Copycat Planes? 1930s Aircraft That Look Surprisingly Alike

Have you ever looked at an airplane and thought, “Wait, haven’t I seen that one before?” You’re not alone. Back in 1939, Popular Aviation magazine ran a two-part series that took a closer look at a fascinating phenomenon in aviation: aircraft that looked strikingly similar to each other—despite being built by different manufacturers, often in different countries.

In their January and February issues, the editors of Popular Aviation dove deep into their photo archives and uncovered a surprising number of design doppelgängers. They focused on three standout American aircraft: the Lockheed Electra, the Douglas DC-3 (and its close cousin, the DC-2), and the Douglas Dolphin. These planes were cutting-edge at the time, each setting new standards in performance and design.

But here’s where it gets interesting: once those designs took to the skies, look-alikes started popping up—everywhere. American companies like Barkley-Grow and Beechcraft mirrored the Electra’s sleek lines. Overseas, French and Italian manufacturers rolled out aircraft that bore an uncanny resemblance to the Douglas DC-3. Even Austria and Japan joined the trend, with planes that looked eerily similar to the Dolphin and Boeing’s P-26.

The series didn’t just point fingers or cry “copycat.” It raised thoughtful questions about influence, inspiration, and the fine line between innovation and imitation. In some cases, the similarities may have been coincidence. In others, it seemed clear that manufacturers were taking notes from proven designs and making them their own.

While the editors had no plans to continue the series beyond those two issues, they encouraged readers to share more examples of aircraft twins spotted around the world—a testament to how compelling (and sometimes controversial) these look-alikes really were.

If you’re a fan of aviation design, vintage aircraft, or the history of international aeronautical engineering, this series is worth revisiting. It reminds us that in the race to dominate the skies, imitation really was the sincerest form of flattery.

---

The Original American Icons

Before we dive into the copycats, let’s take a quick look at the original stars of the show. These three American aircraft didn’t just turn heads when they first flew—they set the bar for what modern airplanes could look like and do in the 1930s.

Lockheed Electra

Sleek, twin-engined, and ahead of its time, the Lockheed Electra made waves with its all-metal design and retractable landing gear—features that weren’t common back then. It’s also famous for being the aircraft Amelia Earhart flew on her ill-fated round-the-world attempt. With its streamlined nose and elegant twin-tail setup, it’s easy to see why other aircraft designers took inspiration.

Douglas DC-3 (and DC-2)

If there’s one plane that truly changed commercial aviation, it’s the DC-3. Introduced in the mid-1930s, it was fast, reliable, and capable of flying long distances with comfort and efficiency. Airlines loved it. Passengers loved it. And soon, the world wanted one—or something that looked just like it. Even the earlier DC-2 was influential, but the DC-3 became the gold standard.

Douglas Dolphin

Now here’s one that doesn’t get as much attention today. The Douglas Dolphin was an amphibious aircraft, meaning it could land on both land and water. Originally developed as a luxury flying yacht (yes, really), it eventually found roles with the military and airlines alike. With its boat-like fuselage and twin-engine, high-wing design, it was both functional and futuristic-looking for its day.

Together, these three planes shaped the look—and the future—of aviation. And naturally, it wasn’t long before other countries (and a few domestic competitors) started rolling out aircraft that looked eerily familiar…

---

Meet the Look-Alikes

Let’s take a quick tour of the aircraft that bore more than a passing resemblance to these American originals. Some were direct homages, others perhaps happy accidents—but all of them make for some fascinating side-by-side comparisons.

Electra and Its American Twins

While the Electra was a standout on its own, it wasn’t alone for long. Two other American manufacturers brought out aircraft with strikingly similar profiles:

• Barkley-Grow T8P-1: Shared the same twin-engine, low-wing configuration as the Electra, but had fixed landing gear. It was less advanced in terms of features, but visually quite close.
• Beechcraft Model 18: Another twin-engine, twin-tail beauty. The resemblance to the Electra was strong—so much so that some people still confuse them in old photographs.

The Global DC-3 Effect

The Douglas DC-3’s success didn’t go unnoticed around the world. Several international manufacturers developed aircraft that clearly took design cues from this American icon:

• Breguet 761 Fulgur (France): French-built and influenced by the DC-3’s lines and layout.
• Bloch MB.220 (France): Another French airliner that followed the DC-3’s twin-engine, low-wing formula. Air France operated several.
• Fiat G.18 (Italy): Italy’s answer to the DC-3—nearly identical in appearance, though with different engines and performance stats.

Dolphin-Inspired Designs

Even the less famous Douglas Dolphin found its look mimicked overseas:

• Hirtenberg HA-11 (Austria): A curious match for the Dolphin’s general form.
• Macchi C.94 (Italy): Also amphibious, and shared the Dolphin’s high-wing, twin-engine arrangement.

---

Coincidence or Copycat?

So, were these just coincidences? Maybe. Aircraft design in the 1930s was advancing quickly, and many manufacturers were solving the same problems at the same time. But it’s also clear that when a design worked well—like the DC-3—others took notice and borrowed more than a little inspiration.

It wasn’t necessarily about stealing ideas. Sometimes, it was flattery. Other times, it was about meeting demand or catching up to the competition. Either way, the resemblance between some of these planes is hard to ignore.

---

Japan’s Role in the Look-Alike Trend

Japan in the 1930s had a reputation for closely following—and sometimes copying—Western technology. Aircraft were no exception:

• Nakajima Ki-11: Bears a strong resemblance to the American Boeing P-26. Similar lines, similar cockpit position, and overall profile.
• Nakajima fighters vs. Vought: One comparison made in the article was between a Vought design and a Japanese-built Nakajima fighter, and the similarities were remarkable.

Whether influenced by American blueprints or just heavily inspired, these designs showed how far U.S. aircraft aesthetics had traveled.

---

Why It Mattered Then—and Why It’s Still Fascinating Today

In the 1930s, aviation was the frontier of technology. Nations wanted to build the best, the fastest, and the most modern aircraft they could. So when a design like the DC-3 or Electra proved successful, others naturally followed that lead.

For aviation enthusiasts today, these look-alikes offer a glimpse into how ideas spread—and how innovation travels, sometimes by design, sometimes by imitation. They’re also just plain fun to compare.

Share Your Spotting!

Have you ever spotted an aircraft that looked like a twin of another? Maybe in a museum, a book, or an old photo? Share your favorite look-alikes in the comments below—or tag me with your finds. I’d love to keep the detective work going!

---