Aircraft production significantly increased during World War II. Before the war began, the U.S. Army Air Corps had just a few hundred aircraft. But military aircraft soon became central to American war strategy. Military aircraft could be used in several capacities, from performing reconnaissance to long-range bombing. By the end of World War II, the United States Air Force had nearly 80,000 aircraft. The country itself had produced over 300,000 aircraft, highlighting the newfound importance of, and reliance on, air power. (Here are 26 planes that helped America win World War II.)

In World War II, U.S. involvement bolstered the Allied forces. American factories played a pivotal role in manufacturing thousands of aircraft and other essential resources for the war effort. This substantial contribution played a key role in tilting the balance in favor of the Allies. These aircraft represent a milestone in the evolution of aviation and the military, with certain models becoming iconic symbols of war.

Two standout military aircraft are the P-51 Mustang and the P-38 Lightning, known for their speed, agility, and influence on the war’s outcome. During World War II, the P-51 Mustang emerged as one of the fastest and most iconic American airplanes. Its range of over 950 miles, combined with its speed and firepower, made it a formidable force, directly affecting the strategic bombing campaign successes against the Axis forces. Deployed primarily as a long-range bomber escort in raids over Germany, the P-51 Mustang could achieve speeds of up to 437 mph. The P-38 Lightning, on the other hand, was known for its unique design. Equipped with twin turbo-supercharged engines, the P-38 achieved an impressive maximum speed of 414 mph. The P-38 played diverse roles, including interception, dive bombing, ground-attack, and reconnaissance missions. 

To determine the fastest American military planes from World War II, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed WW2 Aircraft Ranked-by-Speed, a list compiled by Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more. Only military planes that had production runs of more than 150 and that served during the war were included. Prototypes and concept aircraft were excluded. Supplemental information about year entered service, crew size, and roles also came from Military Factory. The planes are ranked based on their top speed.

Why Does This Matter?

American military aircraft during World War II were outfitted with the best technology of the age. These aircraft far outpaced the aircraft of decades past, supplementing U.S. military power and promoting the U.S. as a world leader in military supplies. Some of the fastest aircraft were air-to-air combat fighters and bombers, with slower aircraft used for transport and reconnaissance. Understanding how and where these planes were used provides a more in-depth and comprehensive look at how U.S. military strategy (and spending) developed over time.

Here are the fastest and slowest aircraft fielded by the United States in WWII.

66. Piper L-4 Grasshopper

• Top speed: 85 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 5,500
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Surveillance, reconnaissance

65. Stinson L-1 Vigilant (Model 74)

• Top speed: 121 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 324
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Special mission, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

64. Naval Aircraft Factory N3N (Yellow Peril)

• Top speed: 127 mph
• Year entered service: 1936
• Production run: 997
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Trainer

63. Stinson L-5 Sentinel

• Top speed: 165 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 3,896
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Close-air support, special mission, maritime, surveillance, reconnaissance

62. Curtiss SOC Seagull

• Top speed: 165 mph
• Year entered service: 1935
• Production run: 322
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

61. Curtiss SO3C Seamew

• Top speed: 172 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 796
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Maritime, surveillance, reconnaissance

60. Stinson Reliant

• Top speed: 177 mph
• Year entered service: 1933
• Production run: 1,327
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Trainer, surveillance, reconnaissance

59. Consolidated PBY Catalina

• Top speed: 179 mph
• Year entered service: 1936
• Production run: 3,305
• Crew: 10
• Roles: Ground attack, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance

58. Vultee BT-13 Valiant

• Top speed: 183 mph
• Year entered service: 1939
• Production run: 11,537
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Trainer

57. Grumman J2F Duck

• Top speed: 189 mph
• Year entered service: 1936
• Production run: 564
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Special mission, maritime

56. Beech AT-10 Wichita

• Top speed: 199 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 2,371
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Trainer

55. Grumman Goose (G-21)

• Top speed: 201 mph
• Year entered service: 1937
• Production run: 345
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Transport, trainer, surveillance, reconnaissance

54. Northrop A-17 (Nomad)

• Top speed: 208 mph
• Year entered service: 1935
• Production run: 411
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, close-air support, surveillance, reconnaissance

53. North American T-6 Texan

• Top speed: 209 mph
• Year entered service: 1936
• Production run: 15,495
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Close-air support, trainer

52. Beech AT-11 Kansan

• Top speed: 214 mph
• Year entered service: 1937
• Production run: 1,606
• Crew: 6
• Roles: Ground attack, trainer

51. Douglas B-18 Bolo

• Top speed: 215 mph
• Year entered service: 1936
• Production run: 360
• Crew: 6
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance

50. Curtiss O-52 Owl

• Top speed: 221 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 203
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Surveillance, reconnaissance

49. Consolidated PB2Y Coronado

• Top speed: 223 mph
• Year entered service: 1940
• Production run: 217
• Crew: 10
• Roles: Ground attack, surveillance, reconnaissance

48. Beechcraft C-45 (Expeditor)

• Top speed: 224 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 1,300
• Crew: 9
• Roles: Transport

47. Boeing P-26 Peashooter

• Top speed: 227 mph
• Year entered service: 1932
• Production run: 151
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter

46. Douglas C-47 (Skytrain / Dakota)

• Top speed: 230 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 12,748
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Ground attack, close-air support, transport,

45. Curtiss SBC Helldiver

• Top speed: 237 mph
• Year entered service: 1938
• Production run: 257
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, special mission

44. Lockheed Hudson

• Top speed: 249 mph
• Year entered service: 1939
• Production run: 2,941
• Crew: 6
• Roles: Ground attack, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

43. Douglas A-24 Banshee

• Top speed: 250 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 953
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, close-air support, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

42. Vought SB2U Vindicator

• Top speed: 251 mph
• Year entered service: 1937
• Production run: 260
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission, trainer

41. Douglas SBD Dauntless

• Top speed: 255 mph
• Year entered service: 1938
• Production run: 5,936
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission

40. Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

• Top speed: 260 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 7,140
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, Special mission, surveillance, reconnaissance

39. Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando

• Top speed: 270 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 3,181
• Crew: 4
• Roles: Transport

38. Grumman TBF Avenger

• Top speed: 271 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 9,835
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, special mission, surveillance, reconnaissance

37. North American B-25 Mitchell

• Top speed: 272 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 9,816
• Crew: 5
• Roles: Ground attack, close-air support, special mission, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

36. Brewster SB2A Buccaneer

• Top speed: 273 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 771
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack, maritime, surveillance, reconnaissance

35. Douglas C-54 Skymaster (DC-4)

• Top speed: 275 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 1,170
• Crew: 4
• Roles: Transport

34. Vultee A-35 Vengeance

• Top speed: 279 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 1,962
• Crew: 2
• Roles: Ground attack

33. Martin B-26 Marauder

• Top speed: 282 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 5,288
• Crew: 7
• Roles: Ground attack, trainer

32. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

• Top speed: 287 mph
• Year entered service: 1937
• Production run: 12,731
• Crew: 10
• Roles: Ground attack, close-air support, special mission, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

31. Consolidated B-24 Liberator

• Top speed: 290 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 18,482
• Crew: 10
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission, transport, surveillance, reconnaissance

30. Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer

• Top speed: 300 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 739
• Crew: 11
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission, maritime, surveillance, reconnaissance

29. Martin Baltimore

• Top speed: 302 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 1,575
• Crew: 4
• Roles: Ground attack

28. Consolidated Vultee TBY Sea Wolf

• Top speed: 306 mph
• Year entered service: 1944
• Production run: 180
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Ground attack, maritime

27. Seversky P-35

• Top speed: 308 mph
• Year entered service: 1937
• Production run: 196
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, ground attack, trainer

26. Curtiss SC Seahawk

• Top speed: 313 mph
• Year entered service: 1944
• Production run: 577
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Special mission, maritime, surveillance, reconnaissance

25. Martin Maryland

• Top speed: 316 mph
• Year entered service: 1940
• Production run: 450
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Ground attack, surveillance, reconnaissance

24. Brewster F2A (Buffalo)

• Top speed: 321 mph
• Year entered service: 1939
• Production run: 509
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, maritime

23. Lockheed Ventura / Harpoon

• Top speed: 322 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 3,028
• Crew: 6
• Roles: Ground attack, special mission, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

22. Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75/Mohawk)

• Top speed: 322 mph
• Year entered service: 1938
• Production run: 1,115
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter

21. Grumman F4F Wildcat

• Top speed: 332 mph
• Year entered service: 1940
• Production run: 7,722
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, maritime

20. Douglas P-70 Nighthawk

• Top speed: 339 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 163
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, trainer

19. Douglas A-20 Havoc / Boston

• Top speed: 339 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 7,478
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, surveillance, reconnaissance

18. Lockheed C-69 Constellation (Model L-049)

• Top speed: 346 mph
• Year entered service: 1945
• Production run: 856
• Crew: 4
• Roles: Transport

17. Curtiss P-40 Tomahawk

• Top speed: 351 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 1,180
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack

16. Douglas A-26 / B-26 Invader

• Top speed: 355 mph
• Year entered service: 1944
• Production run: 2,452
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Ground attack, close-air support, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

15. Republic P-43 Lancer

• Top speed: 357 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 272
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, surveillance, reconnaissance, trainer

14. North American A-36 Mustang

• Top speed: 365 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 500
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, close-air-support

13. Northrop P-61 / F-61 Black Widow

• Top speed: 366 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 742
• Crew: 3
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, surveillance and reconnaissance

12. Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

• Top speed: 378 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 16,800
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, surveillance and reconnaissance

11. Grumman F6F Hellcat

• Top speed: 380 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 12,272
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, ground attack, close air support

10. Martin AM Mauler

• Top speed: 384 mph
• Year entered service: 1944
• Production run: 151
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Close air support, maritime

9. Bell P-39 Airacobra

• Top speed: 386 mph
• Year entered service: 1941
• Production run: 9,588
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, ground attack, close air support

8. Bell P-63 Kingcobra

• Top speed: 410 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 3,303
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, close-air support

7. Lockheed P-38 Lightning

• Top speed: 414 mph
• Year entered service: 1939
• Production run: 9,923
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack, bombing, strafing, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance

6. Brewster F3A (F4U-1) Corsair

• Top speed: 416 mph
• Year entered service: 1943
• Production run: 600
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, ground attack (bombing, strafing, close-air support, maritime, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance

5. Grumman F8F Bearcat

• Top speed: 421 mph
• Year entered service: 1945
• Production run: 1,266
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, maritime

4. Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

• Top speed: 433 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 15,660
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, ground attack (bombing, strafing), close-air support

3. North American P-51 Mustang

• Top speed: 437 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 15,586
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, close-air support, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance, training

2. Vought F4U Corsair

• Top speed: 446 mph
• Year entered service: 1942
• Production run: 12,571
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, interception, ground attack (bombing, strafing), close-air support, maritime, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance

1. Lockheed P-80 / F-80 Shooting Star

• Top speed: 577 mph
• Year entered service: 1945
• Production run: 1,715
• Crew: 1
• Roles: Air-to-air combat fighter, close-air support

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.