The D-Day invasion at Normandy remains one of the most extensive invasions in the history of modern warfare. Although the heroic assaults on the beaches by the allied armies preceding the attack are well-known, one often overlooked aspect of D-Day is the role played by the Air Force.
Following the invasion, the vital importance of air power quickly became obvious through reconnaissance, cargo transport, tactical and strategic bombing, along with aerial combat, providing a significant advantage.
The rapid advancement of military aircraft technology during World War II generated significant progress between 1939 and 1945. Key developments, including jet propulsion and radar, that emerged during this period, and are now considered commonplace.
Using data from several aviation publications and the U.S. Air Force, 24/7 Wall St. has identified the military aircraft that achieved the greatest production numbers throughout World War II. Each aircraft on the list saw over 10,000 units manufactured, with production occurring in Japan, Germany, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the initial stages, Japan and Germany established air superiority and used it to eliminate enemies and outsmart Allied aircraft. The Japanese “Zero” fighter demonstrated a remarkable 12-to-1 kill ratio, and Germany’s Focke-Wulf Fw-190 excelled in engagements with less formidable Allied counterparts.
A significant shift occurred in this dynamic starting in 1942 with the introduction of high-performance British and American fighters, exemplified by the Spitfire and P-51 Mustang. These planes played a crucial role in escorting bombers, facilitating troop advancement, and ultimately leading to Japan’s unconditional surrender.
Despite the substantial role cargo planes played in transporting troops and materials in Europe and the Pacific during WWII, their production did not surpass that of fighter and bomber aircraft, resulting in the absence of transport planes in the top-ranking WWII aircraft.
These are the military planes with the highest production numbers in WWII.
17. Mitsubishi A6M2 ‘Zero’
Source: KGrif / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 10,939
- Aircraft type: Carrier-based fighter
- Country of origin: Japan
From 1940 to 1945, Japan produced almost 11,000 Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 0 Carrier Fighters, making it the most-produced fighter in the Japanese fleet in WWII. These planes, called “Zeros,” were utilized in the Dec. 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. With a kill ratio of 12-1, the Zeros were effective weapons in the early stages of the conflict, but as air technology made significant advancements, the Japanese were unable to keep up. Later in the war, Japan enhanced the Zero’s armor and engine capabilities; however, these alterations resulted in a less maneuverable aircraft. By the end of 1944, Zeros were used by kamikaze pilots in suicide missions.
16. Vultee BT-13 Valiant
Source: Sir_Eagle / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 11,000
- Aircraft type: Trainer
- Country of origin: United States
The Vultee BT-13 Valiant, despite being one of the most extensively manufactured aircraft of WWII, never participated in combat. Specifically designed for training purposes, the Vultee was easier to operate than a jet or bomber but retained more complexity than primary combat aircraft.
15. Vickers Wellington
Source: sdasmarchives / Flickr
- WWII production count: 11,461
- Aircraft type: Bomber
- Country of origin: Great Britain
In World War II, the Vickers Wellington was the primary bomber used by the Royal Air Force, with reported production of an estimated 11,461 units. This twin-engine, medium bomber was deployed in more than half of all bombing raids over Germany. Post-war, the aircraft was used in turbojet testing activities before being officially retired in 1953.
14. Grumman F6F Hellcat
Source: rancho_runner / iStock via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 12,275
- Aircraft type: Carrier-based fighter
- Country of origin: United States
In one three-year span during the conflict, the United States manufactured 12,275 Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter planes. The Hellcat was a crucial asset in the Pacific Theater, accounting for 75% of the U.S. Navy’s aerial victories in the war. The carrier-based fighter was armed with six .50 caliber machine guns and had the ability to transport up to 2,000 pounds of bombs. Boasting a cruising speed of 168 mph and a range of 1,090 miles, Hellcats were renowned for their formidable and versatile performance. [in-text-ad-2]
13. Vought F4U Corsair
- WWII production count: 12,571
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: United States
The Vought F4U Corsair functioned as a flexible fighter aircraft suitable for both land and carrier-based operations. Adopted by U.S. Marines in the Pacific and integrated into British and New Zealand fleets, the Corsair had a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 pounds of bombs or eight 5-inch rockets, and featured six .50 caliber machine guns or two 20mm cannons. It had a maximum speed of 453 mph and a maximum range of 900 miles.
12. B-17 Flying Fortress
Source: GNeesam / iStock via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 12,692
- Aircraft type: Bomber
- Country of origin: United States
Known as the Flying Fortress, the heavily armored and durable B-17 heavy bomber could withstand multiple hits. Equipped with 10 .50 caliber machine guns and one .30 caliber machine gun, the aircraft could carry up to 4,200 pounds of bombs and had a maximum in excess of 3,000 miles. Deployed for daytime air raids over Germany and to target Japanese shipping operations in the Pacific. Although most B-17s were manufactured by Boeing, several thousand were produced in combination with Douglas and Lockheed.
11. Curtis P40-Warhawk
- WWII production count: 13,738
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: United States
Manufactured from 1938 to 1944, a total of 13,738 Curtis P40-Warhawk fighter planes were produced. Although technological progress in aviation outpaced the Warhawk by the end of WWII, it held the distinction of being the United States’ premier fighter at the war’s outset. Driven by a 1,150-horsepower engine, the Warhawk featured an 850-mile range and achieved a top speed of 362 mph. Warhawks were armed with six .50 caliber machine guns and the capacity to carry up to 700 pounds of bombs.
10. Hawker Hurricane
Source: dynasoar / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 14,483
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: Great Britain
From 1937 to 1944, nearly 14,500 Hawker Hurricane fighters were produced. The Royal Air Force deployed 32 Hurricane squadrons during the war, and these planes contributed to 60% of the destruction of enemy aircraft in the Battle of Britain. The durability of the Hurricane under fire played a key role in its effectiveness. Hurricanes had a top speed of 340 mph and a maximum range of 600 miles.
9. Junkers Ju-88
Source: sdasmarchives / Flickr
- WWII production count: 14,676
- Aircraft type: Multi-role
- Country of origin: Germany
During WWII, the Luftwaffe relied heavily on the Junkers Ju-88, a versatile aircraft utilized for bombing raids, combat, and reconnaissance. Despite its recognition as one of the most flexible planes of the war, the Ju-88 had limitations due to its weak armor. Germany produced nearly 14,700 Ju-88s, some of which were notably used in the Battle of Britain.
8. P-51 Mustang
Source: Hulton Archive / Archive Photos via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 14,686
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: United States
Initially produced by the United States for export to Great Britain, the P-51 Mustang served as a long-range, high-altitude fighter, used to escort heavy bombers during raids over Germany. Due to its 1,000-mile range, the Mustang could complete a round trip from the U.K. to Berlin without having to refuel. Also used by the Tuskegee Airmen, the Mustang was armed with six .50 caliber machine guns and could carry up to 2,000 pounds of bombs or 10 5-inch rockets.
7. P-47 Thunderbolt
Source: KGrif / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 15,683
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: United States
The P-47 Thunderbolt, recognized as the heaviest single-engine fighter employed by any nation during the war, claimed the title of the most extensively used American fighter aircraft, with nearly 15,700 units produced between 1941 and 1945. Its substantial weight was offset by a 2,000-horsepower engine that had an 800 mile range and a top speed of 433 mph. Outfitted with eight .50 caliber machine guns and the capacity to carry up to 3,000 pounds of munitions, the Thunderbolt excelled as a ground attack plane, recognized for its role in destroying approximately 9,000 trains, 86,000 trucks, 6,000 armored vehicles, and 4,000 enemy aircraft. It is widely acknowledged as the most pivotal aircraft in the European Theater.
6. Yakovlev Yak-9
Source: rdonar / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 16,769
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: Soviet Union
The Yakovlev Yak-9 stood out as the fighter aircraft with the highest production in the Soviet Union during WWII, with an estimated 16,769 units manufactured. Fueled by a 1,650 horsepower engine, the Yak-9 reached a top speed of 374 mph and earned praise for its low maintenance needs. These planes played a pivotal role in the Battle of Stalingrad, aiding the Soviet forces in successfully repelling the Nazi invasion.
5. Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Source: Angel Di Bilio / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 18,190
- Aircraft type: Bomber
- Country of origin: United States
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber held the distinction of being the most extensively manufactured American aircraft during WWII. The British bestowed the “Liberator” name upon it after its crucial involvement in the Battle of Britain. The Liberator was an adept anti-submarine aircraft that targeted German U-boats and bombed Axis targets in the Mediterranean and Germany. The Liberator had four 1,200 horsepower engines, a maximum range of 2,850 miles, 11 .50 caliber machine guns and could transport 8,000 pounds of bombs.
4. Focke-Wulf Fw-190
- WWII production count: 20,000+
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: Germany
During WWII, the Nazi war machine produced over 20,000 Focke-Wulf Fw-190 fighter planes, known for their outstanding maneuverability and superiority in dogfights, leaving the Allied powers without an effective response for much of the war. The aircraft was equipped with a 2,240 horsepower engine, a top speed of 426 mph, and a maximum range of 520 miles. Additionally, it was armed with two 20mm MG 151 cannons in its wings and two 13mm MG 131 machine guns in its nose.
3. Supermarine Spitfire
- WWII production count: 20,351
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: Great Britain
The most widely manufactured British aircraft of WWII was the Supermarine Spitfire. Over 20,000 units were produced during its operational lifespan. Powered by either a 1,030 or 2,035 horsepower engine, Spitfires achieved top speeds that ranged from 364 mph to 450 mph. The fighter planes were armed with two to four 20mm cannons, four Browning .303 machine guns, and the capacity to carry up to 500 pounds of bombs. Spitfires played a pivotal role in offensive and defensive operations across Europe. Spitfires were acclaimed for their high maneuverability, relative speed, and ability to fly at high altitudes. They were flown by the Royal Air Force, as well as nine Allied nations, including the United States.
2. Messerschmitt Bf-109
Source: SteveStone / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 33,984
- Aircraft type: Fighter
- Country of origin: Germany
First introduced during the Spanish Civil War, the Messerschmitt Bf-109 became Germany’s most extensively produced fighter aircraft in WWII, with an estimated production of approximately 34,000 units.The plane’s uncomplicated design contributed to its high production numbers. The ultimate version of the Messerschmitt had a 2,000 horsepower engine and could attain speeds of 450 mph. The Messerschmitt was deployed to intercept Allied bombers and is credited with having brought down more Allied aircraft than any other plane during the war.
1. Ilyushin Il-2
Source: Pavel Byrkin / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- WWII production count: 36,183
- Aircraft type: Bomber
- Country of origin: Soviet Union
With production of over 36,000 units during WWII, the Soviet Union’s Ilyushin Il-2 bomber became the most-manufactured aircraft of the war. The bomber played a crucial role in stopping the German invasion of the Soviet Union with its bombardments on Nazi convoys and infantry. Distinguished by heavy armor, Ilyushin Il-2s were virtually impervious to attacks from machine guns and 20 mm cannons. With a capacity of approximately 1,000 pounds of explosives, early versions of the aircraft were single-seaters that had two 23 mm cannons and two 7.6 mm machine guns mounted in the wings. Subsequent versions were enhanced with two 37 mm cannons and an additional seat for a tail gunner.
The Easy Way To Retire Early
You can retire early from the lottery, luck, or loving family member who leaves you a fortune.
But for the rest of us, there are dividends. While everyone chases big name dividend kings, they’re missing the real royalty: dividend legends.
It’s a rare class of overlooked income machines that you could buy and hold – forever.
Click here now to see two that could help you retire early, without any luck required.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.