Image: By Kadellar , from Wikimedia Commons / By L-Bit, from Wikimedia Commons / By Kogo (photo taken by Kogo), via Wikimedia Commons
About This Quiz
The period between World War I and World War II saw some incredible advancements in aircraft design.
Although some monoplane aircraft had been designed before 1920, this single-wing design became the template that many aircraft companies began to use, particularly in the 1930s. That doesn't mean that biplanes suddenly fell out of favor. It was a more gradual process than this, with new biplanes still entering airspace in the mid-1930s.Â
It was obvious, however, that monoplane aircraft were the way forward.
And as an aircraft nut, you probably know that manufacturing techniques changed as well. No longer were aircraft constructed from wood and covered with canvas. More and more planes were made from lightweight metals, aluminum for example, and this became the norm as the 1930s wore on.Â
Pre-war planes came in all shapes, sizes and forms and included new generation fighter aircraft, bombers and attack aircraft as well as a range of different airliner types, some even in the form of seaplanes.Â
But the questions is, would you be able to identify them? For aircraft aficionados, some are simple to identify, because although they were first flown in the '30s, they went on to make a name for themselves in World War II.Â
Others, however, will test your aviation knowledge to the limit.
Good luck!
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
The B-17 Flying Fortress is one of the most famous aircraft ever produced. Designed as a bomber, it was primarily used in the West, flying daylight missions against Nazi Germany. The B-17 could hold 9,600 pounds of bombs and had 11 to 13 machine guns as defensive armament. It first flew in 1935 and entered service in 1938.
Supermarine Spitfire
Lockheed Electra
North American T6 Texan
By ChowellsNoise reduction and shadows lifted by Diliff. (File:Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI.jpg), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most famous aircraft ever built. It first flew in 1936 and played a major part in defending Great Britain against the Luftwaffe, Hitler's air force, during the Second World War. It was produced throughout the war with over 20,000 built. There are still around 50 flying examples found around the world.
Lockheed Electra
North American T-6 Texan
Public Domain via WIkimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Supermarine Spitfire
Lockheed Electra
This 10-seater commercial passenger aircraft from Lockheed first saw service in 1935. It perhaps gained more fame due to the fact that it was the plane chose by Amelia Earheart on her trip to circumnavigate the world, one she never returned from.
North American T-6 Texan
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By L-Bit, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Supermarine Spitfire
Lockheed Electra
North American T-6 Texan
Perhaps one of the most famous training aircraft ever produced, the T-6 Texan first flew in 1935 and, incredibly, was still in service with the South African Air Force up until 1995.
Ad Meskens, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Grumman Goose
First flown in 1937, the Grumman Goose was an amphibious passenger plane that could transport up to eight passengers. Incredibly, it was purposely designed for businessmen in the Long Island area.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
North American T-6 Texan
Supermarine Spitfire
By Affenfreund, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Grumman Goose
Lockheed Electra
Junkers Ju 52
The Junkers Ju 52 entered service in 1931. This tri-motor aircraft was initially a passenger aircraft but saw service in World War II as a paratroop and regular transport machine.
North American B-17 Flying Fortress
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By Kogo, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Junkers Ju 52
Supermarine Spitfire
Grumman Goose
Hawker Hurricane
Together with the Supermarine Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane held off the German Luftwaffe during World War II, most notably during the Battle of Britain. Failure to do so would have seen Germany hold air superiority which would have let Hitler invade the island nation. Although not as famous as the Spitfire, the Hurricane was an excellent fighter in its own rights. This famous fighter first flew in 1935.
Arpingstone , from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Douglas DC 3 Dakota
The Douglas DC 3 Dakota is nothing short of a legend. It first flew in 1936 and has been used in many guises, from an airliner to cargo aircraft, and even during the Second World War as a troop transport, cargo carrier, glider tow aircraft or to carry paratroopers. The DC3 is affectionately known as the Goony Bird.
Hawker Hurricane
Junkers Ju 52
Lockheed Electra
By US Navy, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Douglas DC 3 Dakota
Grumman F4F Wildcat
The Grumman F4F Wildcat was one of the major carrier-based fighters of the United States Navy during World War II. The Wildcat saw action throughout the Pacific, playing a pivotal role in defending the U.S. fleet from Japanese attack. It first flew in 1937.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Junkers Ju 52
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Public Domain via WIkimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
North American T-6 Texan
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Supermarine Spitfire
Keystone B-3
The Keystone B-3 was a biplane bomber aircraft in service with the United States Army Air Corps in the 1920s. Although made obsolete by the new all-metal monoplanes of the 1930s, the B-3 stayed in service until 1940.
By Kadellar, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
The De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide was a majestic looking bi-plane that could carry from 6 to 8 passengers. At the outbreak of World War II, most Rapides were pressed into service with the Royal Air Force.
Keystone B-3
Douglas DC-3
Hawker Hurricane
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
The first all-metal fighter produced by the United States, the Boeing P-26 Peashooter first flew in 1932. Chinese-built Peashooters saw action against the Japanese before the outbreak of World War II, while the Peashooter also served in the Pacific with the Philippine Army Air Force.
Junkers Ju 52
Supermarine Spitfire
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By RuthAS, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Grumman Goose
Lockheed Electra
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Hawker Hart
A two-seater bomber, the Hawker Hart served with Royal Air Force from 1930 but was obsolete by the outbreak of World War II.
By Greg Goebel, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Supermarine Spitfire
Hawker Hart
Granville Gee Bee
Produced between 1932 and 1933, the Gee Bee was a very distinct-looking aircraft. It was built especially for air racing and set a speed record of 296 mph in 1932.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
By Richard Goring, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Granville Gee Bee
Avro Anson
The Avro Anson entered service in 1936 and performed a number of roles in the Royal Airforce including as a light bomber, trainer, maritime reconnaissance and transport aircraft. It was largely obsolete by the time World War II started
Junkers Ju 52
De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
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By Jonathan Cardy, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Avro Anson
Messerschmitt Bf 110
This two-seat, two-engined fighter performed poorly for the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain where it was no match for the Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. in fact, the Messerschmitt BF110 often needed its own fighter escort, despite the fact that it was a fighter. It first flew in 1936.
Hawker Hurricane
North American T-6 Texan
By Shawn from Airdrie, Canada (P40 Warhawk), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Keystone B-3
Messerschmitt Bf 110
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Not necessarily the most glamorous fighter ever produced by the United States during World War II, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk certainly served a purpose. It was a capable dogfighter that was easy to build and helped to ensure that the United States Air Force was significantly armed during the early days of the war. Almost 12,000 of the P-40 were built up until 1944.
Public Domain via WIkimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Martin B10
A bomber introduced into the United States Army Air Corps in 1934, the Martin B10 was the first all-metal monoplane bomber in service in the United States. When introduced, it proved faster than any of the current fighters in service.
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Messerschmitt Bf 110
Supermarine Spitfire
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By Boeing Aircraft, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Martin B10
Junkers Ju 52
Hawker Hurricane
Boeing 314 Clipper
The Boeing 314 Clipper was a flying boat airliner which first entered service in 1939. Clippers were capable of flying across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, with fuel stops along the way, of course.
By Bill Larkins (Stinson A NC15155), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing 314 Clipper
Grumman Goose
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Stinson Model A
This two-engine commercial passenger aircraft first entered service in 1934. Constructed from steel tubing and covered with fabric, it was soon superseded by the newer designs which used stressed aluminum in their construction.
The Flight magazine archive from Flightglobal, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Stinson Model A
Keystone B-3
Junkers Ju52
Miles Peregrine
This 1930s two-engine aircraft was intended as a transport plane. Only two were ever built, as the Miles factory was commissioned to focus on the Magister training aircraft as the threat of war approached in the late 1930s.
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By Kogo (photo taken by Kogo), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the primary fighter in service with the German Air Force at the outbreak of World War II. First introduced in 1937, the aircraft had proved itself extremely capable during the Spanish Civil War, where it was flown by German pilots helping Franco.
Miles Peregrine
Hawker Hart
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
At the start of the Second World War, the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka was one of the most feared aircraft available to the German Air Force. This ground attack plane used dive bombing techniques to great effect. It was feared as it also employed wind-driven sirens that would wail on each attack, causing panic for both civilians and enemy soldiers. It first flew in 1935 and saw action in the Spanish Civil War.
Messerschmitt Bf 109
North American T-6 Texan
Boeing 314 Clipper
By NASA Loftin (NASA Loftin), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Martin B-10
Lockheed Model 9 Orion
The Model 9 Orion from Lockheed was a single-engined commercial passenger aircraft first released in 1931. The enclosed cabin could transport six passengers comfortably. The Orion was the first airline with retractable undercarriage.
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By Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Hawker Hurricane
Lockheed Model 9 Orion
Junkers Ju 52
De Havilland Express
The De Havilland Express was a larger of the Dragon Rapide, also built by De Havilland. Over 700 were built in the 1930s.
By Kogo (photo taken by Kogo), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Grumman Goose
De Havilland Express
Hawker Hart
Gloster Gladiator
One of the last biplane fighters in the Royal Air Force, the Gloster Gladiator was obsolete by the outbreak of World War II although it had served as a frontline fighter from around 1935 onward.
By San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Granville Gee Bee
Gloster Gladiator
Blackburn Skua
The Blackburn Skua was a two-seater fighter/dive bomber that saw service with the British Fleet Air Arm after entering service in 1938.
Avro Anson
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Public Domain via WIkimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Blackburn Skua
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Supermarine S-6
The Supermarine S6 designed by RJ Mitchell, who later went on to design the Supermarine Spitfire. This air racer won the Schneider Trophy race in 1929.
Miles Peregrine
Public Domain via WIkimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing YB-9
Introduced in 1931, the Boeing YB-9 didn't have a long operational service in the US Army Air Corps, and by 1935 was retired from service. It does have the distinction as the first monoplane bomber to be made entirely out of metal.
Supermarine S-6
North American T-6 Texan
Junkers Ju 52
By RuthAS, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing YB-9
Supermarine S-6
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Lockheed Hudson
The Hudson from Lockheed entered service in 1939 as both a light bomber as well as a coastal maritime patrol aircraft. Interestingly, it was commissioned for the Royal Air Force and was used by a number of Commonwealth countries, even after World War II. It did service with US forces as well.
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Public Domain via WIkimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Lockheed Hudson
Boeing P-26 Peashooter
Brewster F2A Buffalo
The Buffalo, a fighter manufactured by Brewster, first entered service in 1937. It was one of the first aircraft to include an arrestor hook for operations from aircraft carriers.
Hawker Hurricane
By Cliff (Flickr), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Grumman Goose
Hughes H-1
A design from Howard Hughes, the H-1 set a number of records in the late 1930s. During this time, the H-1 was the fastest landplane around, capable of speeds of over 350 mph.
Brewster F2A Buffalo
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
By Joe Rimensberger, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Hughes H-1
Gloster Gladiator
Messerschmitt 108
This single-seat aircraft was designed for sport flying as well as touring by the famed Messerschmitt aircraft factory and Willie Messerschmitt in particular. It first flew in 1934.
Hawker Hart
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By Willem van de Poll (Nationaal Archief), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Messerschmitt 108
Granville Gee Bee
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
Fokker F.XX
The F.XX, from Dutch designers Fokker, entered service in 1933 as a passenger transport aircraft. It could fly up to 12 people and crew up to distances of 800 miles.
By State Library Queensland, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Short S23 Empire Boat
The 1930s saw an upsurge in the popularity of flying boats as a form of commercial airliner and the Empire Boat, from Short, is one of the more famous examples. First introduced in 1936, it was capable of flying up to 24 passengers up to 700 miles at a time.
Fokker F.XX
Blackburn Skua
Avro Anson
By elchicogris (Flickr: POLIKARPOV I-16), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Short S23 Empire Boat
Polikarpov i-16
This short stubby Russian fighter first entered service in 1934. By the start of the World War II, the Polikarpov i-16 was no match for more advanced German fighter aircraft. It was fondly nicknamed 'Donkey' by its pilots.
Hughes H-1
Hawker Hurricane
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By San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives , via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Polikarpov i-16
Lockheed YP-24
The Lockheed YP-24 was a two-seat fighter that never entered service. In fact, only one was made, in 1931. Factors, including the Great Depression, saw the project abandoned.
North American T-6 Texan
By Ãâ øÃÂÃâþÃâ¡Ã½Ã¸ÃºÃµ ýõ ÃÆúð÷ðý; ÃÆÃÂÃâðýþòøÃâÊýõòþ÷üþöýþ.Denic79 at ru.wikipedia, from Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Hawker Hart
Lockheed YP-24
Supermarine S-6
Kalinin K-7
Only one example of this behemoth was built in the early 1930s in the U.S.S.R. The K-7 has seven engines and was proposed as both a bomber and passenger aircraft. The only prototype crashed in 1933, killing 14 people.
By Mr. Peter Noble from UK Flying Displays and Museums ([1]), via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
Fairey Swordfish
The Fairey Swordfish was a biplane torpedo bomber that first entered service in 1936 with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. It has the distinction of helping to sink the German battleship, the Bismarck, during World War II.
Kalinin K-7
Avro Anson
Hughes H-1
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Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Which pre-war aircraft is shown in this image?
North American T-6 Texan
Supermarine Spitfire
Fairey Swordfish
Focke-Wulf F200 Condor
Initially developed as an airliner for long-range trips, the Focke-Wulf F200 Condor was used extensively by the Luftwaffe during World War II as a maritime patrol aircraft and anti-ship bomber. It was first introduced in 1937.
You Got:
/40
By Kadellar , from Wikimedia Commons / By L-Bit, from Wikimedia Commons / By Kogo (photo taken by Kogo), via Wikimedia Commons