Republic P-47 "Thunderbolt"
The Republic P-47 "Thunderbolt" is a plane only a designer could love. The men who flew it also became enamored with it and were reluctant to give it up for the newer P-51s. The plane was nicknamed the "Jug," which had nothing to do with its appearance. The term comes from the word Juggernaut.
The P-47 was first introduced in 1939. To date it was the biggest, heaviest single engine fighter designed. The design's hulking profile was a contradiction to the sleek fighter designs that were the norm in Europe. Yet, the operational record supports the American philosophy that a larger plane could carry more ordinance, fly further and take more battle damage than its smaller, sleeker cousins.
American aircraft designers and strategists watched the air war in Europe closely. It became apparent that heavier firepower and more horsepower were needed for front line fighters. The XP-47 was fitted with the most powerful engine available at the time. The engine was fitted with a turbocharger located under the rear fuselage. The supercharger was then connected to the intercoolers and engine by a series of large pipes. The large propeller demanded a large ground clearance, which is provided by taller and sturdier landing gear. The guns were placed outboard of the propeller to avoid the need for interrupter gears for firing through the propeller arc. The roll rate suffered as a result.
The P-47B first flew for the USAAF in March of 1942. Later that year, the 56th fighter group was working up for duty in Europe. The top scorer of the USAAF in Europe was Col. Francis S. Gabreski who flew the 47 with the 56th FG. Indeed, the 56th FG would go one to be the top scoring group of the ETO.
The P-47C was introduced shortly after the B model. It was lengthened with the engine displaced forward for more stability while carrying either bombs or external fuel tanks on centerline shackles. The engine torque could also be boosted with a newly installed water injection system. The D model arrived in 1943. The armor was strengthened and the weapons load was increased, including more ammo for the guns. The rear fuselage was cut down and a bubble canopy installed for better reward visibility. Some versions of the D retained the greenhouse hood, and were commonly referred to as "Razorbacks." Other improvements were made to the engine, propeller and wing enabling the "D" to carry a larger and more varied array of weapons.
12,602 P-47Ds would eventually be produced. More than any other aircraft during WWII. Its long service to the USAAF, and its durability made it a formidable foe for the Germans to contend with. Its weight gave it superior speed in a dive. This was used either to disengage from aerial combat, or to overtake a diving opponent. Thunderbolt pilots would be credited with 3,725 aircraft shot down, 3,315 destroyed on the ground along with a large array of ground targets.
P-47D statistics:
- WINGSPAN: 40 ft 9 1/4 in.
- LENGTH: 36 ft 1 3/4 in.
- WING AREA: 300 ft squared.
- WEIGHT: 9,900 to 10,000 lbs (Empty), 15,000 to 17,500 (Maximum).
- POWER PLANT: Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radial for 2,535 Hp.
- SPEED: 433 mph.
- SERVICE CEILING: 42,000 ft.
- RANGE: 1,900 (maximum fuel load)
- ARMAMENT: 8 0.5 in Browning M53-2 MG with 425 rounds, external load 2,500 lbs.