15 WWII Warplanes That Faded into History—but Changed the War

World War II was a proving ground for some of the most daring and unheralded aircraft ever built. Beyond the famous silhouettes of Spitfires and B-17s, a fleet of lesser-known planes carved their place in history—fast, rugged, and sometimes downright strange.

These 15 forgotten warbirds carried secrets of ingenuity and grit. Their stories will change how you see the skies of war.

1. Martin B-26 Marauder

The Martin B-26 Marauder was a medium bomber that earned a reputation as a challenging aircraft to fly. Nicknamed “The Widowmaker” due to its high accident rate during training, the B-26 eventually proved its worth in combat.

Despite its initial troubles, it became one of the most effective bombers of the war, boasting the lowest loss rate of any American aircraft.

Best features:

• High speed for a medium bomber
• Excellent bombing accuracy
• Robust construction that could withstand significant damage

2. Bloch MB.150

The Bloch MB.150 was a French fighter aircraft that saw limited service during the early stages of World War II. Designed to counter the threat of German bombers, it suffered from development delays and production issues.

Despite its shortcomings, the MB.150 fought valiantly during the Battle of France.

Best features:

• Good maneuverability
• Decent armament for its time
• Ability to absorb battle damage

3. CAC Boomerang

Australia’s first indigenously designed and built fighter aircraft, the CAC Boomerang, was developed in response to the country’s urgent need for combat planes. While it never saw air-to-air combat against enemy fighters, the Boomerang proved invaluable in ground attack and army cooperation roles in the Pacific theater.

Best features:

• Excellent low-altitude performance
• Rugged construction suitable for rough field operations
• Powerful armament for ground attack missions

4. Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien

The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, codenamed “Tony” by the Allies, was a unique Japanese fighter powered by a liquid-cooled inline engine. Often mistaken for a German aircraft due to its appearance, the Ki-61 proved to be a formidable opponent against Allied fighters, particularly at high altitudes.

Best features:

• Good high-altitude performance
• Armor protection for the pilot
• Effective against B-29 bombers

5. Reggiane Re.2000

The Reggiane Re.2000 was an Italian fighter aircraft that, despite its promising design, saw limited service with the Regia Aeronautica. However, it found success in foreign service, particularly with the Hungarian Air Force, where it performed well against Soviet opposition on the Eastern Front.

Best features:

• Excellent maneuverability
• Long range for a fighter of its era
• Adaptability to various combat roles

6. Fokker G.I

The Fokker G.I was a Dutch heavy fighter and bomber destroyer that arrived too late to save the Netherlands from German invasion. With its distinctive twin-boom design and heavy armament, the G.I was a formidable aircraft that could have made a significant impact had it been available in larger numbers.

Best features:

• Powerful forward-facing armament
• Good visibility for the crew
• Versatility in both fighter and ground attack roles

7. IMAM Ro.57

The IMAM Ro.57 was an Italian twin-engine heavy fighter that suffered from a troubled development process. Despite its potential, only a small number were produced, and they saw limited action.

The Ro.57 represents a missed opportunity for the Italian Air Force to field a competitive heavy fighter.

Best features:

• High speed for its class
• Heavy armament
• Potential for long-range operations

8. Mitsubishi Ki-109

Developed as a specialized bomber interceptor, the Mitsubishi Ki-109 was a variant of the Ki-67 medium bomber. Designed to combat B-29 Superfortresses, it entered service too late to make a significant impact.

The Ki-109’s large-caliber cannon made it a potentially lethal threat to Allied bombers.

Best features:

• Powerful 75mm cannon for anti-bomber operations
• Good high-altitude performance
• Derived from a proven bomber design

9. Petlyakov Pe-3

The Petlyakov Pe-3 was a Soviet heavy fighter developed from the Pe-2 dive bomber. While it didn’t match the performance of single-engine fighters, the Pe-3 proved effective in roles such as bomber escort, reconnaissance, and night fighting.

Its versatility made it a valuable asset to the Soviet air force.

Best features:

• Long range for strategic operations
• Versatile platform for various missions
• Effective in the night fighter role

10. Dornier Do 335

The Dornier Do 335 Pfeil (Arrow) was one of the fastest piston-engine fighters of World War II. Its unique push-pull configuration gave it exceptional performance, but it arrived too late to influence the war’s outcome.

The Do 335 represents the pinnacle of piston-engine fighter design.

Best features:

• Extremely high speed for a piston-engine aircraft
• Heavy armament
• Innovative push-pull engine configuration

11. Kawasaki Ki-102

Designed as a heavy fighter and ground-attack aircraft, the Kawasaki Ki-102 saw limited production and combat use. It was intended to replace the Ki-45 Toryu but entered service too late to make a significant impact.

The Ki-102’s versatility and firepower made it a potent, if underutilized, weapon.

Best features:

• Powerful armament for both air and ground targets
• Good speed and maneuverability for its size
• Ability to carry bombs for ground attack missions

12. Messerschmitt Me 210

The Messerschmitt Me 210 was intended to replace the Bf 110 heavy fighter but was plagued by technical problems and poor handling characteristics. Despite its troubled development, improved versions saw some success in combat, particularly in the hands of Hungarian pilots.

Best features:

• Remote-controlled defensive gun barbettes
• Versatility as a fighter-bomber
• Improved performance in later variants

13. Nakajima J1N Gekko

Initially designed as a long-range escort fighter, the Nakajima J1N Gekko (Moonlight) found its niche as a night fighter. Equipped with obliquely mounted cannons, it became one of Japan’s most successful night interceptors against B-29 raids.

Best features:

• Effective oblique-firing cannon arrangement
• Good endurance for night operations
• Radar-equipped variants for night interception

14. Brewster F2A Buffalo

The Brewster F2A Buffalo, while often maligned for its poor performance against Japanese fighters, served effectively in Finnish hands against the Soviets. Its compact design and rugged construction made it well-suited for operations from rough airfields.

Best features:

• Good maneuverability at low speeds
• Rugged construction
• Effective in Finnish service against Soviet aircraft

15. Ilyushin Il-2

While not exactly forgotten, the Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik deserves mention for its often-overlooked impact on the Eastern Front. This heavily armored ground-attack aircraft was produced in vast numbers and played a crucial role in the Soviet victory, earning the nickname “Flying Tank.”

Best features:

• Extremely heavily armored
• Powerful ground-attack armament
• Psychological impact on enemy ground forces

These 15 aircraft represent just a fraction of the diverse and innovative warplanes that took to the skies during World War II. Each played a unique role in the conflict, contributing to the war effort in ways that often went unrecognized.

Source:

1. Smithsonian Institution