Potential of strategic air power in total war. The USA and UK excelled in the production and use of heavy bombers, demonstrating their superior understanding of the These are the long range strategic bombers and during WW II they were all four-engined machines. Aircraft specifications are always approximate, so other sources may vary.

The data and specifications used in this article are courtesy of Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II. Within each category the aircraft are listed alphabetically by manufacturer. I have divided the great bombers of WW II into general categories (heavy, medium and light). The bombers below were produced in large numbers, served their respective air or naval forces as a standard type for an extended period of time and had a significant impact on the war. However, the types covered in this article do meet some important criteria that suggest that they are worthy of inclusion. Despite the title of this little piece, no one can definitively name the 'greatest' bombers of the Second World War. They are the quintessential air to ground (or sea) delivery system. Lancaster, B-17, B-24, B-29, B-25, He 111, JU 88, Mitsubishi G4M2 Type 1 ('Betty'), Stormovic, Dauntless, Mosquito, A-26, Avenger and Stukaīombers are 'A combat aircraft designed to carry and drop bombs' according to the American Heritage Dictionary.

Betty bomber crew positions