World War II Warbirds at American Airshows

The roar of radial engines and the distinctive silhouettes of World War II fighters draw crowds at airshows across America. These flying museums represent decades of careful restoration work and passionate dedication from owners who spend millions to keep aviation history alive. This guide helps you identify the most common warbirds at American airshows and understand the stories behind these legendary aircraft.

American Fighters

P-51 Mustang

The North American P-51 Mustang remains the most recognizable warbird at American airshows, and for good reason. Often called the aircraft that won the war, the Mustang’s combination of range, speed, and maneuverability made it the premier escort fighter of the conflict. Today, approximately 175 Mustangs remain airworthy worldwide.

Identify the Mustang by its distinctive bubble canopy (on D-model variants), streamlined fuselage, and characteristic engine note from the Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12. The landing gear retracts into the wings, leaving the slender fuselage uninterrupted. Most airworthy examples carry colorful squadron markings replicating specific historical aircraft.

F4U Corsair

The Vought F4U Corsair served primarily in the Pacific Theater, becoming the most successful American fighter of the war with a kill ratio exceeding 11:1 against Japanese aircraft. Its inverted gull wing design—created to accommodate the massive propeller while keeping landing gear short—gives the Corsair an unmistakable profile.

The Corsair’s Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine produces a deeper, throatier sound than the Mustang’s inline Merlin. Approximately 35 Corsairs remain airworthy, making them somewhat rarer at airshows than Mustangs but still regular performers.

P-40 Warhawk

The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk gained fame early in the war with the Flying Tigers over China and remains iconic for the shark mouth nose art applied to aircraft of the American Volunteer Group. While outclassed by later fighters, the P-40 performed capably in China, North Africa, and the Pacific.

Identify the P-40 by its pointed nose, liquid-cooled Allison V-12 engine, and distinctive canopy. Fewer than 30 remain airworthy, making them less common at airshows but treasured when they appear.

Heavy Bombers

B-17 Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress became the symbol of American strategic bombing, conducting devastating daylight raids over Germany despite heavy losses. Of nearly 13,000 built, only about a dozen remain airworthy today, making B-17 appearances at airshows significant events.

The B-17’s four Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines create an unforgettable sound, particularly during formation flights. The defensive armament positions—nose, tail, dorsal, ball turret, and waist—gave the Flying Fortress its name and remain visible on preserved examples.

Organizations like the Commemorative Air Force and Collings Foundation operate B-17s that tour extensively, offering ground tours and flight experiences at their stops. These opportunities provide close access to aircraft rarely available elsewhere.

B-25 Mitchell

The North American B-25 Mitchell achieved fame as the aircraft of the Doolittle Raiders, the first aircraft to bomb Japan following Pearl Harbor. This medium bomber served extensively in all theaters, valued for its versatility and ruggedness.

More B-25s survive than any other World War II bomber, with approximately 35 airworthy examples. Their relatively manageable size and operating costs compared to heavy bombers contribute to their prevalence at airshows. The distinctive twin tail and twin radial engines make identification straightforward.

British Aircraft

Supermarine Spitfire

The Spitfire’s elliptical wing planform makes it instantly recognizable and contributes to its reputation as perhaps the most beautiful fighter ever built. Britain’s premier interceptor during the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire became a symbol of British resistance and ingenuity.

The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine’s distinctive sound—shared with the P-51 Mustang—identifies Spitfires aurally. Approximately 60 remain airworthy worldwide, with several based in the United States. Their relative rarity and iconic status make Spitfire appearances airshow highlights.

Hawker Hurricane

While the Spitfire captured public imagination, the Hawker Hurricane actually shot down more enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. This sturdy workhorse proved easier to produce and repair than the Spitfire, making it numerically dominant during Britain’s darkest hours.

Identify the Hurricane by its thicker wing profile and more angular lines compared to the Spitfire. Fewer than 15 remain airworthy, making Hurricane appearances genuinely rare events for warbird enthusiasts.

Trainers and Support Aircraft

North American T-6 Texan

The T-6 Texan (known as the Harvard in British service) trained more Allied pilots than any other aircraft during World War II. Its forgiving handling prepared student pilots for combat aircraft while its 600-horsepower radial engine provided respectable performance.

Hundreds of T-6s remain airworthy, making them the most common warbird at American airshows. Their relatively affordable operating costs enable many private owners to display these aircraft. T-6s often participate in mass formations and race events in addition to demonstration flights.

C-47 Skytrain

The military version of the Douglas DC-3, the C-47 Skytrain transported paratroopers on D-Day, supplied troops across the Pacific, and flew the Berlin Airlift. “The airplane that won the war” according to General Eisenhower, the C-47 performed every conceivable transport mission.

Numerous C-47s remain operational, often in historically accurate configurations commemorating specific D-Day aircraft or other significant variants. Their passenger capacity enables living history flights that give passengers direct experience with aviation’s golden age.

Experiencing Warbirds at Airshows

Maximizing your warbird experience at airshows requires some strategic planning. Arrive early to visit static displays where you can examine aircraft closely, often speaking with owners and crew members who share fascinating stories about restoration and operation.

Many warbird organizations offer flight experiences aboard their aircraft. These flights range from brief rides to extended experiences in aircraft like B-17s and B-25s where passengers can move through the aircraft during flight. Book well in advance as these opportunities sell out quickly.

Photography opportunities abound at warbird events. The variety of markings, paint schemes, and aircraft types creates endless compositional possibilities. Early morning and late afternoon light particularly flatters the curves and surfaces of these classic aircraft.

Consider attending events specifically focused on warbirds, like Wings Over Dallas or Thunder Over Michigan, where the concentration of historic aircraft exceeds general airshows. These events attract aircraft owners from across the country, resulting in rare formations and unique aircraft appearances.

Above all, take time to appreciate what these aircraft represent. Each surviving warbird required decades of preservation effort and ongoing investment measured in millions of dollars. The pilots and crews who fly them today connect us directly with the generation that flew these same aircraft in combat, preserving history in the most tangible way possible.