The P-47 Thunderbolt was the largest single engine fighter of WWII. It entered combat with the 56th and 78th Fighter Groups in April of 1943. There its shortcomings soon became evident. It could easily be out turned and out climbed by the nimble German single seat fighters. On the plus side, it had a fantastic roll rate, tremendous hitting power and in a sustained dive, was unmatched. Its large size led to its being called the Juggernaut, which was quickly shortened to Jug. The plane soon developed a reputation for its toughness and its ability to return home, even after sustaining severe battle damage. Later models had use of a ventral drop tank which allowed it to escort bombers to the German border. Rate of climb was improved with the use of a paddle blade propeller.
As introduced, the P-47 was called a Razorback. Because of a rearward visibility problem, a major design change brought about the Bubble-top canopy version you see before you today.
With the introduction of the P-51 Mustang as a bomber escort, the P-47 was switched to close air support where once again, its ruggedness and its tremendous hitting power were proven.
TYPE: Fighter/Bomber
CREW: One
FIRST FLIGHT: May 1941
PRODUCTION: 15,677
ENGINE: Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Twin Row, 18 Cylinder Radial
HORSEPOWER: 2,535 HP
RANGE: 1,900 MI with Drop Tanks
SPEED: 433 MPH
CEILING: 41,000 FT
LENGTH: 36 FT 1 IN
HEIGHT: 14 FT 8 IN
WINGSPAN: 40 FT 9 IN
EMPTY WEIGHT: 9,950 LB
ARMAMENT: 8-50 Caliber Guns with 425 Rounds Each 2,500 LB Bomb Load
On loan from the Illinois Signal Corps Military History Museum, Burbank, IL.