Every Large Cannon-Equipped Plane in World War II

During World War II, advancements in aviation brought about a new era of firepower as nations sought to maximize the impact of each mission. One of the most notable developments was the integration of heavy cannons on aircraft, a shift that allowed planes to inflict serious damage on both air and ground targets. While machine guns were more common, cannons—particularly those with calibers of 20mm or larger—offered a different level of firepower that could penetrate armor, damage larger aircraft, and take on more fortified ground targets. This list covers some of the notable World War II planes outfitted with powerful cannons, examining their roles, features, and effectiveness in battle.

1. Bristol Beaufighter (UK)

The Bristol Beaufighter was a British twin-engine aircraft designed to excel in long-range missions and night operations. Equipped with four 20mm Hispano cannons mounted in the fuselage, the Beaufighter quickly gained a reputation for its ability to deliver devastating firepower. These cannons allowed the plane to target ground and sea-based enemies, tearing through the armor of ships and fortified installations with ease.

Primarily used as a night fighter and in anti-shipping roles, the Beaufighter saw extensive action in both the European and Pacific theaters. Its firepower was particularly effective in coastal strikes against enemy ships, and it played a key role in anti-shipping missions in the Mediterranean. Its powerful cannon armament, combined with rockets and bombs, allowed the Beaufighter to inflict heavy losses on Axis convoys, marking it as one of the more versatile and feared British aircraft of the war.

2. Messerschmitt Bf 110 (Germany)

Initially intended as a long-range fighter, the German Bf 110 carried a mix of machine guns and cannon armament that varied with different models. Later versions, especially the Bf 110G, were equipped with two 30mm MK 108 cannons, which added a heavier punch to its armament. These cannons were particularly deadly, capable of inflicting significant damage on bombers with just a few rounds. However, the Bf 110 faced challenges in air-to-air combat due to its limited agility and speed when compared to single-engine Allied fighters.

The Bf 110 found more success in other roles, including bomber interception and ground attack, where its cannon armament could be effectively deployed. It also served as a night fighter, where it could use its heavy weapons to target bombers in low-light conditions. While the Bf 110 was ultimately surpassed by other aircraft designs, it left a lasting impact as a versatile and heavily armed plane.

3. Hawker Hurricane Mk. IID (UK)

The Hawker Hurricane Mk. IID was a specialized variant of the widely used British fighter, modified specifically for ground attack missions. This model was armed with two 40mm Vickers S cannons mounted under the wings, making it a lethal weapon against enemy tanks and armored vehicles. These cannons allowed the Hurricane to penetrate armor, targeting German ground forces with precision and often halting the movement of convoys and supply lines.

Deployed primarily in North Africa, the Mk. IID quickly proved its value in the desert campaign. Its 40mm cannons could immobilize enemy vehicles with a single hit, significantly aiding British ground forces. The aircraft’s role as a tank-buster made it a unique addition to the Allied arsenal, and its effectiveness in this role helped pave the way for further ground-attack innovations in fighter design.

4. Lockheed P-38 Lightning (USA)

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a distinctive twin-engine fighter that served in multiple theaters during the war. Known for its unique twin-boom design, the P-38 carried a powerful central armament that included a 20mm Hispano M2 cannon, alongside four .50 caliber machine guns. This combination gave it considerable firepower for both air and ground targets, allowing it to engage bombers effectively and provide close support to ground troops.

The P-38 excelled in the Pacific theater, where it engaged Japanese forces in both air-to-air combat and ground attack roles. Its 20mm cannon was highly effective against lightly armored ground targets and enemy aircraft, contributing to the P-38’s reputation as a versatile and reliable fighter. With its impressive range and firepower, the P-38 became a favorite among American pilots and left a lasting legacy in aviation history.

5. Yak-9T (Soviet Union)

The Yakovlev Yak-9T was a Soviet modification of the successful Yak-9 fighter, designed specifically to carry a large 37mm cannon, which was mounted through the propeller shaft. This cannon, the NS-37, could bring down enemy bombers and damage armored vehicles, making the Yak-9T a fearsome adversary. The recoil from the 37mm cannon was intense, but Soviet pilots quickly adapted, using the Yak-9T effectively in both air-to-air and ground-attack roles.

The Yak-9T became widely respected by Soviet pilots and feared by enemy forces, especially on the Eastern Front, where it targeted German bombers and transport planes. Its 37mm cannon allowed it to inflict significant damage with a single shot, providing Soviet forces with a reliable and powerful fighter for multiple roles. The Yak-9T’s firepower made it a staple in the Soviet Air Force and a valuable asset in the Eastern Front air battles.

6. Henschel Hs 129 (Germany)

The Henschel Hs 129 was a German twin-engine ground-attack aircraft specifically designed for close support and tank-busting missions. With a 30mm MK 103 cannon as its main armament, later models even carried a 75mm anti-tank cannon in an effort to destroy heavily armored Allied vehicles. Although the Hs 129 struggled with its limited maneuverability and engine power, its ability to carry large cannons made it one of the more unique and specialized aircraft of the war.

Primarily deployed on the Eastern Front, the Hs 129’s 30mm and 75mm cannons were used against Soviet tanks and fortified ground positions. However, the aircraft’s heavy load often compromised its agility and performance, which, combined with reliability issues, limited its effectiveness. Still, its large-cannon configurations made it one of the most distinct tank-busting planes of the war, recognized for its role in attempting to counter the Soviet armor.

7. Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik (Soviet Union)

The Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik, often referred to as the “Flying Tank,” was a Soviet ground-attack aircraft armed with two 23mm cannons and a payload of bombs and rockets. Designed to withstand ground fire and support Soviet infantry, the Il-2’s cannon armament allowed it to attack a range of targets, from enemy vehicles to infantry fortifications. Its durability and close-support capabilities made it a crucial part of Soviet air operations.

The Il-2 saw heavy action on the Eastern Front, where its cannons proved effective against German vehicles and light armor. The plane’s rugged construction allowed it to survive multiple hits, making it well-suited for the dangerous task of close air support. Soviet pilots relied on the Il-2 to disrupt enemy lines and support ground offensives, and its impact on the Eastern Front was profound, as it contributed to Soviet advances throughout the conflict.

8. North American B-25G Mitchell (USA)

The B-25G Mitchell was a unique variation of the American B-25 medium bomber, modified specifically for anti-shipping and ground-attack missions. This model carried a 75mm M4 cannon mounted in the nose, making it one of the largest guns installed on an aircraft at the time. The cannon allowed the B-25G to strike at heavily fortified targets, including ships, bunkers, and armored vehicles.

The B-25G saw combat in the Pacific theater, where its cannon was used against Japanese shipping convoys and ground targets. The power of the 75mm gun gave the B-25G an advantage in attacking larger ships, where a single shot could penetrate hulls and disable vessels. Despite challenges with accuracy and recoil, the B-25G played a role in the U.S. anti-shipping campaigns, demonstrating the versatility of cannon-equipped bombers.