Can You Name All of These WWII Planes in 5 Minutes?

By: Craig
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Name All of These WWII Planes in 5 Minutes?
Image: shutterstock

About This Quiz

World War II planes are not just a part of history; they are symbols of ingenuity, sacrifice, and courage!

If there is one thing that is iconic about World War II and the era that it took place in, it is the dedicated and durable machines that played a big role in the conflict. This quiz is not for amateur flyboys; it is for knowledgeable aviation enthusiasts that can appreciate the rugged beauty of these metal birds.

In the United States alone there were more than 300,000 airplanes that were produced during World War II – proving that their importance on the battlefield was well understood and appreciated. As a testament to just how skillfully a lot of these World War II planes were designed and made, many of them still have models that are flyable to this day.

While it is possible to see many of them in museums all across the US and across the world, there is nothing quite like seeing an F4F Wildcat or a B-17 soar through the sky like a graceful yet deadly predator.

So strap in flying ace and let’s see if you can navigate this dogfight of a quiz!

Lockheed P-38 Lightning
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Ryan FR Fireball
Lockheed P-38 Lightning
Gloster Gladiator
Fairey Swordfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nicknamed "The Fork Tailed Devil" by the German pilots that faced them, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a twin-engined aircraft that performed a number of roles. These included bomber escort, interception, level bombing, and dive bombing, as well as photo reconnaissance. The Lightning was exceptionally fast and maneuverable.

Advertisement

Douglas P-70 Havoc
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Macchi C.205 Veltro
Ilyushin DB-3/Il-4
Farman F.220
Douglas P-70 Havoc
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Douglas P-70 Havoc was a night fighter version of the A-20 light bomber. They served in the Pacific theater.

Advertisement

Nakajima A6M2-N float plane fighter.
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Avions Amiot 143
Dornier Do 335 Pfeil
Breda Ba.88
Nakajima A6M2-N Floatplane Fighter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This essentially was an A6M Zero with a float attached. It was used in the Pacific theater.

Advertisement

Bell P-39 Airacobra
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Handley Page Hampden
Nakajima A2N
Gloster Meteor
Bell P-39 Airacobra
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bell P-39 Airacobra didn't really perform in the role it was intended - a high altitude fighter. It did excel below 10,000 ft, however, and was an adequate ground attack aircraft which served in large numbers in Russia under a lend/lease agreement.

Advertisement

Grumman F8F Bearcat
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Grumman F8F Bearcat
Ambrosini SAI.207
Focke-Wulf Ta 152
Rogožarski IK-3
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed as a carrier-based fighter and entering service in mid-1945, the Grumman F8F Bearcat saw no action during World War II. The war came to an end before it could be deployed in any large numbers.

Advertisement

Mitsubishi A6M Zero
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Macchi C.205 Veltro
Fairey Fulmar
Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Seversky P-35
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The most famous Japanese fighter of World War II, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero was carrier-based, had an incredible range, and was extremely maneuverable. It was far superior to early American aircraft in the Pacific theater, and at one stage had a kill ratio of 12 to 1.

Advertisement

Grumman F6F Hellcat Gannet
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Fiat CR.32
Mitsubishi G3M
Grumman F6F Hellcat/Gannet
Amiot 143
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was designed specifically to replace the F4F Wildcat, which had suffered at the hands of Japanese A6M Zeros in the Pacific theater. This rugged fighter did indeed outperform the Zero. Over 12 000 were built in just two years.

Advertisement

North American P-64
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Blohm & Voss BV 138
de Havilland Dragon
Polikarpov I-153
North American P-64
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First flown in 1940, the North American P-64 was built as a fighter for export to other countries. They saw action in 1941 with the Peruvian Air Force during the Ecuadorian-Peruvian war.

Advertisement

Kawasaki Ki-61
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Reggiane Re 2000 Falco I
Messerschmitt Me 410 Hornisse
Kawasaki Ki-61
Bloch MB 150
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Kawasaki Ki-61 "Tony" was a fighter/interceptor serving in the Japanese Air Force during World War II. Unlike many Japanese fighters at the time, the Tony could reach American B-29 Super Fortress bombers at their operational height and engage them.

Advertisement

Hawker Typhoon
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Dewoitine D.500
Hawker Typhoon
Lockheed Ventura
Blackburn Skua
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Hawker Typhoon was originally intended to replace the Hawker Hurricane as a frontline fighter. It was outclassed by many German aircraft, however. It soon found its niche and became an excellent ground attack aircraft with the ability to carry rockets and bombs as part of its payload.

Advertisement

Mitsubishi J2M interceptor
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Mitsubishi J2M Interceptor
Lavochkin La-5
Messerschmitt 210
Republic P-43 Lancer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed by Jiro Horikoshi who created the legendary A6M Zero, the J2M was designed to be a high-altitude interceptor. It saw action throughout the Pacific but was often dogged by mechanical problems. Later in the war, it was used in its intended role but performed poorly against the high-flying B29 Superfortress bombers of the U.S. Air Force.

Advertisement

Bell P-63 Kingcobra
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Heinkel He 162
Bell P-63 Kingcobra
Focke-Wulf F200 Condor
Short Stirling
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bell P-63 Kingcobra proved to be a slight improvement on its predecessor, the P-39 Airacobra. Much like the Airacobra, the Soviets used 72% of the models built in their fight against Germany and Japan.

Advertisement

Focke-Wulf Fw190
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Focke-Wulf Fw 190
North American P-51 Mustang
Brewster F2A Buffalo
Aichi B7A Ryusei
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Along with the Messerschmitt Me 109, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 made up the bulk of the German Air Force fighter strength during World War II. When it first came on the scene it was superior to the Supermarine Spitfire Mk V, much to the astonishment of the British pilots. The Fw 190 was continually upgraded during the war, capable as a dogfighter, interceptor as well as a fighter-bomber.

Advertisement

Supermarine Seafire
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Armstrong Whitworth A.W.38 Whitley
Supermarine Seafire
North American A-36A Apache
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Supermarine Seafire was a carrier-based version of the Spitfire, arguably one of the most famous aircraft designs in aviation history. The first few Seafires were converted Spitfires but eventually, the aircraft was modified for carrier-based operations. Of the most important of these modifications was folding wings, which allowed aircraft to be stored below decks far easier.

Advertisement

Grumman F4F FM Wildcat Martlet
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Yokosuka P1Y
Yermolayev Yer-2
Grumman F4F/FM Wildcat/Martlet
Curtiss O-52 Owl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A carrier-based fighter in the early part of World War II, the F4F Wildcat was the mainstay of the U.S Navy fighter wings. Eventually, it was replaced by the F6F Hellcat.

Advertisement

Republic P-43 Lancer
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Bell YFM-1 Airacuda
Dornier Do 215
IMAM Ro.57
Republic P-43 Lancer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certainly not the greatest American fighter ever produced, the Republic P-43 Lancer had excellent performance at high altitude. This made it one of the only Allied planes able to intercept the Mitsubishi Ki-46 "Dinah" recon plane of the Japanese for much of the war.

Advertisement

Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Wiki Commons
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Nakajima AN2
Avia B-534
Fairey Firefly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Boeing P-26 Peashooter was the first American design to be constructed totally out of metal. Although it was designed as a fighter, it was out of date by the time America entered the war.

Advertisement

Vought F4U FG Corsair
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Loire 46
Lavochkin La-7
Messerschmitt Bf 109
Vought F4U/FG Corsair
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Vought Corsair was such an excellent aircraft that over 13,000 were manufactured between 1942 to 1953. In fact, this is the longest production run of any American aircraft ever. The Corsair served in the US Navy in the Pacific and proved to be an excellent fighter. It could perform other roles as well including as a fighter-bomber. The last Corsair retired from the Honduras Air Force in 1979.

Advertisement

Brewster F2A Buffalo
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Heinkel He 111
Brewster F2A Buffalo
Martin B-26 Marauder
Blackburn Shark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first monoplane carrier-based fighter of the U.S. Navy. Although it was an adequate aircraft at the start of the war, it suffered significant losses during the Battle of Midway, with their pilots describing them as "flying coffins."

Advertisement

Curtiss P-36 Hawk Mohawk
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Rogožarski IK-3
Curtiss P-36 Hawk/Mohawk
Seversky P-35
Polikarpov I-16
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed in the mid-1930s the Curtis P-36 Hawk was one of the first monoplane fighters used by the United States. Much of the combat seen by these models were in the hands of French pilots during the Battle of France. Many were captured after the fall of France and sent to Finland, where they were used against the Russian Air Force. The P-36 Hawk did claim the first Japanese aircraft shot down of the war during the raid on Pearl Harbor.

Advertisement

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
CAC Boomerang
Caudron C.714
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, or "Jug" as it was affectionately known by its pilots, was a very versatile aircraft. From escorting bombers over Germany to ground attack missions, the Jug could do it all. It was a massive piece of machinery - when fully loaded with weapons and fuel, it weighed around 8 tons.

Advertisement

Hawker Tempest
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Westland Welkin
Hawker Tempest
Supermarine Spitfire
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An improvement on the Hawker Typhoon, the Tempest was a formidable fighter-bomber as well as a capable interceptor, a role in which its predecessor had failed due to its high-altitude performance limitations.

Advertisement

Grumman F7F Tigercat
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Petlyakov Pe-3
Fokker G.I
Grumman F7F Tigercat
Bristol Blenheim
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This twin-engined heavy fighter was the first of its kind to be used by the U.S. Navy, where it served from the end of World War II right until 1952. They arrived too late for action in the war, but were involved in the Korean conflict.

Advertisement

Supermarine Spitfire
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Supermarine Spitfire
Hawker Hurricane
Avro Manchester
Martin Maryland
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most famous aircraft ever designed, the Supermarine Spitfire can easily be recognized by its elliptical wing shape. With over 20,000 Spitfires built during the war, the aircraft was constantly evolving and was able to perform a number of roles, an incredible feat considering it start out life as a fighter only.

Advertisement

North American P-51 Mustang
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Supermarine Spitfire
Hawker Hurricane
Lockheed P-38 Lightning
North American P-51 Mustang
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The North American P-51 Mustang is legendary in aviation circles. This is the aircraft that first flew bomber escort missions over Germany, something the German high command thought impossible. It was a great all-around fighter, capable of ground attack duties as well. Interestingly, the first Mustang models suffered from underpowered engines. It was only when the Rolls Royce Merlin was fitted to the airframe that it became a world beater.

Advertisement

Fiat G.50
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Douglas P-70 Havoc
Fiat G.50
Messerschmitt Me 163
Consolidated B-32 Dominator
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Fiat G.50 Frecce or "Arrow" was the first Italian monoplane with retractable landing gear and a closed cockpit. It was very maneuverable but was underpowered in terms of weapons, with only two machine guns on board. It served in a number of theaters during World War II.

Advertisement

Ambrosini SAI.207
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Fairey Swordfish
Ambrosini SAI.207
Arado Ar234
de Havilland Mosquito
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Made entirely of wood, the Ambrosini SAI.207 was an Italian fighter aircraft which came into operation in 1941. Only 14 were ever built, although the aircraft did see action against the Allies. It never managed to claim a victory, however.

Advertisement

Macchi C.200
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Dornier Do 217
Macchi C.200
Fairey Albacore
Bristol Beaufort
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "Saetta" or "Arrow" performed in many theaters during World War II but most notably in North Africa and the Mediterranean. It was a capable fighter until the mid-point of the war where new Allied aircraft were far better in terms of performance.

Advertisement

Yakovlev Yak-9
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Kawanishi N1K/N1K-J
Yakovlev Yak-9
Hawker Sea Hurricane
Fokker D.XXI
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Yakovlev Yak-9 was the most produced Soviet fighter of World War II. It was essentially a lighter version of the Yak-7 and over 16 000 were built. During the Korean War, the Yak-9 was used by the North Korean Air Force.

Advertisement

Vultee P-66 Vanguard
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Arkhangelsky Ar-2
Vultee P-66 Vanguard
Mitsubishi A7M Reppu
Arado Ar 68
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A U.S. fighter ordered by Sweden, the Vultee P-66 Vanguard never made it to that Scandinavian country, as at the time of the scheduled delivery in 1941, the U.S. changed their mind about exporting them, preferring to keep them as home defense and as trainers. Some Vanguards did see action in China, but without much success.

Advertisement

Lavochkin La-5
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Douglas Destroyer
Hawker Typhoon
Blackburn Roc
Lavochkin La-5
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Able to stand up to all of the German fighters on the Eastern Front, the Lavochkin La-5 was essentially a refinement of the LaGG-3. One of the major changes was a much more powerful engine. Interestingly, due to the fact that cockpits were difficult to open at high speed and had a problem with fumes entering them, pilots often entered combat with their cockpits open.

Advertisement

PZL P.24
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Reggiane Re.2005
PZL P.24
Vultee P-66 Vanguard
Yakovlev Yak-7
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A Polish high-wing monoplane fighter, the PZL. P.24 was intended for export and didn't serve in the Polish Air Force. It did, however, serve with the Turkish, Greek, and Romanian Air Force.

Advertisement

MÁVAG Héja
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Curtiss-Wright P-40 Warhawk
MÁVAG Héja
Westland Welkin
Junkers Ju88
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A fighter aircraft of Hungarian design, the MÁVAG Héja was based on the Italian Reggiane Re.2000. They saw little combat during the war as most were placed in home defense squadrons. One squadron did fly on the Russian front, however.

Advertisement

Avia B-534
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Avia B-534
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
Gloster Gladiator
Bloch MB 200
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A biplane of Czechoslovakian origin, Avia B-534 was largely outdated by the time the World War II started.

Advertisement

Reggiane Re.2005
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Reggiane Re.2005
Fieseler Fi 167
Sud-Est LeO 451
Handley Page Halifax
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Certainly regarded as one of the best Italian aircraft of World War II, the Reggiane Re.2005 arrived too late to have any influence on its outcome. Only 48 were built, with the bulk involved in the defense of Italy as the Allies pushed towards Rome in 1943.

Advertisement

Dewoitine D.520
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Petlyakov Pe-8
Dewoitine D.520
Arado Ar 68
Fiat CR.42 Falco
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dewoitine D.520 entered service in small numbers just at the start of World War II. It was more than a match for the Messerschmitt Me 109, slightly slower but more maneuverable. Sadly for France, there simply were not enough on the front line.

Advertisement

Bristol Beaufighter
Ou
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
Piaggio P.108
Bristol Beaufighter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bristol Beaufighter was capable of many roles, from night fighter to ground attack, as well as anti-shipping missions. The last Beaufighters in active service retired from the Australian Air Force in 1960.

Advertisement

VL Myrsky
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
VL Myrsky
Caproni Ca.135
Grumman F7F Tigercat
Yakovlev Yak-1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The VL Myrsky, which served with the Finnish Air Force in World War II, was partly constructed of wood. It was mainly used in a reconnaissance role or as a fighter against the Russians.

Advertisement

Morane-Saulnier M.S.406
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Sukhoi Su-2
Vickers Warwick
Avro Anson
Morane-Saulnier M.S.406
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When World War II started, the Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 was the main fighter of the French Air Force. It was very maneuverable, but unfortunately, it was underpowered and lacked firepower, leading it to be easily outperformed by German fighters. Over 250 were lost during the battle of France.

Advertisement

Arsenal VG-33
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Heinkel He-112
Mitsubishi J2M Raiden
Arsenal VG-33
Fiat G50 Freccia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A French fighter that never saw combat, the Arsenal VG-33 was in production at the start of World War II, but France fell to the Germans before it reached the front line.

Advertisement

Fairey Fulmar
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Yokosuka P1Y Ginga
Fairey Fulmar
PZL.37 Łoś
Tupolev Tu-2
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Fairey Fulmar was designed as a carrier-based fighter. It played a role during the battles in the Meditteranean early in the war, but was not agile enough to take on land-based fighters of the Italian and German Air Force. With the arrival of the Supermarine Seafire, the Fulmar become obsolete and from then on was mostly used in a training role.

Advertisement

Avia BH-33
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Vultee P-66 Vanguard
Hawker Hurricane
Boulton Paul Defiant
Avia BH-33
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An obsolete biplane design by the time World War II started, the only Avia BH-33s to see combat belonged to the Yugoslavian Air Force. They were both shot down, with their pilots killed.

Advertisement

Nakajima Ki-84
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Aero A.304
Breda Ba.64
Aichi D1A
Nakajima Ki-84
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Nakajima Ki-84, codenamed "Frank" by the Allies, was an important fighter to Japan as the war came to an end. It proved to be an excellent interceptor, able to reach the high-flying B29 Superfortress bomber and defend itself from any P51 Mustangs flying fighter escort.

Advertisement

Rogožarski IK-3
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Rogožarski IK-3
Tupolev TB-3
Vickers Warwick
Bolton Paul Defiant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Rogožarski IK-3 was a Yugoslavian fighter from World War II. Although it was a capable aircraft, the Yugoslavian Air Force was simply overwhelmed when the Axis powers invaded the country in 1941, although they did claim 11 kills. All aircraft were destroyed to stop them from falling into German hands.

Advertisement

Dornier Do 217
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Junkers Ju 188
Bristol Bisley
Lockheed Hudson
Dornier Do 217
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dornier 217 was an upgrade on the Dornier 17. It could carry a bigger payload, as well as attack targets far beyond the 17's range. It served on all fronts in a variety of roles, including conventional bombing, torpedo bombing, and anti-shipping. It was even converted into a night-fighter towards the end of the war.

Advertisement

Bloch MB.150-157
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet
Bloch MB.150-157
Curtis P-36 Hawk
Westland Whirlwind
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the start of World War II, the Bloch MB.150-157 was one of the main French frontline fighters equipping 9 fighter groups. They were no match for their German opponents, but acquitted themselves well despite this.

Advertisement

Koolhoven F.K.58
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Grumman Goblin
PZL P.7
Koolhoven F.K.58
Potez 630
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Koolhoven F.K.58 was designed and manufactured in the Netherlands under French contract. It was a single-seat interceptor that saw very little action during the Battle of France. In fact, they did not record a single enemy aircraft shot down. The Germans destroyed all of these models after the fall of France.

Advertisement

Curtiss-Wright CW-21 Demon
youtube
Which World War II combat plane is in this image?
Curtiss-Wright CW-21 Demon
Northrop P-61 Black Widow
Vickers Wellington
Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Marsupiale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Designed with export in mind, the Curtiss-Wright CW-21 Demon, of which 62 were built, served with the Chinese Nationalist Air Force, as well as with the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force. It was a more than adequate fighter plane.

Advertisement

You Got:
/48
shutterstock