When one thinks about the airplanes used in WWII, fighter planes and bombers are the first to come to mind. Their powerful armaments, exciting dogfights, and overall glamour made them famous. However, there are other aircrafts used in military operations that are no less important. They provided a country with all the necessities, although they did not get much publicity for that. To wage total war, an army needs to supply its troops with weaponry, equipment, medical instruments, food, fuel, and even spare parts for their aircrafts. Such a challenge required a special type of airplanes, namely transport planes. They were used to carry anything from small supplies to whole battalions of soldiers. These aircrafts were the backbone of any aviation fleet because they formed the link in the logistical chain of any armed conflict.

The transport planes were indispensable when hostilities broke out across Europe, Africa, Asia, and two Oceans. Great distances, impassable terrains, and severe climates hampered transportation efforts during the hostilities. Commercial aircrafts of the 1930s were quickly converted to meet the military needs. They could carry a cargo, tow gliders, carry the wounded, and even troops. Some planes were modified to land on makeshift landing strips to provide the front lines with much needed supplies. Transport planes could operate under any conditions, but they had to avoid the bellicose fighter aircrafts and anti-aircraft batteries. They became the workhorses of the air forces of different nations, bringing the desired supplies to their destinations.

They came in different sizes and configurations. Some planes were twin-engined, while others were large flying boats or silent gliders. Transport aircrafts hauled cargos across the oceans, while their smaller counterparts performed low-level flights to drop paratroopers or tow gliders carrying a payload or troops. They did not receive the fame and glory that fighter pilots earned, but their contributions were invaluable. Any war would be impossible without organized transportation of goods and people to the front lines. Military transport aircraft became the cornerstone of any military effort and determined the outcome of many battles. Even today, many transport planes are used to carry goods and people and serve as a lifeline for the army.

1. Douglas C-47 Skytrain

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain is one of the most versatile and successful WWII military transport planes. It was based on the renowned Douglas DC-3 passenger aircraft, which was massively used in commercial airlines before WWII. The military version of the plane was improved upon its civilian counterpart. Douglas C-47 Skytrain saw wide use during the conflict as it could carry a substantially large cargo compared to its contemporaries.

Key Features and Roles:

• Larger cargo carrying capacity.
• Reinforced military construction design.
• Troop and supply transportation.
• Paratrooper deployment operations.
• Glider towing and medical evacuation.

Besides, the C-47 Skytrain could carry a great number of people besides the crew. This aircraft was also referred to as the Dakota by the British, who used it as well. The Douglas C-47 saw action in all major theatres of war in WWII. It served as a workhorse of the Allied air forces as they used it to bring the necessary supplies to their troops. The plane was used in both the European and Pacific theatre during the war. Its contribution to the war effort was significant as it flew millions of miles delivering supplies and cargo.

2. Junkers Ju-52/3m

The Junkers Ju-52/3m was one of the most widely used military transport aircrafts of WWII. It was one of the first military planes used by the German Luftwaffe during the war. Besides, the Ju-52/3m was also used as a passenger aircraft. The Ju-52/3m transport plane saw wide use during the war as it had a robust design, enabling it to operate even under the most severe conditions. In addition, the Ju-52 was one of the few planes capable of operating on various terrains, including rough ones.

Important Transport Capabilities:

• Three-engine reliable aircraft design.
• Strong corrugated metal structure.
• Troop movement and supply missions.
• Multiple terrain operating ability.
• Glider towing and evacuation support.

Junkers Ju-52/3m could be equipped with wheels, floats, or even skis. Such versatility allowed it to operate in different parts of the world. Despite being a transport plane, Ju-52/3m was heavily armed, and it could carry a significant number of troops. Though Ju-52 was slow, it was one of the best aircrafts of its time because of its reliability and versatility. Hundreds of Junkers Ju-52 were built during the conflict, and the aircraft remained in service even after WWII.

3. Curtiss C-46 Commando

The Curtiss C-46 Commando transport plane was one of the most reliable aircrafts capable of operating under the most extreme conditions. The plane was based on its civil counterpart, Curtiss CW-20, which was used in commercial airlines prior to WWII. It was used extensively by the Allies during the war as it could carry a substantial amount of cargo. Besides, it could operate at high altitudes and had a great range.

Major Wartime Advantages:

• Heavy cargo transportation capability.
• Reinforced military aircraft structure.
• Himalayan supply route operations.
• Long-distance logistical support.
• High-altitude flying performance.

Aside from cargo, the C-46 could carry up to 50 passengers. Thus, it was one of the largest aircrafts of its time. The Commando was also one of the highest-flying planes, which in turn made it quite safe. Although it was not produced in large numbers, the Curtiss C-46 played a crucial role during the war. It was heavily used after WWII as well, being a versatile aircraft.

4. German Military Gliders

WWII marked the beginning of a military use of gliders. The engineless aircrafts were towed to their destinations by either a plane or a bomber. They were used to deliver supplies and troops to aid in an assault at a given location. Being silent, they could provide a surprise attack to the enemy. Assault gliders saw much action during the early stages of the war. Being towed to their destinations, they could surprise the enemy by appearing right above them. Moreover, such gliders could provide troops and much needed equipment at a given location. In addition, they could carry armored vehicles, such as armored cars or even artillery. This allowed for using the capacity to the maximum and transporting as much as possible, including heavy equipment.

Types and Operational Uses:

• Silent airborne assault capability.
• DFS-230 troop transport glider.
• Gotha Go-242 supply glider.
• Me-321 Gigant heavy glider.
• Battlefield equipment delivery system.

German designers and manufacturers developed a wide variety of assault gliders during WWII. DFS-230 became the standard German assault glider during the war. Much larger Gotha Go-242 transport gliders could carry up to 5 tons of cargo or 50 troops. The largest German glider was the Me-321 Gigant, capable of carrying 20 tons of equipment or 100 soldiers.

5. Douglas C-54 Skymaster

Douglas C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was converted from the DC-4 commercial airliner. It was one of the largest aircraft of its time, as it could carry up to 100 passengers. The Skymaster transport plane was used primarily by the US Army Air Forces to carry both people and goods across the oceans. The Douglas C-54 was one of the four-engined planes. It had a remarkable range, allowing to fly thousands of miles. It also had the capacity to carry much needed supplies to the front. The Douglas C-54 served in many theatres of war.

Key Strategic Transport Features:

• Long-range military transport capability.
• Four-engine powerful aircraft design.
• High-priority cargo transportation missions.
• Trans-oceanic flight operations support.
• Global military logistics connection.

The Skymaster played a critical role in delivering the necessary goods and equipment to ensure the success of the military operations. It was also used to carry the troops across the oceans. Following WWII, the Douglas C-54 remained in service, being used during the Berlin Airlift in 1948. It became more evident that such plane was essential in any military campaign and could be depended on in any situation.

6. Blohm und Voss Bv-222 Viking

Blohm und Voss Bv-222 Viking is one of the largest flying boats ever built. It was used primarily as a transport plane, and it was among the largest aircrafts of the 1940s. The Viking flying boat was designed to carry both people and cargo. It was planned to be used as a long-haul airliner by Deutsche Lufthansa.

Unique Aircraft Capabilities:

• Six-engine flying boat design.
• Long-distance transport operations.
• Water-based operational flexibility.
• Large troop-carrying capacity.
• Support for remote regions.

Although the Viking was a large aircraft, only a few of them were built during the war. Its capacities were much needed, but the complexity of its design prevented it from being produced in greater numbers. The Viking’s size and capabilities made it possible to carry more people than any other aircraft at the time. In addition, the Viking’s long-range capabilities allowed to cover large distances. Thus, the Viking flying boat was one of the largest aircrafts of Nazi Germany.

7. British Military Gliders

British military gliders were used extensively during WWII. They were primarily used to transport troops and supplies to the battlefield. They were relatively silent, allowing to perform scouting missions. Such aircrafts could also be used to supplement other operations, such as assaults. Being able to carry a large number of soldiers, the gliders could be used to deploy them at a given location and then attack.

Main Glider Contributions:

• Silent airborne landing capability.
• Airspeed Horsa troop transport.
• General Aircraft Hamilcar design.
• Heavy equipment delivery missions.
• Support for Allied invasions.

One of the most widely used British assault gliders was Airspeed Horsa. It was the largest assault glider that could carry up to 40 troops. Besides, it was used extensively by the Allies during the war. The Airspeed Horsa gliders were used during the Sicilian landing and the D-Day. Another large glider used by the British was the General Aircraft Hamilcar. It was one of the largest aircrafts of WWII, capable of carrying up to 20 tons of equipment. Such equipment included light tanks, and various other military vehicles. British military gliders saw extensive use during the conflict, providing much needed reinforcement to the troops at the front.

8. Savoia-Marchetti S.M. 82 Canguru

The Savoia-Marchetti S.M. 82 Canguru was one of the most common transport aircrafts of WWII in Italy. It was a three-engined aircraft, used primarily to deliver large quantities of cargo. The Canguru could carry up to 40 troops, aside from the crew of 7. It could be used as a transport aircraft to deliver both goods and personnel. It had a great range, which made it suitable for operations in Africa and other distant locations. The S.M. 82 Canguru could carry all kinds of supplies, enabling the Axis powers to reinforce their troops. It was used not only by the Italian Air Corps, but also by the German Luftwaffe.

Important Transport Functions:

• Heavy military cargo transportation.
• Mediterranean supply operations.
• Troop movement capability.
• Long-distance logistics support.
• Axis transport aircraft service.

The Savoia-Marchetti S.M. 82 was one of the most widely used transport aircrafts of WWII. Hundreds of Cangurus were built during the war. After WWII, they continued to be used in many parts of the world. The S.M. 82 was indispensable in reinforcing the Axis, as it could carry all kinds of supplies.

9. Kawanishi H8K

The Kawanishi H8K was one of the largest aircrafts of WWII in Japan. It was a four-engined flying boat, capable of carrying up to 30 passengers. The H8K flying boat was designed to operate in the Pacific Ocean. The H8K2-L transport version of the aircraft was able to carry great numbers of troops. Its range became paramount in the Pacific Theatre, where distances were large. The transport version of the aircraft was able to provide much needed reinforcement of troops. The H8K was equipped with powerful engines, giving it an advantage over other aircrafts.

Major Aircraft Capabilities:

• Long-range Pacific operations support.
• Four-engine flying boat design.
• Island base transport missions.
• Strong defensive armament system.
• Advanced Japanese aviation engineering.

Aside from the range, the Kawanishi H8K was heavily armed, which further showcased its formidable capabilities. The cannons and other weaponry proved to be powerful enough to take on enemy aircrafts, including bombers. Thus, the H8K was one of the best military aircrafts of WWII, although it was not produced in great numbers.

10. Tupolev TB-3

The Tupolev TB-3 was one of the most renowned transport aircrafts of the Soviet Union during WWII. It was a large aircraft, capable of carrying up to 53 troops, aside from the crew of 11. At the beginning of the war, the TB-3 transport plane was used as a bomber, but it was soon repurposed as a transport aircraft. The Tupolev TB-3 provided the Soviet Union with much needed airlift capability to transport its troops and equipment. It fulfilled its duty reliably and carried out numerous transport missions. Various versions of the TB-3 were used by the Soviet Air Forces throughout the war. The later models of the TB-3 were equipped with more powerful engines, enabling them to carry greater amounts of cargo. The TB-3 was able to provide the Red Army with the necessary equipment at the front.

Key Wartime Transport Roles:

• Troop and supply transportation.
• Heavy cargo carrying ability.
• Adapted military transport operations.
• Airborne support experiments.
• Soviet logistics contribution.

The TB-3 transport aircraft was used both on the Western and Eastern fronts. It was one of the few aircraft capable of carrying heavy equipment. The Tupolev TB-3 became indispensable to the Soviet Union in WWII, being one of the few transport aircraft available at the time.

11. Arado Ar 232

The Arado Ar 232 was one of the most innovative transport aircrafts of WWII. Unlike other planes, the Ar 232 was not based on a civilian aircraft. In addition, it was one of the few planes of that time to have a rear loading ramp. The transport aircraft could carry a significant amount of cargo, including armored vehicles. The Arado Ar 232 had a large rectangular fuselage and a tail that could be opened to load the cargo and even vehicles. The unique design made it possible to use the Ar 232 in a variety of tasks.

Innovative Design Features:

• Purpose-built military transport aircraft.
• Rear loading ramp system.
• Spacious cargo fuselage design.
• Rough airfield operating ability.
• Advanced landing gear arrangement.

Another innovative feature of the Ar 232 was its landing gear. The wheels of the aircraft were specially developed to reduce the stresses on the fuselage upon landing. This design feature made the Arado Ar 232 unique among other military aircrafts. Although not many of them were built during the war, this innovative design was used as a basis for future aircrafts.

12. Waco CG-4A Hadrian

Waco CG-4A Hadrian is one of the most successful gliders of WWII. They were used to carry troops and all kinds of equipment during large scale operations. The design of the glider allowed for its rapid production and extreme simplicity. The Waco CG-4A became one of the most widely used Allied transport gliders during the war. The Waco CG-4A Hadrian glider could carry up to 10 tons of cargo. Its design allowed for quickly and easily loading the cargo into the glider. The nose of the glider could be opened to gain access to the interior. A large number of gliders were produced during the war. They became an indispensable part of the Allied operations, playing a major role in many campaigns.

Main Glider Advantages:

• Large-scale Allied production success.
• Troop and equipment delivery.
• Hinged nose cargo access.
• Silent battlefield deployment method.
• Support for airborne operations.

Although the use of gliders was soon replaced by more modern aircrafts, the Wacos continued to be used during the Normandy landing and the Sicilian campaign. They could carry all kinds of military equipment, ranging from light trucks to even artillery guns. The CG-4A Hadrian glider was widely used by the Allies and was vital in many battles fought during WWII.