Introduction: Best Fighter Aircraft of WWII Bob Hart August 26, 2006

What was the best fighter aircraft of WWII? I cannot answer that question for a variety of reasons as a number of aircraft could lay valid claim to the title. Since the end of the war there has been many a heated discussion on this topic and I don't know if everyone would ever agree on a perceived claimant to the title. I can only give you the contenders, basic statistics, performance data, points to consider and some of my own thoughts.

I would like to think this subject would create plenty of interesting and thoughtful discussion rather than heated debate. One area we cannot count on for much input is from the men who flew the machines since many of them are no longer with us. However they did leave us with log books, diaries and personal accounts.

When comparing the fighters, the one important point to remember is the human elements from the ground organization to the pilot. What was the use of flying the best fighter in the world if it was poorly maintained?

Of special interest during my research were the comments of the pilots about the aircraft they flew. Almost universally they spoke of these fighters in glowing terms whether it is a Spitfire, P-47 Thunderbolt, or Me-109G. And what of the aces? The fighter aircraft would be worth nothing without this human element. The pilots are worthy of articles in the future.

Excellent fighters were of little use in combat if the pilots had minimal training or experience. This was certainly true of some of the Allied air forces early in the war and true of the Luftwaffe and the Japanese Army Air force in 1944 and 1945.

There is a great deal of interest in Luftwaffe aircraft and much speculation in the aircraft that would have appeared if the war had lasted longer. This may be warranted as there were some spectacular designs in the prototype stage, but the various allied nations were developing some interesting aircraft. So outside of the main categories there will be a sub section to cater for those interested in the 'What If' types of fighters.

Some fighters were very effective as fighter-bombers or Jabos, ie, the Typhoon and the various ground support versions of the Fw-190. These will be covered in a later forum.

In each section I will list the main contenders and you will note there will be a number of omissions. This does not mean an omitted aircraft cannot be discussed as this is an open forum where your input is important. The more who contribute, the more interesting and informative it will be.

The follow-up articles for this project will cover the best fighters of United States. Great Britain. Germany. Italy, Japan, and the Soviet Union. There will also be articles nightfighters and what-if scenarios.

The next article will cover the first of the United States fighters that are in contention for the Best Fighter Aircraft of WWII title.

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