Air warfare was a major component of World War II. During this time numerous new aircraft were designed and built with a partnership of civilian and military expertise. New technology made it possible for aircraft to fly higher and faster than before. Britain and the United States took an approach to the air warfare which emphasized strategic bombing. The Evergreen Air Museum in McMinnville, Oregon has a number of displays featuring World War II era aircraft.
B-17:
Shown above is a B-17 G bomber. This type of aircraft was first flown in 1935 and was a popular aircraft during World War II. Prior to the war, the Americans were sure that the B-17 Flying Fortress, protected by its own weapons, could reach enemy targets anywhere. It has a cruising speed of 160 miles per hour at 5,000 feet and a top speed of 302 miles per hour at 25,000 feet. It has a range of 3,400 miles.
P-51 Mustang:
Shown above is a World War II P-51 Mustang. Some military historians consider this the best fighter plane of the war. It went from drawing board to flying machine in just 117 days.
A-26 Invader:
The A-26 was a medium bomber aircraft used during World War II.
Fairchild PT-19:
Shown above is a 1938 Fairchild PT-19 trainer which was used by the U.S. Army Air Corps, the British Royal Air Force, and the Royal Canadian Air Force as a trainer during World War II. In hot, humid area, such as the air bases in the American south, the plane’s plywood wings were difficult to maintain.
Grumman Avenger:
The Grumman Avenger (shown above) was a World War II torpedo bomber. It normally carried a crew of three (pilot, gunner, radio operator).
Beechcraft Mentor:
Shown above is a 1948 Beechcraft T-34B Mentor used by the Navy following World War II as a trainer. It has a cruising speed of 170 miles per hour and a top speed of 188 miles per hour with a range of 728 miles.
Corsair:
Shown above is a 1945 Goodyear FG-1D Corsair which was used by the Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The plane could cruise at 182 miles per hour with a top speed of 415 miles per hour. It had a range of 1,015 miles.
Spitfire:
Shown above is a 1945 Supermarine Spitfire Mark XVI. In 1936, the Spitfire was the fastest military plane in the world. This plane could cruise at 324 miles per hour with a top speed of 404 miles per hour. It had a range of 234 miles.
Warhawk:
The Curtiss P-40N Warhawk was born in 1938. It had a cruising speed of 263 miles per hour and a top speed of 350 miles per hour. It had a range of 750 miles.
Douglas C-47A Skytrain:
PBY-5A Catalina:
Shown above is a 1953 Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina. These planes played a pivotal role during World War II. It cruises at 125 miles per hour with a top speed of 195 miles per hour. It has a range of 2,520 miles.