World War II was an era in time where some of the best fighter aircraft in history were created. Remarkably, many of these legendary aircraft are still flying today. Carefully restored and maintained by collectors, museums, and aviation groups, these warbirds continue to capture the attention of enthusiasts and historians.
Let’s explore the top 10 most iconic WWII fighter planes still flying, how they impacted war, and where you can see or even buy one today. Whether you’re a warbird enthusiast, an airshow regular, or exploring the world of WW2 aircraft for sale, this list is your ultimate guide.
1. North American P-51 Mustang
No list of WW2 fighter planes would be complete without the P-51 Mustang. Introduced in 1940, this long-range escort fighter changed the air war over Europe. With a top speed of 437 mph and powered by the well-known Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the Mustang was favored by bomber crews and feared by enemy pilots.
Why it’s iconic:
- Excelled at high altitude escort missions
- Highly maneuverable and fast
- Dominated the skies late in the war
Still flying today: Over 150 airworthy P-51 Mustangs exist around the world, many flown at airshows or held in private collections.
Want one? Occasionally, restored P-51s appear on the market. Check sites like Platinum Fighter Sales for availability.
2. Supermarine Spitfire
The Spitfire became the face of Britain’s defense during the Battle of Britain. With its beautiful elliptical wings and Merlin engine, it combined elegance with lethality. Pilots praised its responsive controls, and the aircraft’s agility made it a deadly dogfighter.
Why it’s iconic:
- Crucial to British air defense
- Flown by Allied pilots from many nations
- Widely recognized
Still flying today: Roughly 60 Spitfires remain airworthy, many flying in the UK and at international airshows. Some Spitfires are also still flown with their original wartime engines.
3. Messerschmitt Bf 109
Germany’s most-produced fighter of WWII, the Bf 109 was the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s fighter force. Introduced before the war, it evolved through many variants, each more powerful than the last.
Why it’s iconic:
- Served from the Spanish Civil War through the end of WWII
- Scored more kills than any other fighter in history
- Flown by many of Germany’s top aces
Still flying today: A few Bf 109s, mostly Spanish-built HA-1112 variants, still fly today. These are often equipped with original Daimler-Benz engines. These aircraft can be seen at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum and various European airshows.
4. Focke-Wulf Fw 190
Nicknamed the “Butcher Bird,” the Fw 190 was one of the few fighters to outperform the Spitfire in several key areas. Its radial engine and excellent speed made it a tough match for Allied aircraft.
Why it’s iconic:
- Dominated early war encounters
- Used in various roles from interceptor to ground-attack
- Rugged and well-armed
Still flying today: A few original and reproduction Fw 190s are operational, including some built by Flug Werk in Germany. Finding original BMW radial engines is difficult; many flying versions use alternative engines.
5. Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
One of the heaviest and most heavily armed fighters of WWII, the P-47 Thunderbolt was a true tank of an aircraft. Nicknamed the “Jug,” it featured eight .50-cal machine guns and could carry a large load of bombs and rockets.
Why it’s iconic:
- Known for its durability and survivability
- Performed in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat
- Flew over 746,000 combat attacks
Still flying today: Around a dozen P-47s are airworthy worldwide, with several being showcased at airshows. The Thunderbolt’s radial engine made it extremely resistant to damage.
6. Vought F4U Corsair
With its inverted gull wings and massive propeller, the F4U Corsair became a legend in the Pacific Theater. Flown by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots, it earned a reputation for ruggedness and performance. This aircraft was also the first U.S. fighter to exceed 400 mph in level flight.
Why it’s iconic:
- Dominated the Pacific skies against Japanese fighters
- Carried out over 64,000 combat attacks
- Famously flown by the “Black Sheep Squadron”
Still flying today: More than 15 Corsairs remain airworthy, regularly seen at airshows in the United States.
7. Grumman F6F Hellcat
The Hellcat replaced the Wildcat and helped the U.S. Navy gain air superiority in the Pacific. With a kill-to-loss ratio of 19:1, it is one of the most successful fighters of all time.
Why it’s iconic:
- Designed for ease of maintenance on aircraft carriers
- Outperformed the Mitsubishi Zero
- Credited with over 5,000 aerial victories
Still flying today: A few Hellcats are flying, including examples in the Flying Heritage Collection. These aircraft are rare, but sometimes available through specialized warbird brokers.
8. Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Instantly recognizable with its shark-mouth nose art, the P-40 Warhawk was used primarily in North Africa, China, and the Pacific. It was the primary aircraft of the legendary Flying Tigers.
Why it’s iconic:
- Flew in nearly every theater of WWII
- Strong, reliable, and capable
- Easy to maintain under harsh conditions
Still flying today: Dozens of P-40s survive and many still fly today, including in Australia, the U.S., and Europe. A restored P-40 often sells at a lower price point than P-51s or Spitfires.
9. Hawker Hurricane
Though it’s sometimes overlooked by the Spitfire, the Hurricane was actually responsible for more than 60% of the RAF’s air victories during the Battle of Britain.
Why it’s iconic:
- Simple construction made it easier to repair
- Important to British air strategy
- Extremely effective against bombers
Still flying today: Around 15 Hurricanes are still flying, primarily in the UK.
10. Lockheed P-38 Lightning
With its twin-boom configuration and turbo-supercharged engines, the P-38 Lightning stood out visually and tactically. It served as a fighter, bomber escort, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Why it’s iconic:
- Used in the famous mission to shoot down Admiral Yamamoto
- Extremely fast and versatile
- Favored by top American Fighter Aces
Still flying today: A few P-38s are operational, including the well-known “Glacier Girl.” These are among the most complex and rare warbirds to restore.
Where to Find Warbirds Still Flying or for Sale
The preservation of these aircraft is made possible by restorers, museums, and collectors. If you’re interested in seeing these warbirds still flying, look out for them at:
- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (USA)
- Flying Legends Airshow (UK)
- Planes of Fame Airshow (Chino, CA)
- Warbirds Over Wanaka (New Zealand)
Buying a Warbird
Purchasing a WWII aircraft isn’t just for museums. A select group of aviation brokers and dealers offer WW2 aircraft for sale, including fully restored, flight-ready fighters. One of the most respected names in the industry is Platinum Fighter Sales, which frequently lists aircraft such as P-51 Mustangs, Spitfires, and F4U Corsairs.
Historic WWII Fighters Planes
The fact that these planes still fly today, over 80 years later, is a testament to their design and engineering. If you’re considering acquiring one yourself, WWII fighter planes continue to capture the attention of all those who see and hear them fly.
So the next time you see one of these legendary aircraft, take a moment to appreciate the history behind them. And if you’re looking for your own WWII fighter plane, keep an eye out on www.platinumfighters.com.