Units usa:
M10 Wolverine
Lightweight and equipped with a high-powered anti-tank gun, the American M10 Wolverine was designed to be a tank destroyer and allow the Allies to break through enemy lines. The M10 had mobility and long-range capacity, which made it an effective weapon as long as it stayed out of range of heavier tanks. Unfortunately, its lightweight construction made it vulnerable within range of a bigger tank such as a German Tiger.
M4 Sherman
The U.S. M4 Sherman was not the most powerful or most heavily armored tank on the battlefield, yet it served its purpose as a very reliable fighting machine. Because more Sherman tanks were produced than any other tank in World War II, these tanks often out-numbered enemy vehicles. Used extensively by Russian and British forces, as well as by the Americans, the Sherman was arguably the most important tank of WWII.
M3 Half-Track
The American M3 armored personnel carrier (APC) was one of the most widely used half-tracks in World War II. With wheels in front and a tank-like track system in the rear, the M3 served many purposes. Able to carry up to 12 men, the M3 could also house large weapons, tow artillery, or transport troops. The M3 could be equipped with a variety of armaments, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy artillery, and mortars.
Willys Overland Jeep MB
The U.S. produced more than 700,000 of these rugged, multipurpose vehicles during World War II. The Jeep could be used for short transport trips, reconnaissance, and even for fighting when fitted with a machine gun. This versatile 4-wheel drive vehicle could go places that couldnt be reached by any other vehicle. The term Jeep comes from the pronunciation of GP, the abbreviation for General Purpose vehicle.
M7 Priest
Known as the Priest due to the pulpit-like look of its front gun mount, the M7 Howitzer was built to fulfill the growing need for mobile firepower to support frontline soldiers. Built on the chassis of the M3 Medium Tank, this full-track, self-propelled gun was created with enough armor to protect itself and enough firepower to support infantry operations. The Priest was one of the best howitzer carriages in the early part of WWII.
B-17 Flying Fortress
Flying mission after mission, the B-17 helped change the tide of the war by delivering heavy blows to the Third Reich. Though somewhat maneuverable for a large aircraft, Americas standard heavy bomber was still an inviting target for fast German fighters like the Messerschmitt. Against Japan, the B-17 bomber was utilized effectively as a scout plane in the Pacific, assisting the U.S. Navy in the battle against the IJN Fleet.
SBD-6 Dauntless
The SBD-6 Dauntless was such a reliable carrier-based dive-bomber that many pilots preferred it to the newer Hellcat. Nicknamed the Daunty Lass and Slow But Deadly, the Dauntless had an unparalleled record, having the lowest loss rate of any aircraft in World War II. It wasnt the fastest plane in the American fleet, but it was a very steady aircraft. The Dauntless gave pilots a better opportunity to hit their targets on bombing runs.
P-51 Mustang
The P-51 Mustang was the ultimate American fighter aircraft. Fast and agile, the P-51 also had great range and the ability to wreak havoc on the enemy. This sleek fighter served many purposes during World War II, including flying bomber escort on long-range missions over Germany. Before the Mustang arrived on the scene, U.S. bombers on daylight missions into the Fatherland were easy prey for Luftwaffe fighters on the prowl.
F4U Corsair
The gull-wing Corsair was one of the fastest, most efficient American fighter planes in World War II. Boasting an Impressive combat ratio of 11:1 against enemy fighters, the Corsair is credited with over 2,000 victories in aerial combat in the Pacific during the war. It was also an effective weapon against ground forces. The Japanese named the Corsair The Whistling Death due to the aircrafts unique sound when attacking.
USS Enterprise
Known as the Big E, the 19,800-ton USS Enterprise became the most decorated and feared vessel in the U.S. fleet. Engaging in nearly every major sea battle in the Pacific, the Enterprise contributed to the demise of 911 enemy aircraft. In addition, she sank or crippled well over 200 enemy ships. The Big E is credited with sinking two Japanese carriers alone and a third in collaboration with the Yorktown.
HMS Prince of Wales
A few months after going to sea for the first time, the HMS Prince of Wales engaged Germanys battleship Bismarck in one of the crucial turning points of World War II. Though seriously damaged, the Prince of Wales sunk the Bismarck in what is now regarded as one of the great naval victories of the war. Two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft attacked and destroyed the Prince of Wales.
USN Fletcher Class
The U.S. Navy started building the first Fletcher class destroyer in October 1939. Within two and a half years, the Navy had 175 Fletcher class destroyers ready for action. With a powerful arsenal of guns and torpedoes, the Fletcher class destroyer could pound the enemy with an immense amount of firepower. After serving in many notable battles, the Fletcher class destroyer remained in service until 1969, seeing action in Korea and Vietnam.
USN Gato Class
Though the U.S. submarine fleet consisted of only 1.6% of the total Navy personnel from 1941 to 1945, it accounted for over 60% of all Japanese ships sunk during this period. By roaming the deep and striking with sudden, silent force, U.S. submarines effectively shut down Japans supply lanes in the Pacific. These powerfully armed submarines had long-range capability and high cruising speed.
LCVP Higgins Boat
Designed to transport fully armed troops and the material necessary for amphibious assault, these boats were the perfect vehicles for landing troops by the thousands on beaches in Europe and the Pacific in a relatively short timeframe. In addition, by using the Higgins Boats to establish beachheads, Allied forces didnt have to rely on securing ports, which were, in most cases, more heavily defended.
Units Germany:
PzKfW Mk.VI Tiger
The German "Tiger" tank was heavily armored and packed a powerful punch. Initially designed in response to the success of the Russian T-34, the first Tiger tanks to come off the production lines were not very reliable. However, over time German engineers fine-tuned these battle machines, and the Tiger tank would eventually became one of the most feared vehicles in World War II.
PzKfW Mk.IV Panzer
The Panzer Mk. IV was a devastating force throughout World War II for the German Army. Armed with a 75-mm main gun, the Panzer provided the Germans with a powerful and mobile weapon. If the Panzer Mk. IV had one drawback it was its lack of speed for a light tank. Between 1940 and 1945, Germany produced over 8,000 of these tanks.
Hanomag Sdkfz.251
Though smaller than the M3 half-track, the German Hanomag Sdkfz.251 had a little more speed than its American counterpart. It differed from the US half-track in that it didnt have front-wheel drive, which made it less maneuverable in certain terrain. However, with its larger track system, the Hanomag 251 was a superior off-road vehicle. Weapons carried by the German half-track included flamethrowers and heavy artillery.
VW Type 82 Kübelwagen
Literally translated, the German Kübelwagen means bucket car". This lightweight vehicle was produced up until the end of World War II. Though similar in size to the U.S. Willys jeep, the 2-wheel drive Kübelwagen did not have the same off-road capabilities.
SdKfz.124 Wespe
First used by the Germans at Kursk, the SdKfz.124 "Wespe" (which translates as Wasp) was essentially a high-powered gun mounted on the undercarriage of an outdated tank. By fitting a howitzer on the tracks of an otherwise obsolete Panzer II tank, the Germans built a powerful support vehicle for their Panzer tank divisions.
Junkers Ju 87B Stuka
This dive-bomber was fast, carried a large bomb load, and was aerodynamically constructed to hold steady while making precise bombing runs. The distinctive sound of an incoming Stuka could strike terror into enemy ground troops. As the war progressed, more modern Allied aircraft were able to better counter the Stuka. However, in its prime, the Stuka played a key role in the Luftwaffes air campaign over Europe
Messerschmitt Bf-109e
A small plane with a powerfully strong engine, the 109e had superb performance and handling abilities. Early in the war, the Messerschmitt ruled the air in Europe. At the Battle of Britain, however, the limited range of the Bf 109e proved to be a crucial factor in Germanys defeat. The planes inability to fly long-range bomber escort missions was a major handicap in the Luftwaffes eventual failure to win the air war with England.
Units Japan:
Chi Ha 97
The Chi-Ha light tank was no match for the advanced Russian and U.S. tanks. At Nomonhan, Japanese troops were nearly wiped out because the Chi-Has guns could not breach the armor of enemy tanks. In response to these failures, Japan increased the armor and firepower of the Chi-Ha. But, when the improved Chi-Ha was unveiled, the U.S. had its M4 Sherman, which exceeded the capability of the updated Chi-Ha.
Hanomag Sdkfz.251
Though smaller than the M3 half-track, the German Hanomag Sdkfz.251 had a little more speed than its American counterpart. It differed from the US half-track in that it didnt have front-wheel drive, which made it less maneuverable in certain terrain. However, with its larger track system, the Hanomag 251 was a superior off-road vehicle. Weapons carried by the German half-track included flamethrowers and heavy artillery.
VW Type 82 Kübelwagen
Literally translated, the German Kübelwagen means bucket car". This lightweight vehicle was produced up until the end of World War II. Though similar in size to the U.S. Willys jeep, the 2-wheel drive Kübelwagen did not have the same off-road capabilities.
SdKfz.124 Wespe
First used by the Germans at Kursk, the SdKfz.124 Wespe (which translates as Wasp) was essentially a high-powered gun mounted on the undercarriage of an outdated tank. By fitting a howitzer on the tracks of an otherwise obsolete Panzer II tank, the Germans built a powerful support vehicle for their Panzer tank divisions
Aichi D3A1 Val
Known to the Allied Forces as the Val, this plane Gained notoriety during WWII as a dive-bomber with excellent speed. After delivering its payload, the Val had the unique ability to hold its own in dogfights. The Aichi D3A1 played a significant role during the attack on Pearl Harbor and also scored major victories against the British fleet by sinking the HMS Dorsetshire, HMS Cornwall, and HMS Hermes.
A6M Zeke/Zero
The Japanese Zeke/Zero was a carrier-based plane that could outperform Allied land-based fighters. Extremely maneuverable and capable of traveling great distances, the Zero was one of Japans premier aircraft fighters. With its lightweight construction and powerful engine, this sleek fighter was extremely fast and had an unsurpassed turning capability. It was also heavily armed and capable of exacting substantial losses.
IJN Shokaku Class
The IJN Shokakus impressive list of engagements includes Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea and Guadalcanal. However, the Shokaku and her sister carrier, the Zuikaku, did not participate in the battle at Midway, and their absence was felt hard during Japans loss at this crucial battle. In June 1944, the Shokaku was sunk in the Battle of the Philippine Sea by the Gato class submarine USS Cavalla, delivering a crippling blow to the IJN.
IJN Yamato
The Japanese Yamato class battleship was the largest battleship in WWII. Weighing nearly 72,000 tons, the Yamato was built in total secrecy and commissioned just over a week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Fitted with nine 18.1-inch main battery guns, the Yamato carried the most firepower of any ship ever seen. After surviving many battles in the Pacific, the Yamato was sunk in 1945, taking 10 torpedo hits before going down.
IJN Akizuki Class
Longer and heavier than other Japanese destroyers, the Akizuki was fitted with an impressive arsenal, including four main batteries, each equipped with 3.9-inch, high-velocity guns. Having a rapid fire rate and the ability to hit targets at long range (up to 20,000 yards), these guns delivered heavy losses to the enemy. Over the course of the war, IJN increased armament on these destroyers with torpedoes and 25-mm. machine guns.
U-Boat Type VII C
Prowling the depths during WWII, German U-boats had an extremely efficient success ratio when it came to sinking enemy ships, sinking one ship for every four torpedoes fired. The U-boat Type VII C had a range of about 9,700 nautical miles and was armed with four torpedo tubes in its bow and one astern. Germanys U-boat fleet was a formidable weapon in the Atlantic, and the Type VII C was the workhorse of the bunch.
Dai-Hatsu 14M
Japan used the Dai-Hatsu landing craft effectively throughout World War II. Like the U.S. Higgins Boats, troops and supplies were unloaded via a panel in the bow. Used primarily for amphibious assault and supply transport, the Dai-Hatsu landing craft could also be fitted with a machine gun and used as a patrol gunboat
Units UK:
M10 Wolverine
Lightweight and equipped with a high-powered anti-tank gun, the American M10 Wolverine was designed to be a tank destroyer and allow the Allies to break through enemy lines. The M10 had mobility and long-range capacity, which made it an effective weapon as long as it stayed out of range of heavier tanks. Unfortunately, its lightweight construction made it vulnerable within range of a bigger tank such as a German Tiger.
M4 Sherman
The U.S. M4 Sherman was not the most powerful or most heavily armored tank on the battlefield, yet it served its purpose as a very reliable fighting machine. Because more Sherman tanks were produced than any other tank in World War II, these tanks often out-numbered enemy vehicles. Used extensively by Russian and British forces, as well as by the Americans, the Sherman was arguably the most important tank of WWII.
M3 Half-Track
The American M3 armored personnel carrier (APC) was one of the most widely used half-tracks in World War II. With wheels in front and a tank-like track system in the rear, the M3 served many purposes. Able to carry up to 12 men, the M3 could also house large weapons, tow artillery, or transport troops. The M3 could be equipped with a variety of armaments, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy artillery, and mortars.
Willys Overland Jeep MB
The U.S. produced more than 700,000 of these rugged, multipurpose vehicles during World War II. The Jeep could be used for short transport trips, reconnaissance, and even for fighting when fitted with a machine gun. This versatile 4-wheel drive vehicle could go places that couldnt be reached by any other vehicle. The term Jeep comes from the pronunciation of GP, the abbreviation for General Purpose vehicle.
M7 Priest
Known as the Priest due to the pulpit-like look of its front gun mount, the M7 Howitzer was built to fulfill the growing need for mobile firepower to support frontline soldiers. Built on the chassis of the M3 Medium Tank, this full-track, self-propelled gun was created with enough armor to protect itself and enough firepower to support infantry operations. The Priest was one of the best howitzer carriages in the early part of WWII.
Spitfire Mk VB
First produced in 1938, the Spitfire played an important role for the Allied Forces until the end of the war. Over time, the Spitfire was modified to incorporate heavier armor, better machine guns, and a more powerful engine. Renowned for its sleek design and unique oval wings, the Spitfire had the speed and maneuverability to counter Germanys best fighter aircraft. The British Navy used a version of the Spitfire called the Seafire.
Units Rusland:
T-34/85
Improving upon the already substantial armor and armament of its predecessor, the T-34/85 was fitted with an 85-mm gun, which had originally been designed as an anti-aircraft cannon. Able to travel smoothly on just about any terrain, the T-34/85 was a formidable force throughout the war. When first confronted with original T-34 tanks, the Germans quickly took note of its superiority to their tanks.
T34/76
Acknowledging the greater speed and design of German tanks, Russia countered with the T34/76 light tank. Built in 1940, the T34/76 was designed to excel in armor and firepower and match its German counterparts in all ways. Although the T34/76 was an effective battlefield vehicle, Russia could not produce as many of these tanks as they would have liked, so the T34/76 never became the powerhouse it was intended to be.
M3 Half-Track
The American M3 armored personnel carrier (APC) was one of the most widely used half-tracks in World War II. With wheels in front and a tank-like track system in the rear, the M3 served many purposes. Able to carry up to 12 men, the M3 could also house large weapons, tow artillery, or transport troops. The M3 could be equipped with a variety of armaments, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns, heavy artillery, and mortars.
Willys Overland Jeep MB
The U.S. produced more than 700,000 of these rugged, multipurpose vehicles during World War II. The Jeep could be used for short transport trips, reconnaissance, and even for fighting when fitted with a machine gun. This versatile 4-wheel drive vehicle could go places that couldnt be reached by any other vehicle. The term Jeep comes from the pronunciation of GP, the abbreviation for General Purpose vehicle.
BM-13N Katyusha "Stalin Organ"
The Russian Katyusha was an effective mobile rocket launcher. The Russian Army typically fitted these rocket-launching ramps on trucks protected by armor. However, when times were tough they used any truck available as the mobile base for these weapons. The Katyusha was not a very accurate rocket launcher, but because it fired rockets in salvoes, it could overcome the lack of accuracy with heavy bombing barrages.
Yak-9
First used in combat at the Battle of Stalingrad, the Yak-9 couldnt typically keep up with the technologically superior German fighter aircraft in a one-on-one dogfight. However, Russian air forces often had an advantage in terms of the number of planes in the skies for any given battle because they were able to mass-produce so many Yak-9s. All in all, Russia produced more Yak-9s than any other fighter aircraft.
Thy will see the light...
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