Yeah
The plot is a bit deeper than what Treize69 said, and very Japanese (read: moralizing). Basically these genetically engineered adolescent clones fight an endless pseudo-war to prevent humanity from having a real one. The premise is that unless we are constantly reminded of the horrors of war by watching people die in battle we will forget, and repeat history.
As for the planes... This story takes place in the future and I don't think the aircraft are designed as real war machines (jets and missiles). Similar to the gladiator armor and weapons of ancient Rome I think the aircraft are purpose built dueling machines, designed within a set of game rules. They probably have several thousand horsepowers which is why they need contra-rotating props and can do a lot more than WWII fighters, like climb vertically. Just a thought.
