The Most Effective Anti-Shipping Aircraft of World War II
In World War II, many aircraft contributed to the sinking of enemy ships, with some being more effective than others. This article explores the top anti-shipping aircraft, discussing their roles, performance, and unique capabilities that made them stand out during the conflict.
The Douglas SBD Dauntless: First to Succeed
Among the leading contenders is the Douglas SBD Dauntless. Many sources credit the Dauntless as the most effective anti-shipping aircraft, and for good reason. It was instrumental in sinking the Enterprise's first enemy submarine on December 10, 1941.
Moreover, the SBD Dauntless proved invaluable during the early 1942 hit and run raids on Japanese airbases in the South Pacific. Despite the poor performance of American torpedo bombers and their torpedoes during the Later attacks on Yamato and Musashi, the SBD Dauntless continued to carry out successful strikes. SBD squadrons from Enterprise played a crucial role in sinking five carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Ryujo, and Hiyo
The SB2C Helldiver: The Tonnage King
The SB2C Helldiver holds the record for sinking the most tonnage. This aircraft, primarily credited with sinking Yamato and Musashi, sank both of these behemoths due to their significant weight. Unlike the carriers, these battleships presented a more straightforward target.
By the time Japan’s carriers lost their fighting capability, Helldivers helped sink them as well, though their contribution was more impactful during a later phase of the war.
The Grumman/General Motors TBF Avenger: Preferred By Its Crew
While the TBF Avenger is often mentioned last, it stands out with a dedicated crew who preferred it over the SB2C Helldiver. The Avenger was mainly used for torpedo attacks, such as during the attack on Hiei and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
During the Philippine Sea Battle, Avenger squadrons from the Belleau Wood assisted the SBDs from Enterprise in sinking an enemy carrier. Avengers went on to play a significant role in the destruction of multiple Japanese carriers, destroyers, submarines, and merchant ships.
The Fairey Swordfish: Versatility and Destructive Power
The Fairey Swordfish deserves a prominent mention for its unique role in anti-shipping operations. These aircraft were extensively used in the Mediterranean Campaign against Italy, where they sank a considerable portion of Italy's merchant fleet.
The Swordfish were also essential during the crucial operations in North Africa, where they often remained the only strike option for Axis convoys, even under intense bombing raids. Both radar and radio aided in the Swordfish's success in hunting submarines, sinking 22.5 U-boats by the end of the war and destroying an average of 50,000 tons of Italian shipping per month.
Notable successes were achieved against the battleships Mers-al-Kebir, Taranto, and Bismarck, further cementing the Swordfish’s effectiveness.
The Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor and the B-29 Superfortress: Long-Range and Strategic Roles
Two other aircraft that played a significant role in anti-shipping operations are the Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor and the B-29 Superfortress. The Condors were highly effective long-range reconnaissance aircraft, aiding U-boats in locating targets. The amount of ships sunk due to Condor activity exceeded the 365,000 tons claimed by the Condor pilots.
Furthermore, the B-29 Superfortress successfully executed its naval role by mining Japan's territorial waters in 1945, resulting in over 1.3 million tons of shipping sunk or damaged.
Other Considerations
Several other aircraft, such as the PBY Catalina, Short Sunderland, Wellington, B-24, B-25, B5N Kate, D3A Val, torpedo-armed Ju 88, and He 111 medium bombers, Avro Lancasters, G4M Betty, Bristol Beaufort, and Beaufighter, also contributed to anti-shipping operations, though less prominently.
Each aircraft had its unique strengths and played a significant role in the war. The combined efforts of these aircraft helped to achieve the overarching objectives of the Allies.