In a single 376 plane raid in August 1943, 60 B-17s were shot down. But an eye-watering 43,581 aircraft were lost overseas including 22,948 on combat missions (18,418 against the Western Axis) and 20,633 attributed to non-combat causes overseas.
(However, less than one accident in four resulted in total loss of the aircraft)Īlmost 1,000 Army planes disappeared en route from the US to foreign locations. They average 1,170 aircraft accidents per month- nearly 40 a day. They were the result of 52,651 aircraft accidents (6,039 involving fatalities) in 45 months.
#WW2 FIGHTER PILOT PLUS#
Sources: Rene Francillon, Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific war Cajus Bekker, The Luftwaffe Diaries Ray Wagner, American Combat Planes Wikipedia.Īccording to the AAF Statistical Digest, in less than four years (December 1941- August 1945), the US Army Air Forces lost 14,903 pilots, aircrew and assorted personnel plus 13,873 airplanes - inside the continental United States. 1,000 B-17s carried 2.5 million gallons of high octane fuel and required 10,000 airmen to fly and fight them.ĩ.7 billion gallons of gasoline consumed, 1942-1945.Ĥ59.7 billion rounds of aircraft ammo fired overseas, 1942-1945.ħ.9 million bombs dropped overseas, 1943-1945.Ģ.3 million combat sorties, 1941-1945 (one sortie = one takeoff).Ĩ08,471 aircraft engines accepted, 1940-1945. How many is a 1,000 planes? B-17 production (12,731) wingtip to wingtip would extend 250 miles. From 1942 onward, America averaged 170 planes lost a day. 1, 1939 and ending with Japan 's surrender Sept. THE PRICE OF VICTORY (cost of an aircraft in WWII dollars)įrom Germany 's invasion of Poland Sept. WWII was the largest human effort in history. The US civilian population maintained a dedicated effort for four years, many working long hours seven days per week and often also volunteering for other work.
43,000 planes lost overseas, including 23,000 in combat. 276,000 aircraft manufactured in the US. This listing of some of the aircraft facts gives a bit of insight to it. 
Most Americans who were not adults during WWII have no understanding of the magnitude of it. Aside from the figures on aircraft, consider this statement from the article: On average 6600 American service men died per MONTH, during WWII (about 220 a day). No matter how one looks at it, these are incredible statistics. If you live for facts and statistics, this is just for you. I have always known that aircrew had the highest fatality rate but the loss rate (and cost of war) detailed below is absolutely horrific. At the root, is a sobering reminder of the sacrifice and bravery needed for battle, and the steadfast love of country.Absolutely amazing (American) World War 2 statistics and photos. These men, and their iconic aircraft, would become household names, igniting a passion for flight in young people for generations to come. Aces became public figures that captured the attention and imagination of the country. In World War I, Aces were regarded as “knights of the sky,” and held themselves to a noble standard of battle that would change and evolve as the strategies and technology of air war progressed in World War II. Weaponry was limited, with pilots first engaging in battle using hand-carried pistols in a rudimentary attempt to bring down the enemy. The standard to become a Fighter Ace was set in World War I, the first military conflict in which aircraft played a major role. Although Aces only account for an estimated 5% of all combat pilots, they collectively claimed about one-third of all air victories in World War II. 60,000 pilots flew in the conflicts from World War I through Vietnam. Their achievements played a crucial role in national defense, ultimately saving lives and helping to bring about an end to the wars they served in. The American Fighter Aces Association currently recognizes 1,447 pilots who have gained the distinction of Fighter Ace. military service) who has destroyed five or more enemy aircraft in aerial combat. military service or the service of a nation not at war with the United States (or others who flew as a member of a U.S. citizen who has served honorably as a fighter pilot in a U.S.
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