5 Incredible WWII Fighters Displayed at the Smithsonian Museum

The Smithsonian Museum is known for its impressive collection of aircraft, especially those from World War II. During the war, American military aviation rapidly expanded, growing from about 2,500 airplanes at the start to nearly 300,000 by its end. The Smithsonian showcases some of the most iconic aircraft that contributed to the Allied war effort, representing a wide range of roles from dive bombers to early jet fighters. These aircraft tell the story of American innovation and strategy during WWII. Below are five standout WWII fighters on display at the Smithsonian Museum.

Douglas SBD-6 Dauntless

The Douglas SBD-6 Dauntless was one of the most effective dive bombers of World War II. Though it wasn’t the fastest or the most advanced plane in the war, it played a pivotal role in changing the course of the conflict in the Pacific. The Dauntless made its mark during critical battles such as the Battle of Midway. This aircraft sank four Japanese fleet carriers in a single day, including the Akagi and Kaga, which were key assets for Japan. This success not only turned the tide at Midway but also helped secure dominance in the Pacific.

The SBD-6 Dauntless also saw service beyond Midway. It participated in various other naval campaigns, often taking on Japanese battleships and submarines. The model displayed at the Smithsonian was part of the Navy’s scout squadron VS-51. Its historical significance goes beyond its victories, serving as a symbol of resilience and tactical air warfare during the war’s most critical moments.

Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star

The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star holds a special place in aviation history as America’s first operational jet fighter. Although it arrived too late to have a major impact on World War II, its development represented a significant leap forward in military aviation. The P-80 was built in response to Germany’s development of the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter, and it took just 143 days to move from design to flight, which was an incredible achievement at the time.

While the P-80 saw limited service in Italy at the end of the war, its lasting influence was felt in the post-war period, particularly during the Korean War. The Smithsonian houses one of these groundbreaking jet fighters, showcasing the rapid technological advancements made during the war. Its presence serves as a reminder of the innovation spurred by wartime necessity.

Boeing B-29 Superfortress ‘Enola Gay’

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, specifically the Enola Gay, is one of the most historically significant aircraft in the Smithsonian’s collection. This plane dropped the first atomic bomb, code-named “Little Boy,” on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. This mission marked a turning point in warfare, leading to the end of World War II and opening the nuclear age.

The B-29 itself was a technological marvel, featuring pressurized cabins and advanced targeting systems for long-range bombing missions. It played a key role in the strategic bombing of Japan, including the firebombing of Tokyo. The restoration of Enola Gay was a massive project that took nearly 20 years. Now fully restored, it stands as a sobering reminder of both the destructive power of modern warfare and the lengths to which nations will go in times of conflict.

Stearman (Boeing) Model 75

The Stearman Model 75 was not a fighter, but it was one of the most important trainers for American pilots during World War II. Over 10,000 of these biplanes were produced, and they became a common sight at training airfields across the country. Most American pilots who fought in the war began their flying careers in a Stearman, learning the basics of flight in this sturdy and reliable aircraft.

After the war, many Stearman Model 75s were sold to civilians and used for various purposes, including crop dusting and aerobatic flying at air shows. The Smithsonian’s display of this aircraft highlights the essential role that trainers played in preparing pilots for the more advanced fighters and bombers they would fly in combat. Though it never saw combat itself, the Stearman was a critical piece of the U.S. military’s airpower puzzle.

Grumman F6F Hellcat

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was one of the most successful carrier-based fighters of World War II, designed specifically to take on Japan’s formidable Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Introduced in 1942, the Hellcat quickly proved its worth in the Pacific theater. It was responsible for shooting down over 5,200 enemy aircraft, more than any other naval fighter in the war. The Hellcat achieved an impressive kill-to-loss ratio of 19:1, a testament to its rugged design and the skill of its pilots.

The F6F played a major role in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, which included the famous “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot,” where American forces decimated the Japanese air fleet. By the war’s end, the Hellcat had claimed 75% of all U.S. Navy aerial victories in the Pacific. The Smithsonian’s Hellcat stands as a tribute to the dominance of American carrier-based air power during the war.