Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
by: RLindsey
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Word Count: 333
The P-47 Thunderbolt was the heaviest single-engine fighter of World War II, weighing in at 9,900 lbs. (4,491kg) empty and up to 19,499 lbs (8,800kg) loaded. For this reason it could take a lot of damage and still make it back to base, and the weight also made the P-47 an excellent dive-bomber.
The first Thunderbolts had a “razorback” design, but while this helps with the stability of the plane, it limits the visibility of the pilot. Later versions (beginning with the P-47D) had a smooth back and a bubble canopy. Many Air groups ran both styles. Part of the reason for the stocky look of the P-47 is the large engine and the turbo-charger, which helps at high altitudes.
The first delivery of Thunderbolts took place in late 1942. Thunderbolts were used the Pacific and European theaters to great effect. 15,638 were produced and about 13 are still flying.
There is one story of a pilot in the Pacific coming in after a successful mission, and instead of doing a “victory roll,” as was common, he just flew straight in for a landing. The crew asked him why he didn’t do a victory roll, he said the plane was so badly shot up he was afraid it would fall apart if he tried. But the trusty, sturdy P-47 got him safely back to base, and for that we are thankful, as he no doubt was.
It isn’t very often that Latin America is mentioned in connection with World War II, but the Brazilian Air Force had a very successful P-47 group attached to the US 15th Air Force, and a Mexican air unit flew Thunderbolts in the Philippines.
Type: fighter-bomber
Country: United States
Length: 36 feet 2 inches (11 m)
Wingspan: 40 feet 10 inches (12.42 m)
Speed: 428 mph (689 km/h)
Ceiling: 42,000 feet (12,800 m)
Range: 480 miles (722 km)
Engines: one 2,300 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp 18-cylinder air-cooled radial
Crew: one
Armament: eight .50 caliber Browning machine guns and two 1000 lb (454 kg) bombs
About the Author
Robert M. Lindsey http://lindseyfreelancing.com/
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