Can You Identify These World War II Planes From an Image Without Any Hints?
By: Robin Tyler
5 min
Image: Wiki Commons
About This Quiz
A period that saw giant leaps forward in the design of aircraft, World War II saw both Allied and Axis forces produce aircraft of incredible performance and beauty. Some, like the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and North American P51 Mustang, still invoke an emotional lump in the throat when put through their paces at airshows around the world.
Many pilots of the era talk of flying these beautiful machines, of a feeling of not strapping yourself into the warbird but more of a case of strapping it onto you. There is no denying that these were not only beautiful but deadly machines. But there are so many other aircraft that are remembered from this period in history and not only on the side of the victors.
German aircraft manufacturers produced some incredible machines, while the Japanese designs were nimble and more maneuverable than many of their American counterparts. Some went for speed, ruggedness and the ability to climb well, while others believed that each engagement ultimately would end up in a turning dogfight and that maneuverability was what was needed.
And this quiz will test your knowledge of these aircraft to the limit. You'll see not just American and British planes but Italian, German and Japanese as well as a few surprises.
Strap yourself in, start your engine and happy hunting!
Are you able to identify this aircraft from World War II?
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most famous aircraft ever built. It first flew in 1936 and played a major part in defending Great Britain against the Luftwaffe, Hitler's air force, during the Second World War. It was produced throughout the war, with over 20,000 built. There are still around 50 flying examples found around the world.
Can you please tell us the name of this World War II aircraft?
ANF Les Mureaux
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
The B17 Flying Fortress is one of the most famous aircraft of World War II. Designed as a bomber, it was primarily used in the West, flying daylight missions against Nazi Germany. The B17 could hold 9,600 pounds of bombs and had 11 to 13 machine guns as defensive armament. It first flew in 1935 and entered service in 1938.
This aircraft played a significant role in World War II. What is it?
Arado Ar 195
Westland Wizard
Hawker Hurricane
Together with the Supermarine Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane saw off the German Luftwaffe during World War II, most notably during the Battle of Britain. Failure to do so would have seen Germany hold air superiority which would have let Hitler invade the island nation. Although not as famous as the Spitfire, the Hurricane was an excellent fighter in its own right.
This German fighter was upgraded throughout World War II. Can you name it?
Arado Ar 196
Vickers Vespa
Arsenal VG-33
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the primary fighter in service with the German Air Force at the outbreak of World War II. First introduced in 1937, the aircraft had proved itself extremely capable during the Spanish Civil War where it was flown by German pilots helping Franco. In combat over Britain, however, it met its match in the Supermarine Spitfire, although both aircraft were very equally matched.
Can you name this aircraft that shot down 1,327 Japanese planes in the Pacific Theatre during World War II?
Blériot-SPAD S.510
Grumman F4F Wildcat
The Grumman F4F Wildcat was one of the major carrier-based fighters of the United States Navy during World War II. The Wildcat saw action throughout the Pacific, playing a pivotal role in defending the U.S. fleet from Japanese attack. Although the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero was quicker and more maneuverable, the Wildcat was extremely tough. Wildcats accounted for 1,327 enemy kills during the war.
Sadly, this plane was no match for more advanced German fighters during World War II. Any ideas as to what it is?
Potez 230
Vickers Vespa
Arado Ar E.500
Polikarpov i-16
This short stubby Russian fighter first entered service in 1934. By the start of World War II, the Polikarpov i-16 was not a match for more advanced German fighter aircraft. It was fondly nicknamed "Donkey" by its pilots.
Before the war, the aircraft pictured here was a commercial airliner. What is it called?
Roussel R-30
Tupolev I-4
Junkers Ju52
The Junkers Ju52 entered service in 1931. This tri-motor aircraft was initially a passenger aircraft but saw service in World War II as a paratroop and regular transport machine.
Can you name the biplane in this image? It helped to sink the German battleship, the Bismarck.
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
Fairey Swordfish
The Fairey Swordfish was a biplane torpedo bomber that first entered service in 1936 with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. It has the distinction of helping to sink the German battleship, the Bismarck, during World War II.
What is the name of this aircraft, affectionately known as the "Gooney Bird"?
Douglas Dc-3 Dakota
The Douglas DC3 Dakota is nothing short of a legend. It first flew in 1936 and has been used in many guises, from an airliner to cargo aircraft, and even during the Second World War as a troop transport, cargo carrier, glider tow aircraft or to carry paratroopers. The DC3 is affectionately known as the Gooney Bird.
This German dive bomber had a fearsome reputation during the early part of World War II. Are you able to identify it?
Avia. B35
Reynard Epervier
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
At the start of the Second World War, the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was one of the most feared aircraft available to the German Air Force. This ground attack plane used dive bombing techniques to great effect. It was feared, as it also employed wind-driven sirens that would wail on each attack, causing panic for both civilians and enemy soldiers. The Stuka was less effective when used against targets in Britain and many were lost. It was withdrawn and used in combat on the Eastern Front against Russia.
Although obsolete during World War II, three of these aircraft defended Malta against the Italian Air Force. Can you name the plane?
Gloster Gladiator
One of the last biplane fighters in the Royal Air Force, the Gloster Gladiator was obsolete by the outbreak of World War II although it had served as a frontline fighter from around 1935 onward.
What is the name of this aircraft from World War II?
Morane-Saulnier M.S.225
Polikarpov PO-2
Avions Fairey Fox
Avro Anson
The Avro Anson entered service in 1936 and performed a number of roles in the Royal Air Force including as a light bomber, trainer, maritime reconnaissance and transport aircraft. It was largely obsolete by the time World War II started
Can you please tell us the name of this World War II aircraft?
Blackburn Skua
The Blackburn Skua was a two-seater fighter/dive bomber that saw service with the British Fleet Air Arm after entering service in 1938. It was not a particularly successful aircraft.
This is perhaps the most famous training aircraft ever made and served before, during and after World War II. What is it called?
Bell Airacuda
North American T6 Texan
Perhaps one of the most famous training aircraft ever produced, the T-6 Texan first flew in 1935, and incredibly was still in service with the South African Air Force up until 1995. All American World War II fighter pilots would have earned their wings flying the Texan.
This German long-range maritime aircraft was used as both a bomber and reconnaissance platform. What is it?
Dewoitine D.500
Nieuport-Delage NiD 29
Beriev Be-2
Focke-Wulf F200 Condor
Initially developed as an airliner for long-range trips, the Focke-Wulf F200 Condor was used extensively by the Luftwaffe during World War II as a maritime patrol aircraft and anti-ship bomber. It was first introduced in 1937.
What is the make and model of this American maritime patrol aircraft from World War II?
Blackburn Roc
Lockheed Hudson
The Hudson from Lockheed entered service in 1939 as both a light bomber as well as a coastal maritime patrol aircraft. Interestingly, it was commissioned for the Royal Air Force and was used by a number of Commonwealth countries, even after World War II. It did service with US forces as well.
Are you able to name this American dogfighter from World War II?
Curtiss P40 Warhawk
Not necessarily the most glamorous fighter ever produced by the United States during World War II, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk certainly served a purpose. It was a capable dogfighter that was easy to build and helped to ensure that the United States Air Force was significantly armed during the early days of the war. Almost 12,000 of the P-40 were built up until 1944.
The aircraft in this image is a two-seat German fighter from World War II. What is it called?
Blohm und Voss Bv141
Messerschmitt Bf 110
This two-seat, two-engined fighter performed poorly for the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, where it was no match for the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. in fact, the Messerschmitt BF110 often needed its own fighter escort, despite the fact that it was a fighter.
This is a carrier-based version of a very famous British plane. Can you identify it?
Blohm und Voss Bv Ha 137
Supermarine Seafire
The Supermarine Seafire was a carrier-based version of the Spitfire, arguably one of the most famous aircraft designs in aviation history. The first few Seafires were converted Spitfires, but eventually, the aircraft was modified for carrier-based operations. Of the most important of these modifications was folding wings, which allowed aircraft to be stored below decks far easier.
Can you name this aircraft, the most famous Japanese machine of World War II?
Farman/SNCAC F.222
Mitsubishi A6M Zero
The most famous Japanese fighter of World War II, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero was carrier-based, had an incredible range, and was extremely maneuverable. It was far superior to early American aircraft in the Pacific theater, and at one stage had a kill ratio of 12 to 1.
This American plane saw extensive action with Soviet forces during World War II. Care to name it?
Heinkel HD23
Boeing YB-9 Death Angel
Bell P-39 Airacobra
The Bell P-39 Airacobra didn't really perform in the role for which it was intended: a high-altitude fighter. It did excel below 10,000 ft, however, and was an adequate ground attack aircraft which served in large numbers in Russia under a lend/lease agreement with the United States.
Are you able to identify this carrier-based fighter which came too late to have a significant effect on World War II?
Koolhoven FK.58
Ford TriMotor
Boulton Paul Defiant
Grumman F8F Bearcat
Designed as a carrier-based fighter and entering service in mid-1945, the Grumman F8F Bearcat saw no action during World War II. The war came to an end before it could be deployed in any large numbers.
Nicknamed "The Fork Tailed Devil" by the German pilots that faced them, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a twin-engined aircraft that performed a number of roles. These included bomber escort, interception, level bombing, and dive bombing, as well as photo reconnaissance. The Lightning was exceptionally fast and maneuverable.
Originally designed as a fighter, this aircraft found its calling in a ground attack role. Can you name it?
Hawker Typhoon
The Hawker Typhoon was originally intended to replace the Hawker Hurricane as a frontline fighter. It was outclassed by many German aircraft, however. It soon found its niche and became an excellent ground attack aircraft with the ability to carry rockets and bombs as part of its payload.
Can you tell us the name of this Japanese aircraft from World War II?
Brewster Buffalo
Fairey Flycatcher
Salmson Cricri
Mitsubishi J2M Interceptor
Designed by Jiro Horikoshi, who created the legendary A6M Zero, the J2M was designed to be a high-altitude interceptor. It saw action throughout the Pacific but was often dogged by mechanical problems. Later in the war, it was used in its intended role but performed poorly against the high-flying B29 Superfortress bombers of the U.S. Air Force.
This aircraft had many roles during World War II. Are you able to identify it from the list below?
Fairey Fleetwing
Breguet Br.600
Focke-Wulf Fw 190
Along with the Messerschmitt Me 109, the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 made up the bulk of the German Air Force fighter strength during World War II. When it first came on the scene, it was superior to the Supermarine Spitfire Mk V, much to the astonishment of the British pilots. The Fw 190 was continually upgraded during the war, capable as a dogfighter and interceptor as well as a fighter-bomber.
This US carrier-based fighter first entered service in 1942. Do you know the make and model?
Vought F4U/FG Corsair
The Vought Corsair was such an excellent aircraft that over 13,000 were manufactured between 1942 to 1953. In fact, this is the longest production run of any American aircraft ever. The Corsair served in the US Navy in the Pacific and proved to be an excellent fighter. It could perform other roles as well including as a fighter-bomber. The last Corsair retired from the Honduras Air Force in 1979.
Can you name this Hungarian fighter from World War II?
North American P51 Mustang
MÁVAG Héja
A fighter aircraft of Hungarian design, the MÁVAG Héja was based on the Italian Reggiane Re.2000. They saw little combat during the war, as most were placed in home defense squadrons. One squadron did fly on the Russian front, however.
The aircraft pictured here was not very successful, mainly due to those large floats. What is it?
Douglas DB-7
Dayton-Wright PS1
Bristol Type 159
Nakajima A6M2-N Floatplane Fighter
This essentially was an A6M Zero with a float attached. It was used in the Pacific theater and, while a threat to small U.S. Navy patrol boats, was not much of a match for its fighters. In fact, the float meant that the aircraft lost as much as 20% of its performance.
This plane only really excelled at high altitude and is one of the least known American planes of World War II. What is it?
Davids-Douglas Cloudster
Bucker Bu133
Republic P-43 Lancer
Certainly not the greatest American fighter ever produced, the Republic P-43 Lancer had excellent performance at high altitude. This made it one of the only Allied planes able to intercept the Mitsubishi Ki-46 "Dinah" recon plane of the Japanese for much of the war.
Nicknamed the "Saetta," which means arrow, can you name this Italian aircraft from World War II?
CAC Wirraway
Macchi C.200
The "Saetta" or "Arrow" performed in many theatres during World War II but most notably in North Africa and the Mediterranean. It was a capable fighter until the mid-point of the war, when new Allied aircraft were far better in terms of performance.
Are you able to name this biplane from the early part of World War II?
Avia BH-33
An obsolete biplane design by the time World War II started, the only Avia BH-33s to see combat belonged to the Yugoslavian Air Force. They were both shot down, with their pilots killed.
This French fighter never saw action after the Germans occupied France. What is it?
Vultee A-35 Vengeance
Arsenal VG-33
A French fighter that never saw combat, the Arsenal VG-33 was in production at the start of World War II, but France fell to the Germans before it reached the front line.
From the options below, do you know the name of this aircraft?
North American P-64
First flown in 1940, the North American P-64 was built as a fighter for export to other countries. They saw action in 1941 with the Peruvian Air Force during the Ecuadorian-Peruvian war.
Known as the "Jug," this fighter could take lots of damage. Do you know what it is called?
CANT Z.1007
Consolidated PBY/PBN Catalina
Short 184
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, or "Jug" as it was affectionately known by its pilots, was a very versatile aircraft. From escorting bombers over Germany to ground attack missions, the Jug could do it all. It was a massive piece of machinery - when fully loaded with weapons and fuel, it weighed around 8 tons.
When World War II started, the Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 was the main fighter of the French Air Force. It was very maneuverable, but unfortunately, it was underpowered and lacked firepower, leading it to be easily outperformed by German fighters. Over 250 were lost during the battle of France.
This biplane was obselete by the start of World War II. Can you name it?
Douglas SBD Dauntless
Fairey Battle
Hawker Hart
A two-seater bomber, the Hawker Hart served with Royal Air Force from 1930 but was obsolete by the outbreak of World War II and only served in backup squadrons.
This American-built fighter saw action with the Chinese Air Force against Japan in World War II. Any idea what it is called?
North American B25 Mitchell
Fiat B.R.20M
Martin M-130
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
The first all-metal fighter produced by the United States, the Boeing P-26 Peashooter first flew in 1932. Chinese-built Peashooters saw action against the Japanese before the outbreak of World War II, while the Peashooter also served in the Pacific with the Philippine Army Air Force.
Perhaps the most famous American plane of the World War II is pictured in this image. What is it?
Martin PB2M Mars
North American P-51 Mustang
The North American P-51 Mustang is legendary in aviation circles. This is the aircraft that first flew bomber escort missions over Germany, something the German high command thought impossible. It was a great all-around fighter, capable of ground attack duties as well. Interestingly, the first Mustang models suffered from underpowered engines. It was only when the Rolls-Royce Merlin was fitted to the airframe that it became a world beater.