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This is the 2nd part of my WWII poll series. This time it's about fighter air crafts.
1st here is the German candidate, the legendary Bf 109
The Bf 109B first entered combat with German-manned Condor Legion units during the Spanish Civil War and they were a welcome replacement for the obsolete Heinkel He 51 biplane fighter. The Bf 109C, introduced in 1938, retained the twin 7.9mm MG 17 machine guns mounted above the engine, but replaced the single MG 17 firing through the propeller spinner with two MG 17s in the wings.
then the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero
The Japanese Zeke/Zero was a carrier-based plane that could outperform Allied land-based fighters. With its lightweight construction and powerful engine, this sleek fighter was extremely fast, maneuverable, and able to travel great distances. Heavily armed and capable of exacting substantial losses, the Zero was one of Japan’s premier aircraft fighters.
followed by the English Spitfire
First produced in 1938, the Spitfire played an important role for the Allied Forces until the end of the war. Over time, the Spitfire was modified to incorporate heavier armor, better machine guns, and a more powerful engine. Renowned for its sleek design and unique oval wings, the Spitfire had the speed and maneuverability to counter Germany’s best fighter aircraft.
then the American Mustang P-51
Fast and agile, the P-51 Mustang also had great range and the ability to wreak havoc on the enemy. This sleek fighter served many purposes during World War II, including flying bomber escort on long-range missions over Germany. Before the Mustang arrived on the scene, U.S. bombers on daylight missions into the Fatherland were easy prey for Luftwaffe fighters on the prowl.
only to be challenged by the Soviet Yak-9 Yukolev
First used in combat at the Battle of Stalingrad, the Yak-9 couldn’t typically keep up with the technologically superior German fighter aircraft in one-on-one dogfights. However, Russian air forces often had an advantage in terms of the number of planes in the skies because they were able to mass-produce the Yak-9. All in all, Russia produced more Yak-9s than any other fighter aircraft.
Go commies!
then the French Dewoitine 520
By far the best fighter produced by France before the armistice of June of 1940. Although a little under the Bf-109 in pure performance, it had an advantage in maneuvrability. It equipped a first squadron in February of 1940 but it was not numerous enough to face the mighty Luftwaffe when the Campaign in the West started. It managed to shoot down 150 planes for a loss of 85. The production continued under the Vichy regime. 400 of them were seized by the Germans to equip the air force of their Rumanian, Italian and Bulgarian allies.
1st here is the German candidate, the legendary Bf 109
The Bf 109B first entered combat with German-manned Condor Legion units during the Spanish Civil War and they were a welcome replacement for the obsolete Heinkel He 51 biplane fighter. The Bf 109C, introduced in 1938, retained the twin 7.9mm MG 17 machine guns mounted above the engine, but replaced the single MG 17 firing through the propeller spinner with two MG 17s in the wings.
then the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero
The Japanese Zeke/Zero was a carrier-based plane that could outperform Allied land-based fighters. With its lightweight construction and powerful engine, this sleek fighter was extremely fast, maneuverable, and able to travel great distances. Heavily armed and capable of exacting substantial losses, the Zero was one of Japan’s premier aircraft fighters.
followed by the English Spitfire
First produced in 1938, the Spitfire played an important role for the Allied Forces until the end of the war. Over time, the Spitfire was modified to incorporate heavier armor, better machine guns, and a more powerful engine. Renowned for its sleek design and unique oval wings, the Spitfire had the speed and maneuverability to counter Germany’s best fighter aircraft.
then the American Mustang P-51
Fast and agile, the P-51 Mustang also had great range and the ability to wreak havoc on the enemy. This sleek fighter served many purposes during World War II, including flying bomber escort on long-range missions over Germany. Before the Mustang arrived on the scene, U.S. bombers on daylight missions into the Fatherland were easy prey for Luftwaffe fighters on the prowl.
only to be challenged by the Soviet Yak-9 Yukolev
First used in combat at the Battle of Stalingrad, the Yak-9 couldn’t typically keep up with the technologically superior German fighter aircraft in one-on-one dogfights. However, Russian air forces often had an advantage in terms of the number of planes in the skies because they were able to mass-produce the Yak-9. All in all, Russia produced more Yak-9s than any other fighter aircraft.
Go commies!
then the French Dewoitine 520
By far the best fighter produced by France before the armistice of June of 1940. Although a little under the Bf-109 in pure performance, it had an advantage in maneuvrability. It equipped a first squadron in February of 1940 but it was not numerous enough to face the mighty Luftwaffe when the Campaign in the West started. It managed to shoot down 150 planes for a loss of 85. The production continued under the Vichy regime. 400 of them were seized by the Germans to equip the air force of their Rumanian, Italian and Bulgarian allies.
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