The original Ar 234 prototypes were launched from a jettisonable three-wheeled trolley and landed on skids attached to the belly of the aircraft and engine nacelles. From an operational standpoint, the trolley proved impractical (three jacks were required to reset the aircraft on the trolley) and the B-series was developed with a conventional tricycle-type, retractable landing gear. The fuselage was widened slightly to accommodate three large 'donut-style' low pressure tires, used to counter the narrow track landing gear.
The Ar 234, V1 to the V5, were all powered by two Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet engines. The V3 had a pressurized cockpit, ejector seat and provisions for Rocket Assisted Takeoff (RATO). The V6 was powered by four BMW 003A-1 turbojet engines in separate nacelles. The V8 was also powered by four BMW 003A-1s, but these were mounted in paired nacelles. The V7 was the last of the A-series and was powered by two Junkers Jumo 004B-1 1,980 lb (900 kg) turbojets. During a test flight, the V7 port engine caught on fire causing the airplane to crash, killing Arado's chief test pilot, Flugakapitän Selle.4
The V9 was the first Ar 234B and made its maiden flight on March 10, 1944. It was fitted with a pressurized cockpit, ejection seat and two ETC 503 bomb racks beneath the engines and was used to test the BZA bomb aiming computer. The V10 was similar to the V9, but was not pressurized nor fitted with an ejection seat. The V11 was also similar to the V9.
The Ar 196 A-3 is a premium gift rank I German bomber with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 'Starfighters' as a reward for the 2020 Operation S.U.M.M.E.R. The German Ar 196 A-3 hydroplane, one of the best naval scouts in history, nicknamed 'the eyes of the Kriegsmarine'! The Arado Ar 234 Blitz (English: lightning) was the world's first operational jet-powered bomber, built by the German Arado company in the closing stages of World War II. Produced in limited numbers it was used almost entirely in the reconnaissance role. In its few uses as a bomber it proved to be nearly impossible to intercept. Now in War Thunder, non-veterans may not know about the Arado clan and why they got famous. The Ar 234 was (still is?) used as a rush aircraft due to high altitude spawn, high speed, low BR for a jet. The C-3 variant having guns, it meant it could engage and kill enemy fighters when they were still climbing.
The V15 and V17 were both fitted with two BMW 003-1 turbojets, but the BMW 003 was a very troublesome engine when it first appeared. The BMW 003 suffered the same developmental problems as the Jumo 004, but after adopting the more successful Jumo throttle mechanism, the engine was finally ready for production. However, if the 003 experienced a flameout, it was very hard to restart in flight.
The V13 was similar to the V8 and fitted with four BMW 003A-1 turbojet engines in paired nacelles. The V13 arrangement was chosen to produce the Ar 234 C-series.5 The V26 and V30 were configured with a laminar flow wing.
Taking to the skies in War Thunder can be an intimidating prospect. While the basics of flight are simple to pick up, the game's airspace is chock full of more experienced aviators just itching to fill your bird full of holes – which makes learning those advanced combat techniques for yourself feel like a tall order. But before setting out on a quest of aerial mastery, there's a more immediate problem facing you – which plane should you pick?
Some players are drawn to fast fighters that dart across the skies, featherlight in their aerobatic performance but concrete in their firepower. Others will be besotted with the singular explosive potential of bombers, wreaking havoc on the ground forces that lie vulnerable below. Some may be struck by the sheer novelty of helicopters and their support functions in an aerial raid.
We've got you covered on all these fronts, with our picks of the very finest aircraft War Thunder offers collected here in one simple list. Take note, though, that success in a dogfight is not so much about the plane, but the player. A good pilot in a bad plane is sure to defeat a bad pilot in even the most over-powered aircraft. Use this guide to support, but not define, your piloting, and find out which aircraft is right for you. Look out for our expert combat flight sim guidance in the future.
Now that the ailerons are adjusted and the pre-flight checks complete, get ready for…
The Best War Thunder Planes
- B-29A-BN
- Spitfire Mk 24
- F-4C Phantom II
- Arado Ar 234
- AH-1Z
- Yak-3P
- G.56
- Bf 109 B-1
B-29A-BN
The B-29 is called the Superfortress for a reason. The propeller-powered big brother to the infamous B-17 Flying Fortress, this American bomber is among the most powerful in all of War Thunder, and designed with one sole function in mind – to drop huge payloads quickly from a great height. The sheer volume of bombs dropped on the battlefield is likely to cause rampant devastation, and a high cruising altitude provides a layer of safety from many weaker fighters.
A well-timed release can wipe out half the enemy team
Like all heavy bombers, its manoeuvrability is poor, and the weight of its payload means a long time will be spent climbing to its optimum altitude. Two Browning heavy machine guns offer some defences, but any competent enemy pilot will know to pick you off from afar rather than come into your range. Its massive footprint also makes it a stark target in the sky for fighter pilots and ground vehicles alike, tired of the rain of hellfire you're unleashing from above.
But when you've reached the appropriate height, get ready to become the star of the show. A well-timed release can see half of the opposing team wiped out in a single bombing run.
SPITFIRE MK 24
An instantly recognisable classic of the RAF, this British fighter's greatest strength is its speed. Packing a Rolls-Royce Griffon engine that not only provides incredibly high agility and fast altitude climbing, but also brings a flair of style to the battle, opposing planes struggle to shake the Spitfire loose, and its high acceleration suits it perfectly to booming and zooming – diving on an opponent and opening fire from high altitude, before climbing back to a higher level for safety.
Ground assault: Read our guide to the best War Thunder tanks
Stick to high altitudes where you can leverage the power of its engine, and maintain your speed at all costs. Slowing down will scupper its formidable turning speed and roll rate, leaving you susceptible to the higher firepower of other aircraft. When played well, the Spitfire Mk 24 is a regular scourge of the skies.
F-4C PHANTOM II
There's something ineffably awesome about the words ‘jet fighter'. The speed, the power, and the engineering prowess all make this class of aircraft particularly tantalising. And no aircraft better meets your expectations of a jet than the F-4C Phantom II.
Fast altitude-climbing, and a top speed that pushes Mach 2
From the US, this jet opts for heavy armaments and speed to excel as a brute of the air. Excellent acceleration, fast altitude-climbing, and a top speed that pushes Mach 2, combined with a 20mm cannon, sidewinder rockets, and bombs, this plane can take on just about any role in the battle – and switch between them on the fly. Opposing MiG fighters tremble before its speed and collapse under its crosshair.
However, the aircraft suffers in its manoeuvrability. Large and heavy, its turn rate is poor and makes for an open target. Enemy aircraft will try to fly circles around you at low speeds and landing the aircraft can be a tricky feat in itself – keep in mind its quick deceleration.
ARADO AR 234
If you're keen to jump inside the cockpit of a bomber, but aren't impressed with the dawdling speeds of heavy brutes, the German Arados 234 B-2 is here for you. The first jet bomber to ever grace the world's skies, the Arado is quick, compact, and easy to fly, thanks to intuitive elevator controls. Combined with a limited payload, it's perfect for tactical bombing – quickly dropping above a target, before swiftly climbing to a safer altitude.
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With no armament to fend off attacking fighters, you'll be relying solely on its payload for kills, so make effective use of them – the aircraft can carry a maximum of three bombs, and can only release them in two loads. Totally devoid of armour, this isn't a bomber suitable for testing new tricks, but one used to rigorously perform a specific, swift plan of attack.
AH-1Z
Helicopters in War Thunder get a bad rap. Some dismiss them as useless gimmicks that do more to upset the balance of a team than pull their own weight, while others claim they're too often used in air battles rather than for the anti-ground offensives they're tailored for. But if used effectively, helicopters can decimate enemy ground vehicles, clearing the way for allied forces to swoop in and push forwards. The best of them is the AH-1Z.
Miniguns, rockets, and Hellfire missiles can be combined into one loadout
This American attack helicopter is one of the fastest in the game and has a massive selection of arms to boot. Miniguns, rockets, and Hellfire missiles can be combined into one loadout to cause havoc at medium range, and unlockable flares and a missile approach warning system provide defences to help you evade enemy fire.
Like most helicopters, its biggest challenge is its ease of control. Keep its nose level during tight turns to avoid spinning, and remain at high altitudes to scope out a target. Its deadliness makes it a priority target for the enemy – so stay out of trouble.
G.56
An increasingly popular choice, and a stalwart fighter amongst mid-tier aircraft, the Italian G.56 has a light frame fitted with a powerful DB 603 engine. Excelling in both boom-and-zoom fighting and turn fighting, at any altitude, it can quickly snap round to dip out of losing battles without losing speed. A humongous ammunition supply also means you can haphazardly spray while performing graceful manoeuvres at speed, without worrying about where the bullets for your next encounter will come from.
Blitzkrieg better: Check out the best World of Tanks mods
Without an altitude advantage with which to govern the speed and flow of the dogfight, you'll struggle to leverage any of the G.56's advantages. And make sure to make good use of the aircraft in combat. A massive repair cost will have you squirm each time its decimated husk makes its way back to your hangar.
YAK-3P
Among low-tier fighters, the Yak-3P faces little competition. The Russian aircraft's three 20mm nose-mounted machine guns can rip through the sides of any aircraft that meets it, and high acceleration, coupled with significant energy retention, will see you performing manoeuvres that its British and American counterparts could only dream of. Climb high above the enemy to dive upon them, turn generously to evade fire, and attack targets at an angle to save precious bullets from your minimal ammo count.
Three 20mm nose-mounted machine guns can rip through enemies' sides
The Yak-3P's downfall is its durability. Easily catching fire, and rapidly diced to bits by the more powerful cannons of Spitfires, be wary of plunging headfirst into the fray. Adrenaline junkies will rip its wings apart performing more outlandish manoeuvres at high speeds, and its engine will overheat often.
Ar 234 War Thunder
Its bright red colour scheme not only looks dashing, but will inspire the revolutionary fervour of your Soviet comrades – although that's probably less important than its bare-knuckled stats.
BF 109 B-1
Ar 234 C3 War Thunder
If you're looking for a beginner aircraft to ease you into the mechanics of dogfighting, you can't go far wrong with the Tier 1 German airborne icon, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 B-1. Agile and nippy, this plane can climb altitudes quickly and perform sharp turns with ease, using its great energy conservation to out-manoeuvre enemy aircraft. Maintain your speed, and lean into its forgiving stability to run circles around your opponent.
- B-29A-BN
- Spitfire Mk 24
- F-4C Phantom II
- Arado Ar 234
- AH-1Z
- Yak-3P
- G.56
- Bf 109 B-1
B-29A-BN
The B-29 is called the Superfortress for a reason. The propeller-powered big brother to the infamous B-17 Flying Fortress, this American bomber is among the most powerful in all of War Thunder, and designed with one sole function in mind – to drop huge payloads quickly from a great height. The sheer volume of bombs dropped on the battlefield is likely to cause rampant devastation, and a high cruising altitude provides a layer of safety from many weaker fighters.
A well-timed release can wipe out half the enemy team
Like all heavy bombers, its manoeuvrability is poor, and the weight of its payload means a long time will be spent climbing to its optimum altitude. Two Browning heavy machine guns offer some defences, but any competent enemy pilot will know to pick you off from afar rather than come into your range. Its massive footprint also makes it a stark target in the sky for fighter pilots and ground vehicles alike, tired of the rain of hellfire you're unleashing from above.
But when you've reached the appropriate height, get ready to become the star of the show. A well-timed release can see half of the opposing team wiped out in a single bombing run.
SPITFIRE MK 24
An instantly recognisable classic of the RAF, this British fighter's greatest strength is its speed. Packing a Rolls-Royce Griffon engine that not only provides incredibly high agility and fast altitude climbing, but also brings a flair of style to the battle, opposing planes struggle to shake the Spitfire loose, and its high acceleration suits it perfectly to booming and zooming – diving on an opponent and opening fire from high altitude, before climbing back to a higher level for safety.
Ground assault: Read our guide to the best War Thunder tanks
Stick to high altitudes where you can leverage the power of its engine, and maintain your speed at all costs. Slowing down will scupper its formidable turning speed and roll rate, leaving you susceptible to the higher firepower of other aircraft. When played well, the Spitfire Mk 24 is a regular scourge of the skies.
F-4C PHANTOM II
There's something ineffably awesome about the words ‘jet fighter'. The speed, the power, and the engineering prowess all make this class of aircraft particularly tantalising. And no aircraft better meets your expectations of a jet than the F-4C Phantom II.
Fast altitude-climbing, and a top speed that pushes Mach 2
From the US, this jet opts for heavy armaments and speed to excel as a brute of the air. Excellent acceleration, fast altitude-climbing, and a top speed that pushes Mach 2, combined with a 20mm cannon, sidewinder rockets, and bombs, this plane can take on just about any role in the battle – and switch between them on the fly. Opposing MiG fighters tremble before its speed and collapse under its crosshair.
However, the aircraft suffers in its manoeuvrability. Large and heavy, its turn rate is poor and makes for an open target. Enemy aircraft will try to fly circles around you at low speeds and landing the aircraft can be a tricky feat in itself – keep in mind its quick deceleration.
ARADO AR 234
If you're keen to jump inside the cockpit of a bomber, but aren't impressed with the dawdling speeds of heavy brutes, the German Arados 234 B-2 is here for you. The first jet bomber to ever grace the world's skies, the Arado is quick, compact, and easy to fly, thanks to intuitive elevator controls. Combined with a limited payload, it's perfect for tactical bombing – quickly dropping above a target, before swiftly climbing to a safer altitude.
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With no armament to fend off attacking fighters, you'll be relying solely on its payload for kills, so make effective use of them – the aircraft can carry a maximum of three bombs, and can only release them in two loads. Totally devoid of armour, this isn't a bomber suitable for testing new tricks, but one used to rigorously perform a specific, swift plan of attack.
AH-1Z
Helicopters in War Thunder get a bad rap. Some dismiss them as useless gimmicks that do more to upset the balance of a team than pull their own weight, while others claim they're too often used in air battles rather than for the anti-ground offensives they're tailored for. But if used effectively, helicopters can decimate enemy ground vehicles, clearing the way for allied forces to swoop in and push forwards. The best of them is the AH-1Z.
Miniguns, rockets, and Hellfire missiles can be combined into one loadout
This American attack helicopter is one of the fastest in the game and has a massive selection of arms to boot. Miniguns, rockets, and Hellfire missiles can be combined into one loadout to cause havoc at medium range, and unlockable flares and a missile approach warning system provide defences to help you evade enemy fire.
Like most helicopters, its biggest challenge is its ease of control. Keep its nose level during tight turns to avoid spinning, and remain at high altitudes to scope out a target. Its deadliness makes it a priority target for the enemy – so stay out of trouble.
G.56
An increasingly popular choice, and a stalwart fighter amongst mid-tier aircraft, the Italian G.56 has a light frame fitted with a powerful DB 603 engine. Excelling in both boom-and-zoom fighting and turn fighting, at any altitude, it can quickly snap round to dip out of losing battles without losing speed. A humongous ammunition supply also means you can haphazardly spray while performing graceful manoeuvres at speed, without worrying about where the bullets for your next encounter will come from.
Blitzkrieg better: Check out the best World of Tanks mods
Without an altitude advantage with which to govern the speed and flow of the dogfight, you'll struggle to leverage any of the G.56's advantages. And make sure to make good use of the aircraft in combat. A massive repair cost will have you squirm each time its decimated husk makes its way back to your hangar.
YAK-3P
Among low-tier fighters, the Yak-3P faces little competition. The Russian aircraft's three 20mm nose-mounted machine guns can rip through the sides of any aircraft that meets it, and high acceleration, coupled with significant energy retention, will see you performing manoeuvres that its British and American counterparts could only dream of. Climb high above the enemy to dive upon them, turn generously to evade fire, and attack targets at an angle to save precious bullets from your minimal ammo count.
Three 20mm nose-mounted machine guns can rip through enemies' sides
The Yak-3P's downfall is its durability. Easily catching fire, and rapidly diced to bits by the more powerful cannons of Spitfires, be wary of plunging headfirst into the fray. Adrenaline junkies will rip its wings apart performing more outlandish manoeuvres at high speeds, and its engine will overheat often.
Ar 234 War Thunder
Its bright red colour scheme not only looks dashing, but will inspire the revolutionary fervour of your Soviet comrades – although that's probably less important than its bare-knuckled stats.
BF 109 B-1
Ar 234 C3 War Thunder
If you're looking for a beginner aircraft to ease you into the mechanics of dogfighting, you can't go far wrong with the Tier 1 German airborne icon, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 B-1. Agile and nippy, this plane can climb altitudes quickly and perform sharp turns with ease, using its great energy conservation to out-manoeuvre enemy aircraft. Maintain your speed, and lean into its forgiving stability to run circles around your opponent.
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With no armour to speak of, the aircraft isn't cut out for withstanding persistent damage, but can hold its own against the relatively feeble firepower of other low-tier planes. Its two 7.92 mm machine guns are unremarkable, and will require a good long spray to send down pretty much any target with body-shots, so aim for the pilot and use the BF 109's stable shooting to focus your fire.
If talk of these metal birds has tickled your cravings for aerial combat, you can download War Thunder and play for free right now.
