Aviation of World War II

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P-47 "Thunderbolt"

Fighter-Bomber

Republic

P-47 Thunderbolt

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt designed by Alexander Kartveli, also known as the Jug, was the largest single-engined fighter of its day.

First flown on 6 May 1941, the P-47 was designed as a high-performance fighter/bomber, utilizing the large Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine to give it excellent performance and a large load-carrying capability. The first deliveries of the P-47 took place in June 1942, when the US Army Air Corps began flying it in the European Theater.

The P-47 was one of the main United States Army Air Force (USAAF) fighters of World War II. The Thunderbolt also served with a number of other Allied air forces. The P-47 was effective in air combat but proved especially adept in the ground-attack role. It had eight 50 caliber machine guns (four per wing).

'Thunderbolt' Specification
P-47C-5-RE P-47D-10-RE P-47M P-47N
Crew 1
Dimensions
Length, m 11.03 11.07 12.00
Wing span, m 12.43 13.06
Wing area, m² 27.87 29.91
Weight, kg
Empty weight 4490 4530 4728 4990
Maximum takeoff weight 6770 8800 6930 9390
Performance
Speed, km/h maximum 690 689 781 752
at altitude, m 9150 9150 9750 9906
Service ceiling, m 12800 12800 12500 13000
Service range, km 1030 1630 850 2400

Photo Description
Drawing P-47D-22

Drawing P-47D-22

Drawing P-47N-15

Drawing P-47N-15

The P-47C 'Thunderbolt' in Great Britain.

The P-47C 'Thunderbolt' in Great Britain.

Advanced

P-47D 412 42-75460 Princess Pat of the 73rd FS 318th FG Saipan

Bibliography

  • "Encyclopedia of military engineering" /Aerospace Publising/
  • "American Warplanes of World War II" /under cor. David Donald/