World War II was an era of non-stop innovation in aviation. All nations were testing the limits, testing out designs that were bold, unconventional, and sometimes downright radical. From rocket-assisted interceptors to flying wings, World War II saw planes that defied what pilots believed was possible. Below are ten of the most unusual and intriguing warbirds of WWII, each with a tale of innovation, audacity, and zeal.
10. Martin PBM-5A Mariner
The PBM-5A Mariner was one of America’s most effective patrol bombers, usually outclassing the more renowned PBY Catalina. Manufactured by the Glenn L. Martin Company, it had a gull wing that protected its engines from seawater spray and retractable wing floats to reduce drag. Its internal bomb bay made it fly quicker even when carrying explosives, and subsequent models came with jet-assisted take-off rockets—ideal for rescue sorties over rough seas. Crewed by nine men and featuring several .50-cal machine guns, the Mariner established itself during the Battle of the Atlantic, sinking ten German submarines. Of the thousand or so produced, only a single specimen remains today.
9. Curtiss XP-55 Ascender
The XP-55 Ascender appeared to be plucked from a science fiction drawing. Its engine was placed behind the pilot, a canard wing extended ahead, and twin vertical fins topped the wings. This “pusher” style was meant to increase visibility and condense firepower in the nose but came with its drawbacks. Erratic stalls kept it from reaching its full potential. Only three were constructed, two crashed, and the sole survivor serves as a testament to the dangers engineers were willing to risk.
8. Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake”
The V-173 acquired its nickname due to its flat, circular body and huge propellers, each more than sixteen feet in diameter. Charles Zimmerman designed it. It could take off in very short distances and even hover in near headwinds. The novel shape generated lift over the whole surface and thus had helicopter-like agility. Though tested successfully, the Navy’s attention had turned to faster jets, and the Flying Pancake did not go into production.
7. Focke-Wulf 190D “Long Nose
The Focke-Wulf 190D, which German pilots called the “Langnasen,” was constructed to intercept bombers at high altitudes. It had a liquid-cooled Jumo 213 engine, which increased speeds to approximately 440 mph, giving it an intimidating presence. It was equipped with 20mm and 13mm cannons, so it could fight on par, but wartime production issues prevented it from being used in a strategic capacity. Only a few of these fighters remain alive today in museums.
6. Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (“Oscar”)
The Nakajima Ki-43, or “Peregrine Falcon,” was Japan’s most agile and ubiquitous fighter during World War II, with more than 5,900 built. Quick and responsive, it caught Allied pilots off guard at the start of the war. Early models were unarmed and had no self-sealing fuel tanks, but later revisions remedied these flaws without losing their mythical agility. Only one complete example survives today.
5. Mitsubishi A6M7 Reisen (Zero)
The Mitsubishi Zero was already famous for its maneuverability and speed, and the A6M7 model increased its capabilities. It had reinforced wings to carry bombs for dive-bombing sorties in place of the central fuel tank. The model was one of the last Zeros to be flown when Japan’s war fortunes began to decline. Although more than ten thousand were produced, very few original planes survive today.
4. Horten Ho 229
The Horten Ho 229 was years ahead of its time. A jet-propelled flying wing, it had a smooth, streamlined fuselage that reduced both drag and radar detectability. Twin jet engines provided it with the capability of up to 600 mph speeds. Flown for the first time in 1944, the conclusion of the war kept it from going into full production. Nevertheless, it is one of the most forward-thinking designs of the time.
3. Messerschmitt Me 262
The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the first operational jet fighter in the world. With its top speed of approximately 540 mph and powerful nose-mounted cannon, it could destroy bomber formations with atrocious results. Mechanical problems and fuel shortages held it back from being effective during the war, but its design made a lasting impression on postwar aviation.
2. Heinkel He 178 and He 280
The Heinkel He 178 was the first jet aircraft in the world, going airborne in 1939. Following that, the He 280 was the first specifically designed turbojet fighter, flying over 550 mph. Although it was outproduced by the Me 262, these jets initiated the age of jets, and a new era in aviation was born.
1. Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui / Ki-200
The Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui, a rocket-powered interceptor based on the German Me 163 Komet, could climb at lightning rates to attack enemy bombers within minutes. Its fuel was only good for about five minutes, so pilots had to move fast. With Germany providing incomplete technical direction, Japanese engineers improvised much of its development. Sadly, its prototype crashed on its first flight and killed the pilot. The war ended before it could receive further development.
These warbirds highlight the audacious genius and technological strides of WWII airpower. Some evolved into foundation-settling innovations, some cul-de-sacs, but all of them mirror the unprecedented resourcefulness and vision that characterized skies at that time.