Top 5: The Longest-Range Aircraft Of WWII (2024)

World War II saw a rise in the development of numerous aircraft designed for long-range missions, often crucial for strategic bombing and reconnaissance. These aircraft played significant roles in the war, proving vital in various campaigns across different theaters.

Here, we explore some of the five longest-range aircraft of WWII, from the fifth-longest to the longest range of the time. Since these ranges consider the aircraft’s “normal” payload or bombload, it’s important to note that different aircraft have different loading capacities.

5 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Range: 1,738 nautical miles

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is arguably one of the most iconic bombers of WWII. Developed in the 1930s, the B-17 underwent several upgrades, with the E and F models seeing extensive combat. Known for its durability and defensive firepower, the B-17 earned a reputation for returning home despite heavy damage.

Photo:Knumina Studios | Shutterstock

The Flying Fortress stood out as a formidable aircraft thanks to the following key characteristics:

• Range: 1,738 nautical miles (2,000 miles / 3,219 km)
• Engine: Four Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines
• Maximum speed: 249 knots (287 mph / 462 km/h)
• Armament: 13 .50 caliber machine guns and up to 8,000 lbs (3,600 kg) of bombs on short-range missions

With 6,000 lbs (2,700 kg) of bombload, the Flying Fortress could cover distances of up to 1,738 nautical miles (2,000 miles / 3,219 km). The B-17’s ability to fly long distances made it an essential tool for the US Army Air Force’s strategic bombing campaigns – which is why more than 12,700 units were built, as stated by the State of Delaware.

4 Avro Lancaster III

Range: 2,200 nautical miles

The British Avro Lancaster III, developed from the Manchester bomber, became one of WWII's most effective heavy bombers. The Lancaster's design focused on improving range and payload capacity, making it a vital asset for the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command. Introduced in 1942, a total of 7,377 models were built.

Photo:Pawel Bednarski 303| Shutterstock

According to Classic Warbirds, the Avro Lancaster III boasted:

• Range: 2,200 nautical miles (2,530 miles / 4,070 km)
• Engine: Four Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engines
• Maximum Speed: 239 knots (275 mph / 443 km/h)
• Armament: Eight .303 caliber Browning machine guns and 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) of bombs

The Lancaster III was crucial in numerous operations, including the famous Dambuster Raids. Its long range and heavy payload capacity allowed it to deliver significant damage to enemy infrastructure, contributing to the Allied victory.

3 Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Range: 2,820 nautical miles

Introduced in 1944, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress stands as one of the most iconic and technologically advanced bombers of World War II. Developed by Boeing and used primarily by the United States Army Air Forces, the B-29 was designed for long-range bombing missions, high-altitude performance, and unprecedented payload capacity.

Photo: US Air Force

According to the NASA History Office, the Superfortress featured:

• Range: 2,200 nautical miles (2,530 miles / 4,070 km)
• Engine: Four Wright R-3350-23 Duplex-Cyclone turbosupercharged radial piston engines
• Maximum Speed: 310 knots (357 mph / 575 km/h)
• Armament: Ten .50 caliber Browning machine guns, 2 cannons, and up to 20,000 lbs (9,100 kg) of bombs over short distances at low altitude

The Superfortress played a crucial role during the war, including in delivering the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki – making it the only aircraft ever to drop nuclear weapons in combat, per the US Department of Energy.

2 Petlyakov Pe-8

Range: 3,500 nautical miles

The Petlyakov Pe-8 was the Soviet Union’s only long-range, four-engine heavy bomber used during WWII. Designed in the late 1930s by Vladimir Petlyakov, the Pe-8 was intended to strike deep into enemy territory.

Photo: SDASM Archives | Wikimedia Commons

The aircraft was in production between 1936 and 1944, with only 93 units built. Despite production challenges and limited numbers, the Pe-8 made significant contributions to the Soviet war effort.

According to Airpages.ru, the Pe-8 boasted the following characteristics:

• Range: 3,500 nautical miles (4,028 miles / 5,800 km)
• Engine: Four Mikulin AM-35A or AM-35 engines
• Maximum Speed: 235 knots (271 mph / 422 km/h)
• Armament: Two cannons and four machine guns of various sizes and up to 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg) of bombs

The Pe-8’s ability to conduct long-range bombing missions provided the Soviet Union with a strategic advantage. It was used in notable operations, including the bombing of Berlin in 1941, showcasing its range and payload capabilities.

1 Tachikawa Ki-77

Range: 9,700 nautical miles

The Tachikawa Ki-77 was a Japanese long-range experimental transport and communications aircraft developed during World War II. First taking to the skies in 1942, the Ki-77 showcased impressive range capabilities that made it one of the most notable aircraft of its time.

The development of the Ki-77 began with the aim of setting new long-distance flight records. The aircraft was intended to demonstrate Japan's advancements in aviation technology and to carry out propaganda missions, per Military Factory.

Its key features were:

• Range: 9,700 nautical miles (11,000 miles, 18,000 km)
• Engine: Two Nakajima Ha-115 radial piston engines
• Maximum Speed: 250 knots (270 mph / 440 km/h)

Photo: US Government-National Archives | Wikimedia Commons

Although the Tachikawa Ki-77 set unofficial world distance records, it did not see extensive use in the war – and only 2 examples were ever made. Nonetheless, it remains a remarkable example of Japan's aviation prowess and ambition during that period. Its design and capabilities continue to be studied by aviation historians and enthusiasts, highlighting the innovative spirit of its creators.