WW2

One of the smallest and lightest combat fighters of the war, the Yak-3 was easy to maintain and had an impressive power-to-weight ratio. When it entered service in July 1943 it was superior to both the Fw 190 and Bf 109G at altitudes below 16,000 feet.

Designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor, the Spitfire would become a symbol for British resistance against the Germans during the Battle of Britain. The impact it had on morale, and its performance in combat have led some to call it “The Airplane that Saved the World.”

Liaison Aircraft like the L-5 filled many of the roles played by helicopters in the modern military. Casualty evacuation, artillery and close air support spotting, reconnaissance, delivery of urgent supplies, aerial direction of ground convoys and even the laying of communication wires from the air were all roles regularly filled by the L-5.

A trainer for the Soviet Air Force and the most produced biplane in history, with over 30,000 estimated to have been built, the Po-2 would become famous for its role in night bombing missions on the Eastern Front.

Soviet tactical doctrine for air combat was based on the use of high performance monoplanes, and maneuverable biplanes. These mixed units would have the ability to leverage either strength as needed, or so it was thought.

The I-16 was a revolutionary fighter. In an era of biplanes, it was the first low wing monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear in the world. Introduced in the mid-1930s, it was still a mainstay in the Soviet Air Force on the eve of war.

Developed from the I-5 Fighter Design, the I-15 and later I-15bis would still be in service at the start of Operation Barbarossa, the German Invasion of the Soviet Union.

Originally intended as a trainer and sport plane for the civilian market, the Cub placed aviation within reach of thousands through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. With relatively few modifications, the cub was militarized as the L-4 in Army service, and the NE-1 in Navy service.

With a range of designations for the aircraft based on its branch of service and configuration, the Texan played a vital role as an advanced trainer, providing would-be fighter pilots a final stepping stone before flying single-seat combat aircraft types.

Arguably the most iconic American fighter of WWII, the Mustang is a testament to American ingenuity and industrial capability. The Mustang was designed in 1940, with the first flying prototype built in just 120 days.