8 Historical Military Aircraft Models Every Aviation Buff Should Own

From the thunderous engines of WWII bombers to the sleek silhouette of the Concorde, aviation history is filled with iconic aircraft that shaped the skies. For collectors and enthusiasts, model aircraft offer a tangible connection to these legendary machines, capturing the innovation, bravery and milestones of flight in intricate detail.

Whether you’re a lifelong aviation enthusiast or just beginning your collection, we’re rounded up 9 must-have historical aircraft models that deserve a place on your shelf. Each one tells a story, and every model featured here is available at Flightstore, your trusted destination for authentic aviation collectibles.

Lets explore the aircraft that defined generations:

Fairey Swordwish - The Stringbag of WWII

Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Stringbag’ due to its web of struts and wires, this British biplane torpedo bomber played a critical role during World War II. Designed in the 1930s by the Fairey Aviation Company, the Swordfish was slow, rugged and reliable - making it ideal for naval operations. The Swordfish’s most famous moment came in May 1941 when aircraft launched from HMS Ark Royal disabled the German battleship Bismark with a well-placed torpedo strike. This attack paved the way for Bismark’s eventual sinking, a pivotal victory for the Royal Navy.

The Swordfish model featured here is a stunning diecast replica of the W5856, the world’s oldest surviving flying Swordfish. Originally built by Blackburn Aircraft, this aircraft flew missions in the Mediterranean and later served as a training plane with the Royal Canadian Navy. Our Oxford Aviation model captures every detail of the iconic aircraft, including authentic WWII livery in silver, black and yellow, detailed Royal Navy number markings, and realistic paint finishes including red-tipped torpedoes, bronze engine cowl and RAF rounds.

Avro Lancaster B.III - The Iconic British Bomber

The Avro Lancaster B.III is one of the most iconic bombers of World War II, and a symbol of British engineering, power and precision. Its most crucial role was played in Operation Catechism on 12th November 1944, when RAF bombers sank the German battleship Tirpitz. Including this bomber nicknamed Honor, 31 Lancasters flew from temporary bases in northern Scotland and navigated a carefully planned route to approach Tirpitz in Norway, each ladened up with maximum fuel and as many Tallboy bombs as they could manage. Within minutes, there was 2 confirmed direct hits and the Tirpitz was critically damaged. One massive explosion finished off the battleship, and thus one of the most significant naval victories of the war was won.

This diecast replica Avro Lancaster B.III ‘Honor’ captures the engineering brilliance of the Lancaster in striking detail, with historic livery and markings, incredibly realistic panel lines and paintwork, and a stunning fixed flying configuration with included display stand.

Messerschmitt Bf109 - Germany’s Premier Fighter

The Messerschmitt Bf 109, alongside the Focke-Wulf was the backbone of the German Luftwaffe during World War II. It was introduced in 1937 but went through continuous upgrades, and our featured model - the F variant - entered service in 1941. It was one of the most manufactured fighter planes in history, with over 34,000 units produced.

This particular model represents the aircraft flown by Eberhard von Boremski, a German flying ace. He served from the early battles of France and Britain to the air combats on the Eastern Front during Operation Barbarossa. He received the the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, and his 104 aerial victories were legendary. After surviving the war, he was a POW in Russia until 1955.

This finely detailed Oxford Diecast Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 Trop is in matte camouflage of black, green and dark ochre with a pale blue underside. Notable features include a yellow tail band, spinner tip and cowl underside, authentic Luftwaffe black and white crosses on wings and the German Swastika on the tail, and a closed cockpit canopy reflecting the F-4 variant’s design. This model is a must-have representation of one of QQII’s most iconic fighters and the ace pilot who mastered it.

Supermarine Spitfire MK 24 - A British Icon

The Spitfire is undoubtedly the most celebrated British fighter plane of all time, synonymous with the Battle of Britain and the RAF’s defiant stand in WWII. The MK24 variant was the last Spitfire in operational RAF service, and was retired in 1952. It was one of the fastest piston-engine fighters of its time, with 2,000 horsepower - nearly double that of the earlier Spitfires, and reached speeds of 454 mph as well as climbed 30,000 feet in under 8 minutes.

To honor this extraordinary aircraft, Flightstore offers the Wooden Model Company Supermarine MK24, a hand carved wooden tribute made from sustainable mahogany. The Griffon-engine MK24 is a rarely modelled variant of the Spitfire, making it an impressive showpiece for any collector.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress - The American Heavy Bomber

Few aircraft symbolise the Allied air campaign in Europe more than the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. It was designed for long range bombing missions, and flew in tight formations deep into Nazi territory, striking strategic targets in Germany and occupied Europe from 1942 to 1945. Famously the B-17 was involved in raids over Berlin and Operation Pointblank, which severely weakened the Luftwaffe before D-Day. It was capable of carrying up to 8,000 pounds of bombs and boasted 10-13 .50 calibre machine guns, meaning it would withstand severe damage and still bring its crew home.

Flightstore’s Sky Wings B-17 Flying Fortress Diecast Model page homage to this iconic bomber in a compact yet heavily detailed format. The model features authentic USA print markings, moving wheels and is housed in a large diorama window box with collector's card and display stand.

Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero - Japan’s Naval Fighter

Designed by Jiro Horikoshi and entering service in 1940, the Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero quickly became Japan’s premier carrier-based fighter in early WWII. It was known for its exceptional range, manoeuvrability and a top speed of over 320 mph. The A6M2 dominated airspace during battles such as Pearl Harbour, Coral Sea and Guadalcanal.

There were nearly 11,000 built through 1945 and it symbolised Japanese air capability. It’s lightweight design, optimised for agility, made it deadly in the early war period, but also vulnerable later to Allied fighters due to minimal armour. While heavier, faster Allied aircraft began to challenge and supersede it by 1943, the Zero remains one of the most iconic fighters of WWII for its influence on fighter design and aviation history.

Flightstore offers the Oxford Diecast 1:72 scale A6M2 Zero Model is an affordable, highly detailed diecast replica that does justice to this legendary aircraft. It captures the Zero’s character by featuring authentic Imperial Navy markings, accurate panel lines, antennas and a three blade propeller. Whether displayed in flight or on a stand, this model is the perfect complement to any WWII aviation collection.

P-51 Mustang - The Long Range Escort Flyer

The North American P-51 Mustang was the game changer that tipped the scales of QQII in favour of the Allies. Initially powered by an Allison engine, it was the pairing with a Rolls-Royce/Packard Merlin V-1650 that transformed this sleek design into a high altitude powerhouse, reaching speeds of over 437 mph.

From 1943-1945, Mustang squadrons escorted B-17 and B-24 bombing raids all the way to Berlin, drastically reducing bomber losses and ensuring air superiority over Europe. Beyond Europe’s skies, Mustangs served in the Pacific and even Korea.

To honor this iconic fighter, Flightstore features The Wooden Model Company P-51 Mustang - a hand crafted mahogany model with smooth, slot-together assembly and a high gloss lacquer finish.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain - The Aircraft that Changed the World

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, derived from the civilian DC-3 airliner, is often hailed as one of the most influential aircraft in both military and civil aviation. First flying in December 1941, the C-47 featured a strengthened floor, large cargo door, hoist attachment and a shortened tail cone for glider towing - making it the quintessential transport workhorse of WWII.

It was a part of some of the major wartime events of its time, dropping more than 50,000 paratroopers into Normandy on June 6, 1944, flying perilous supply runs over the Himalayas to support Chinese forces, delivering food and fuel post-WWII to West Berlin, and over 10,000 were built with variants still in military use decades later - even serving in the Vietnam War.

Flightstore brings this legend to life with Skymarks 1:80 C-47 Skytrain Stoy Hora plastic model, with snap fit assembly, authentic 98th TCS ‘8Y-S’ Unit markings, crisp surface panel lines, detailed tail and fuselage, plus a sturdy display stand - making it a striking representation for any WWII collection.

Military aviation history is a story of human ingenuity, global conflict and technological evolution. Each model on this list represents a pivotal moment in the history of flight. At Flightstore, we’re passionate about curating an exceptional range of historically significant aircraft models, from finely detailed diecast replicas to beautifully carved wooden tributes. Whether you’re a dedicated aviation collector or simply someone who admired the craftsmanship of flight, these models offer a chance to own a piece of history.

Add one - or all - of these legendary aircraft to your collection, and let your shelf take flight.