Top 10: WWII aircrafts known for their immense firepower

Evolution of Aircraft Firepower in World Wars

During the First World War, fighter planes were usually equipped with just two light machine guns. By the Second World War, aerial firepower had expanded dramatically. Some combat aircraft carried heavy cannons firing explosive shells, alongside multiple machine guns and large ammunition loads, turning them into fast, airborne battleships.

Messerschmitt Me 262

The Me 262, known as the first jet-powered fighter in combat, was deadly not just because of its speed, but also for its armament. Standard versions carried four 30-mm cannons designed for taking down bombers. An even more extreme variant was fitted with a 50-mm Mauser MK 214A autocannon, which could potentially destroy a B-24 or B-17 with just one to three hits. Although the program faced technical and administrative setbacks, the aircrafts speed of 578 mph and formidable firepower made it a severe threat.

YB-40 Flying Fortress

The US attempted a heavily armed bomber escort using the YB-40, essentially a gun-laden Flying Fortress without bombs. It carried 1416 .50-calibre machine guns, with up to 30 possible, and even tested 40-mm cannons. However, its excessive weight and drag prevented it from effectively accompanying bombers. The YB-40 appeared in the 1947 Academy Award-winning film The Best Years of Our Lives, enjoying greater fame on screen than in operational service.

Northrop P-61 Black Widow

The P-61 was the first purpose-built night fighter, featuring twin booms and airborne radar. Weighing around 18,000 kg fully loaded, it carried four fixed 20-mm cannons in the belly and an electric dorsal turret with four heavy machine guns on later models. The centralised firepower layout made it highly accurate and destructive against night targets.

B-25 Mitchell with 75mm Gun

The B-25 medium bomber was adapted to carry a 75mm cannon for anti-shipping missions. Operated manually by the navigator, the gun was complemented by 1218 .50-calibre machine guns, rockets, and bombs. These upgunned B-25s proved devastating against ships and smaller targets, capable of inflicting heavy damage even on destroyers.

Mosquito Mk. XVII Tsetse

The British Mosquito fighter-bomber was converted into the Tsetse variant, armed with a 57-mm Molins gun capable of firing 55 rounds per minute, replacing its standard 20-mm cannons. Retaining two or four .303 machine guns for aiming, the Tsetse excelled in anti-shipping missions, sinking several U-boats and even destroying enemy aircraft with single rounds.

Beaufighter

The Beaufighter emerged as one of the best-armed British aircraft, featuring four 20-mm cannons and six machine guns. With heavy ammunition loads and versatile options for bombs or rockets, it served in night fighting, strike missions, and torpedo attacks. Its massive wings and weight allowed it to rival medium bombers in durability and firepower.

Junkers Ju 88 Anti-Tank Variants

The multi-role Ju 88 was adapted for anti-tank missions with guns ranging from 30 mm to 75 mm in ventral pods. Though cumbersome and produced in limited numbers, these variants could engage armored targets effectively, supplementing Germanys efforts to counter Soviet tank production.

Hawker Hurricane Mk.IID

The Hurricane was modified with 40-mm Vickers S cannons for tank-busting operations in the desert, earning the nickname Can Openers. It destroyed numerous armored vehicles despite suffering from low-level vulnerabilities. Later variants, including the Mk.IV, received additional armor and could carry rockets, improving survivability and firepower.

Soviet Yak Fighters

The Yak series, particularly the Yak-9T with a 37-mm Nudelman-Suranov cannon, excelled in anti-tank and ground attack roles. With 30 rounds and the capability to penetrate up to 40 mm of armor from 500 meters, the Yak-9T became a formidable low-level fighter, though attempts to install larger 45-mm guns proved impractical.

Henschel Hs 129

Designed specifically for close air support and anti-armor roles, the Hs 129 featured an armored cockpit and heavy cannon options, including the 75-mm BK 7.5. Pilots valued its survivability and destructive power, and experienced operators could destroy multiple tanks in combat. Although produced in limited quantities, it served as a German counterpart to later dedicated ground-attack aircraft like the A-10.

Author: Sophia Brooks