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Boeing B-29 Superfortress

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress design began in 1940, to fill a need for a high altitude long range bomber to replace the B-17 and B-24. The XB-29 prototype first flew in September of 1942. Tests continued into 1943. Test pilot Eddie Allen was killed when the second XB-29 crashed. In march of 1944 the first squadrons of the 20th Air Force were directed to India. American ground forces captured the Mariana islands in the Pacific.

B-29 production ceased with the end of the war. A total of 3,970 were built. The B-29 was powered by four 19 cylinder Wright Double Cyclone engines. Each engine was rated at 2,300 h.p. Armament consisted of ten .5 in machine guns in remote controlled turrets. The B-29's length is 99 ft., with a wingspan of 141 ft.

Martin B-26 Marauder

The Martin B-26 Marauder was built in response to the USAAC need for a light bomber. The first prototype flew November 25, 1940. The aircraft had a high landing speed. It had a high accident rate, due to the many inexperienced pilots who trained on it. Many improvements were made, including enlarged wings. The B-26B model was well liked by its pilots and saw action in the pacific. It was finally taken out of service in 1946.

Consolidated B-24D Liberator

The B-24 Liberator was produced in greater quantities than any other allied bomber.It was developed in the late 1930's to replace the Boeing B-17. The B-24D was the first model to enter production. Its was powered by four air cooled Prat & Whitney R-1830 engines. Armament consisted of ten .50 caliber machine guns. Maximum speed was 300 m.p.h at 32,000 ft. Maximum payload was 8,000 lbs. It first saw action over the Rumanian oil fields at Ploesti in June of 1942.

North American P-51D Mustang

The early P-51's were originally used for ground attack. They were powered by an Allison engine. Then in 1943 the powerplant was upgraded with the British Merlin engine. Pictured is the aircraft of Clarence "Bud" Anderson. He scored 16 1/2 victories during his career with the 357th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. Armament consisted of six .50 caliber machine guns.

Republic P-47D Thunderbolt

The P-47 Thunderbolt or " Jug" was one of the most rugged fighters of WWII. It was powered by a 2,300 h.p. Pratt & Whitney R-2800 air cooled 18 cylinder radial engine. It was armed with eight .50 caliber machine guns. Its max speed was 426 m.p.h. at 30,000 ft. Service ceiling was 40,000 ft, with a range of 800 miles. It weighed 9,900 lbs empty and 17,000 lbs fully loaded.

Lockheed P-38J Lightning (militaryaviationart.net)

The P-38 Lightning was one of the greatest warplanes of WWII. It fought on most fronts, including North Africa and the Pacific. It was knick named the " Fork Tailed Devil " by the Germans. In the Pacific, Major Richard Bong was the leading ace with 40 victories.Over 9,923 P-38's were built. It was powered by two Allison V-12 1,425 h.p. engines. They were turbo supercharged, liquid cooled engines.The P-38's top speed was 420 at 26,000 ft.Its service ceiling was 44,000 ft.