The 8 Remaining WW2 Heavy Bombers Today

In the skies of World War II, heavy bombers were some of the most impressive aircraft, built for endurance and power. Today, finding one is as rare as spotting a shooting star. Though many types of bombers flew during the war, this focuses solely on those classified as ‘heavy’ bombers.

1. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Kicking off our list, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a name that many recognize. Built by the Americans, this aircraft was a real workhorse during the war. An incredible total of 12,731 were constructed from 1936 to 1945. The B-17 was so dependable that the Brazilian Air Force continued to use them all the way up to 1967. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find that 45 B-17s still stand strong, with four that can even take to the skies once more.

2. Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Following the B-17 is the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, another star from the United States. With 3,970 units made between 1943 and 1946, this bomber was known for its advanced features, including pressurized cabins. Nowadays, 22 of these legendary planes are still around, and two can break free from the earth’s hold and fly.

3. Avro Lancaster

The United Kingdom contributed its fair share to the war efforts with the Avro Lancaster. British and Canadian factories produced a massive 7,377 Lancasters. The last one was used in 1964 by Canada. There are 17 of these British beauties left, and two are in good enough shape to soar through the skies. Additionally, there are two more on the ground that can be moved – with one in the UK potentially getting ready to fly again in the years to come.

4. Consolidated B-24 Liberator

The Americans did not stop at the Superfortress; the Consolidated B-24 Liberator was next on their list. A jaw-dropping 18,188 Liberators served many countries, and this machine had the last laugh when the Indian Air Force retired it in 1968. Jump to the present, and there are 13 survivors with two that can still glide above the ground.

5. Heinkel He 111

Moving over to Germany, the Heinkel He 111 makes its entry. There were 6,508 of these built by Germans between 1935 and 1944. A Spanish version even flew until 1958, but in this list, only German-built models are considered. Presently, merely five of these bombers are left, none of which can take flight.

6. Avro Lincoln

Following the Lancaster, the British developed the Avro Lincoln. Even though it took its first flight in 1944, it wasn’t until 1945 that it really joined the action. Out of the 604 built, only four remain now. Sadly, none of these impressive machines can return to flying.

7. Handley Page Halifax

Another British name, the Handley Page Halifax, had 6,176 units made for service in various air forces like the Royal Canadian and Royal Australian. The Halifax’s duty ended in 1961 with the Pakistani Air Force. Today, just three Halifaxes exist, and they all stay grounded.

8. Savoia-Marchetti SM.82

Lastly, we have the rarest of them all – the Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM.82. It served as both a bomber and transport plane with 727 constructed between 1939 and 1944. This plane saw use in Italian, German, and even postwar Italian services. The Italian Air Force gave them up after 1960, and now only one remains, stationary, as a part of the Italian Air Force Museum’s collection.