The American Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a presence in every major Theather of Operations in WWII. It was made famous in the Pacific Theater of Operations, especially during the Battle of Midway (the setting of Capcom's shooter 1943, in which you also pilot a P-38).

In Strikers 1945, the P-38 is a balanced fighter. It is equipped with homing missiles.

The North American P-51 Mustang has both American and British origins. It was designed by Americans to a British specification, and only reaching its full potential when fitted with a British engine. It was a huge presence in the battle against the Axis powers during WWII. For information about the actual P-51 Mustang, visit the P-51 page at MustangMustang.com.

The British Supermarine Spitfire is an all-purpose fighter craft that served during combat during WWII in the Royal Navy. The Spitfire page @ Aviation History Online Museum contains many technical specs about this aircraft.

The German Luftwaffe's (looft VAH fuh) Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a staple during the first three years of WWII.You can read more about the Bf 109 on Aviation History Online.

This is a class of Japanese WWII carrier-based fighter craft. You can see a swarm of these aircraft attacking Pearl Harbor in the upcoming movie of the same name. For information about the Japanese Zero-type fighters, visit Astro Boy's Zero Fighter World.

It is hard to find historical information about the Japanese Kyushu Shinden J7. This fighter has a unique "tail-front, rear wing" design. It looks as if the plane is flying backwards. Heh. 

In Strikers 1945, the Shinden J7 has the most powerful bomb attack, the Samurai Sword. It generates and throws a plasma copy of itself forward. This attack can destroy any enemy and even half-dead bosses instantly! Its only downside is that it covers an extremely small area, clearing only the bullets in front of the Shinden. Its Assault Formation special consists of the small wingmen moving slowly up the screen and shooting rapidly to the sides.