The 21 Most Produced Aircraft of All Time

With the thousands of different military and civil models created, it would be a tough guess. As such, this blog will discuss the 21 most produced aircraft of all time.

21. North American T-6 Texan

First flown in 1935, the T-6 Texan is a trainer aircraft first used to train USAAF and RAF pilots during World War II. In addition, the T-6 saw combat in several campaigns, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Indo-Pakistani War. Its role as a trainer would continue through the 1970s before newer models took the position over.

20. North American P-51 Mustang

Nearly every aviation aficionado recognizes the ubiquitous P-51, which was used extensively in WWII and the Korean War. With over 15,000 aircraft produced and an illustrious combat record, the Mustang has earned its place in aviation history.

19. Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

This fighter-bomber aircraft was a crucial player in the air-to-air battles in Europe and the Pacific during WWII. Known for its durability and enjoyable flying experience, pilots joked that the P-47 could "fly through a brick wall and survive." For years after the war, the Air National Guard and USAF would continue to use this model as part of their Strategic Air Command until the 1950s.

18. Bell UH-1 "Huey" Iroquois

Synonymous with imagery from the Vietnam War, the UH-1 was one of the first aircraft used for rapid MEDEVAC. This versatile and durable helicopter proved to have incredible longevity, not retiring from active U.S. Army service in 2005.

17. Douglas DC-3

A pioneer in the civil aviation industry, the Douglas DC-3 would create many air travel routes in the continental U.S. Additionally, it is one of the oldest aircraft still in active and commercial service today.

16. Yakovlev Yak-9

The Yak-9 was a Soviet fighter aircraft used primarily in World War II and the Cold War. This aircraft was very maneuverable, and as a result, very few were lost during combat. After World War II ended, the Yak-9 continued to serve the North Korean Air Force during the Korean War.

15. Beechcraft Bonanza

The Beechcraft Bonanza has played a significant role in aerospace history, with the longest production history of any general aviation aircraft. The famous "Waikiki Beech" was the first light airplane to fly from Honolulu, Hawaii, to the continental United States. Additionally, that same aircraft would set another record for the longest nonstop flight at the time, from Hawaii to New Jersey.

14. Mil Mi-17

This Soviet military helicopter serves in gunship and transport roles and is one of Russia's most famous helicopters. In addition, the Mi-17 has been used by the Afghan Air Force, Mexican Navy, and U.S. Army Special Forces in various missions since the 1970s.

13. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

With over 18,000 produced, the recognizable MiG-15 was used by Russia in the Cold War for multiple reconnaissance missions. After tensions settled, the aircraft was sold to many air forces worldwide, including the USAF, for training purposes.

12. Antonov An-2 / An-3

The Antonov line of agricultural aircraft has had an extensive operation career due to their durability and takeoff ability. Featuring the ability to take off from rough terrains and fly at extremely low speeds, the An-2/3 had many civil and military applications.

11. Consolidated B-24 Liberator

As one of the first aircraft to routinely cross the Atlantic Ocean, the B-24 was used widely in WWII for strategic bombing missions.

10. Polikarpov Po-2

Holding the record for the most-produced biplane, this reliable Russian aircraft served in training and combat roles during WWII and the Korean War.

9. Focke-Wulf Fw 190

With over 20,000 produced, the Fw 190 was one of the most used Luftwaffe aircraft throughout the WWII

8. Piper J-3 Cub

This lightweight aircraft and its yellow tail dagger design was an accomplished sport and trainer aircraft.

7. Supermarine Spitfire/Seafire

With revolutionary elliptical wings, the Spitfire was a dependable air force and naval model during WWII.

6. Cessna 182 Skylane

Still in production today, the 182 is a leading aircraft for civil operators and flight schools.

5. Cessna 150 / 152

With hundreds of possible modifications, the 150/152 has been a favorite of general aviation operators for years.

4. Piper PA-28 Series

The piston-powered "Cherokee" has been produced over 32,000 times.

3. Messerschmitt Bf 109

Holding the record for the most-produced combat plane in history, over 33,000 109's took to the skies in WWII.

2. Ilyushin II-2 Shturmovik

This Russian attack plane played an instrumental role in beating the Luftwaffe during the invasion of the Soviet Union.

1. Cessna 172 Skyhawk

Coming in as the most widely produced aircraft in history, over 44,000 Skyhawks have been built.

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