What did it take to dominate the skies in WWII? Innovation and guts? Yes, along with staggering sums of money. Each of these 20 aircraft represents a massive investment in firepower and engineering. Their costs might’ve broken budgets, but their legacy shaped history forever.
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
What’s worth $639,188 a piece in 1944? A B-29. This bomber was as expensive as it was revolutionary. Capable of flying higher and further than its peers, it even carried the atomic bomb. Just imagine piloting the most advanced machine of its time.
Northrop P-61 Black Widow
The Black Widow stalked its prey under moonlit skies. With radar onboard—a rarity in 1944—it hunted enemy planes like a true predator. Its $170,000 price tag reflected the innovation, but no price was too high to dominate the night.
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
Few planes earned the nickname “Jug” with such pride. Built like a tank, this $85,000 fighter was equipped with eight .50-caliber machine guns. Surviving countless missions, it became a pilot’s best friend when taking on ground forces or dogfights.
North American P-51 Mustang
Long-range escort? Problem solved. The Mustang saved countless bombers by guarding them deep into enemy territory. Introduced in 1942 at $50,985 per plane, it defined air superiority and remains one of WWII’s most celebrated aircraft.
Consolidated B-32 Dominator
Considered the B-29’s misunderstood sibling, the B-32 Dominator cost an estimated $1.05–$1.25 million per unit in 1945. Over-engineered and underused, it debuted too late and completed just a handful of reconnaissance missions. The aircraft’s limited role left more questions than answers about its place in history.
Lockheed P-38 Lightning
Twin engines. Twin tails. The P-38 looked as fierce as it performed. Costing $97,147, it was fast and versatile—perfect for everything from intercepting enemies to strafing ground targets. No wonder Axis pilots called it the “Fork-tailed Devil.”
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
In the hands of the Flying Tigers, the P-40 became a legend. With its $44,892 price tag, it may not have been the best looking, but it was reliable. The shark-toothed grin struck fear into enemies, even if it wasn’t the fastest or highest-flying fighter.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
The B-17 was the ultimate symbol of resilience. Costing $238,329, it earned its “Flying Fortress” nickname by surviving missions no other bomber could. Crews often recounted harrowing tales of returning to base with severe battle damage yet still managing to land safely.
Martin B-26 Marauder
“Widowmaker” was probably not the nickname a pilot wanted to hear. Tricky to fly, the B-26 cost $138,551 per unit and had a rough start. However, later missions, like those on D-Day, proved its worth as one of the war’s most effective medium bombers.
Douglas A-20 Havoc
With $85,890 you could buy a plane that could do it all. The A-20 Havoc strafed and even patrolled at night. It didn’t grab headlines like the B-17, but its adaptability is what made it indispensable to Allied forces.
Grumman F6F Hellcat
Imagine taking off from an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. The Hellcat, costing $35,000, was your ticket to dominating the skies. With a 19:1 kill ratio, it was a nightmare for enemy pilots and a savior for the U.S. Navy.
Vought F4U Corsair
At $1.5 million, the Corsair was expensive—but worth it. Its gull-wing design and unmatched speed made it a star in the Pacific. This fighter outflew the Japanese Zero and proved that engineering brilliance could shift the balance of power in the air.
Douglas C-54 Skymaster
This workhorse in the skies didn’t need guns to make history. For over $500,000 (in 1940), the C-54 Skymaster carried troops, supplies, and even presidents. Known for reliability, it supported missions across continents and was instrumental during the Berlin Airlift after the fight.
Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Mass production didn’t come cheap. At $336,000 per unit, the B-24 became the most built aircraft of WW2. It carried larger payloads than the B-17, proving its value during critical missions from Europe to the Pacific.
Grumman TBF Avenger
This $100,000 torpedo bomber carried 1,900 horsepower. Pilots like George H.W. Bush flew the Avenger into pivotal battles like Midway in the early 1940s. Rugged and dependable, it could take a hit and still deliver devastation to enemy fleets.
Bell P-39 Airacobra
Oddly designed but effective, the P-39 cost $50,666 and packed a punch with its nose-mounted cannon. It wasn’t loved in the U.S., but Soviet pilots swore by it, using it to great effect during the Eastern Front battles.
Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon
For $500,000, the Harpoon specialized in anti-submarine warfare, protecting vital shipping lanes. Though not as famous as other bombers, its radar capabilities and payload options made it a quiet hero, ensuring Allied supplies reached their destinations safely.
Douglas SBD Dauntless 1
At the price range of $24,000–$29,000, the Dauntless was proof that you didn’t need a massive budget to change the battle. It famously sank four Japanese carriers at Midway, altering the course of the Pacific Theater. Vertical attack precision won battles, not just glory.
Brewster F2A Buffalo
No one loves an underdog, especially one that cost $38,000 and didn’t perform. The Buffalo struggled against faster, better-armed enemies. Despite its shortcomings, it served in the Pacific early on before being replaced by superior fighters like the Hellcat.
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
The Helldiver’s $50,000 price tag didn’t save it from criticism. Pilots hated its initial design flaws, but once fixed, it delivered results. Tactical dive strikes against enemy ships and fortifications have made it a key player in carrier operations across the Pacific.
