358 mph (576 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
The B-29 was one of the most advanced bombers of the war, featuring pressurized cabins and remote-controlled gun turrets. With a top speed of 358 mph, it played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, including dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
7. Nakajima G8N Renzan – 358 mph (576 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
Japan’s G8N “Rita” was a four-engine heavy bomber developed late in the war. With a top speed of 358 mph, it was designed to strike distant targets, but only a few prototypes were built before the war ended.
8. Consolidated B-32 Dominator – 357 mph (575 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
The B-32 was developed as a backup to the B-29. It saw limited service in the Pacific Theater, achieving speeds up to 357 mph. Its operational use was brief, as the war concluded shortly after its introduction.
9. Saab B18 – 357 mph (575 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
Sweden’s Saab B18 was a twin-engine bomber used for reconnaissance and dive-bombing. Introduced in 1944, it reached speeds of 357 mph and served as a key component of Sweden’s neutral defense strategy.
10. Yokosuka D4Y Suisei – 357 mph (575 km/h)
View this post on Instagram
The D4Y “Judy” was a carrier-based dive bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Known for its speed and sleek design, it reached 357 mph, making it one of the fastest dive bombers of the war.
