WWII: maximum speed of selected combat aircraft 1939-1945
Speed was very important in aerial combat, but was not the only factor when comparing the fighting capability of aircraft - speeds fluctuated differently depending on altitude, while some slower aircraft may have had greater climbing speed or maneuverability that gave them advantages in other areas of combat. Additionally, speed and maneuverability were more important for fighter aircraft, whereas maximum range and payload capacity took precedence among bombers.