What was the best fighter plane of WW2?
There were several fighters that each made its mark at a particular time and in a particular role and as many people here have commented the P51 Mustang was an awesome machine, combining a great American airframe with (in some models) the best aero engine of the war, the Rolls Royce Merlin. For overall longevity, contribution, and flexibility though the honour has to go to the British Supermarine Spitfire. The Spitfire saw service from 1938 (just before the war) through to the Mk24 version well into the 1950’s, including succesfully dogfighting jets in the Korean war. It served as an air interceptor, escort, ground attack, photo recce, and even as a carrier fighter (Seafire). It was highly agile, and everyone who has flown one has described it in emotional terms as just being a joy to fly. It was fitted with the iconic Rolls Royce Merlin engine, which eventually gave way at the end of the war to the Rolls Royce Griffin engine. Best known for its role in the Battle of Britain, even thou
