Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

[David]

The P-47 was one of many Allied aircraft to make a name for itself in World War Two. Fighting for multiple nations on multiple fronts, it proved its robustness and versatility and became a pilot favorite for its uncanny dive ability, firepower and structural integrity.
The P-47 Thunderbolt is highly regarded as one of the most successful American Warbirds of the Second World War, particularly in the "Classic Warbird" sense when grouped with the P-38 Lightning and the P-51 Mustang. The Thunderbolt represented major engineering successes and introduced several new systems of onboard operation that were never successfully attempted before. More importantly, aviation engineers taught the heaviest piston-engine, single-seat fighter ever produced - to fly.

The P-47 Thunderbolt began as the XP-47B prototype. This prototype became the basis for the P-47B production model and featured a devastating combination of pure power and firepower in one complete package. Engineers had to overcome the massive size of the propeller, making sure that the blades did not hit the ground during take off or rough landings, engineering long landing gears while still retaining space for the formidable eight .50 caliber heavy machine guns and ammunition.

The sheer size of the fuselage was by design, as a series of ducts and pipes fed the turbocharger located to the rear of the aircraft while allowing high-pressure air back up front to the powerplant. Cockpit air conditioning was introduced with the P-47 as was electronic monitoring of the fuel supply. Variable heating of the gun bays was also implemented, taking into account the frigid temperatures at altitudes of above 10,000 feet.

The P-47B was first to see action with the "Mighty Eight", or the Eight Air Force, based in the United Kingdom in 1943. The Thunderbolt was used primarily for bomber escort of the B-17 Flying Fortresses into German-held territories. Fighter range at this time was restricted until the advent of droppable fuel tanks, meaning fighter escorts like the P-47 and P-38 would have to return home leaving the bomber formations to fend for themselves. When these tanks became available (of which the P-47 could carry three), the P-47 was able to complete its reach to include the German capital city of Berlin. Nevertheless, the P-47 proved an excellent high-altitude fighter.

Though not as nimble or noteworthy of a high rate of climb as their German counterparts, the P-47 had an uncanny ability to turn into a dive whilst firing its weapons load of eight heavy fifty caliber machine guns. The encouraging and forgiving construction of the machine ensured pilots that this aircraft was stable, sound and willing to take an enormous amount of punishment and still keep flying. Such factors could turn the tide in any dogfight.

The fabled "D" model appeared in early 1943 and featured water injection emergency systems for the increased powerful engine. The turbocharger was reworked for greater power and efficiency as well as reinforced tires for rough landing surfaces increased the overall robustness. Better pilot armoring was also integrated and provisions for bombs was first seen in this model. Half way through production, the P-47D would also see the famous "bubble" canopy overtake the traditional green house style, allowing the pilot complete 360 degree visibility. With the new cockpit, the old 'razorback' element that prevented full degree viewing was also eliminated. Unpainted versions of the P-47D were also made available - these versions would see a slight increase in overall speed sans the weight of aviation paint on the surfaces.

The D model would also see the first use of high explosive air-to-surface rockets (five per wing). This combination of weight, diving capability and firepower (the rockets coupled with the .50 caliber machine guns) made the P-47 ideal in strafing ground targets, particularly trains and supply convoys.

The P-47M 'sprint' version was a specialized Hot Rod edition engineered to intercept V-1 rockets. This model made its appearance in December of 1944 in limited numbers and was used to race down the incoming rockets and destroy them in flight. Specialized airbrakes was integrated to provide slow down for the aircraft upon visual confirmation. The M model could reach a top speed of 470mph. The M-version was credited with also downing versions of the Me 262 Schwalbe and the Arado Ar 234 - Germany's first operational jet fighters of the war.

The P-47N was developed specially for Pacific use. The high altitude ability worked well for escorting the new long-range B-29 Superfortresses against Japanese-held targets.

The British utilized P-47s as well in the Far East in Burma. Several squadrons were also maintained in India until the arrival of the British-produced Tempest. British designations for the B and the D models were Thunderbolt Mk (Mark) I and Thunderbolt Mk II. In Burma alone, 16 total British squadrons piloted the Thunderbolt series.

In all, an astounding 15,675 P-47 Thunderbolts were produced, seeing frontline service into the mid-1950's. Despite its shortcomings, P-47 pilots adored their Thunderbolts. The massive machine that was taught to fly would go on to become one of the most recognizable and highly regarded Classic American Warbirds of the Second World War, cementing a place in The Parthenon of military aviation - and aviation history in general.
Specifications for the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt:

Designation: P-47D Thunderbolt
Manufacturer: Republic
Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double-Wasp 18-cylinder radial piston engine.
Length: 36.1 feet
Wing Span: 40.7 feet
Weight: 9,950lbs (empty); 17,500lbs (Maximum Take-Off Weight)
Maximum Speed: 433 mph
Maximum Range: 480 miles
Armament: 8 x .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine guns; 10 x Air-to-Surface Unguided High Explosive Rockets; Maximum of 2,500lbs of external bomb loadout on 3 hardpoints; 3 x provision for droppable fuel tanks (Drop Tanks).
Crew: 1
Models: XP-47B - Prototype featuring XR-2800 radial generating 1,850hp; P-47B - Production model based on XP-47B prototype; R-2800-21 radial engine; P-47C - Extended fuselage; Later types of this model featuring R-2800-59 radial at 2,300hp; Provisions for drop tanks and bombs;
P-47D - Main production model of which 12,602 produced; R-2800-21W (2,300hp) or R-2800-59W (2,535hp) water-injected radial powerplants; Increased MTOW capacity; Provision for drop tanks and air-to-surface HE rockets; P-47G - Wright-produced P-47D models of which 354 produced; P-47M - 'Sprinter' interception model designed to combat the V1 / V2 rocket threat; Featured specialized airbrake system and R-2800-57(C) radial generating 2,800hp; 130 produced; P-47N - Exclusive Pacific Theater model; Long range variant with increased and reinforced wing section of which 1,816 produced; Longer wingspan with blunt-tipped wing tips concealing fuel compartments; R-2800-77 radial generating 2,800hp.
British Model Designations are as follows: Thunderbolt Mk I - P-47B model; Thunderbolt Mk II - P-47D model.
More Pictures of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter

A restored P-47 from the USAF Museum. Note bubble canopy.		Another USAF Museum P-47 Thunderbolt restoration.
A P-47N model for the Pacific Theater - note bubble canopy.		A P-47 in flight. Note greenhouse canopy with 'razorback' fuselage component blocking rear-view visibility.
Cockpit detail of the P-47 Thunderbolt. A 'pilot's-eye view' if you will.
Original caption of this image indicated that this was a first combat flight for the P-47 over Europe. Note greenhouse canopy and razorback fuselage section.		Spanning the generations - a restored P-47 in flight with counterparts.
Another restored P-47 with greenhouse canopy open and razorback fuselage clearly visible.