The Top 10 Biggest and Heaviest Bombers of WWII

These aircraft were designed to carry substantial payloads over long distances, delivering devastating blows to enemy targets. Here, we explore the top 10 biggest and heaviest bombers of WWII:

1. Boeing B-29 Superfortress

– Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 140,000 lbs

– Payload: 20,000 lbs

The B-29 was renowned for its advanced technology, including pressurized cabins and remote-controlled machine gun turrets. It famously dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

2. Consolidated B-32 Dominator

– MTOW: 101,000 lbs

– Payload: 20,000 lbs

The B-32 Dominator was designed as a backup for the B-29. It saw limited action but featured a pressurized cabin and remote-controlled turrets.

3. Avro Lancaster

– MTOW: 72,000 lbs

– Payload: 22,000 lbs

The Lancaster was the RAF’s primary heavy bomber, famous for night bombing raids over Germany. It was versatile, carrying the Grand Slam and Tallboy bombs.

4. Heinkel He 177 Greif

– MTOW: 72,750 lbs

– Payload: 13,230 lbs

The He 177 was Germany’s only long-range heavy bomber used during WWII. It was plagued by engine problems but could carry a significant payload over long distances.

5. Petlyakov Pe-8

– MTOW: 70,550 lbs

– Payload: 11,000 lbs

The Pe-8 was the Soviet Union’s only four-engine strategic bomber of the war. It was used for strategic bombing and long-range reconnaissance missions.

6. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

– MTOW: 65,500 lbs

– Payload: 17,600 lbs

The B-17 was famous for its durability and heavy defensive armament. It played a crucial role in the daylight bombing campaign over Europe.

7. Short Stirling

– MTOW: 70,000 lbs

– Payload: 14,000 lbs

The Stirling was the first four-engine bomber used by the RAF. It had a shorter range and lower ceiling than other heavy bombers, limiting its effectiveness.

8. Handley Page Halifax

– MTOW: 65,000 lbs

– Payload: 13,000 lbs

The Halifax was a mainstay of the RAF’s Bomber Command, performing various roles from strategic bombing to electronic warfare and glider towing.

9. Consolidated B-24 Liberator

– MTOW: 65,000 lbs

– Payload: 8,000 lbs

The B-24 was known for its long range and high bomb load. It served in every theater of the war, conducting bombing missions and anti-submarine patrols.

10. Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor

– MTOW: 53,570 lbs

– Payload: 4,400 lbs

Originally an airliner, the Fw 200 was converted into a long-range bomber and maritime patrol aircraft. It was used by the Luftwaffe for reconnaissance and anti-shipping missions.