The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the classic fighter/fighter-bomber designs to emerge from the United States during World War 2. The 'Jug', with its massive and powerful Pratt & Whitney air-cooled radial, was just as potent against ground targets as it was against aerial foes, proving itself a notable threat to German trains and military formations below. After a first-flight in May 1941 and service entry had in November 1942, total production went on to reach 15,636 units built between 1941 and 1945 while several experimental variants (XP-72) were also evolved. The final form was not retired until 1966 with the Peruvian Air Force, such was its value even in the post-World War 2 period.
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the P-47D-40 production model)
Length 36.15 feet (11.02 meters)
Width 47.34 feet (14.43 meters)
Height 14.67 feet (4.47 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the P-47D-40 production model)
Empty 9,998 lb (4,535 kg)
M.T.O.W. 17,505 lb (7,940 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the P-47D-40 production model)
8 x 0.50 caliber (12.7mm) Browning M2 air-cooled heavy machine guns in wings (four guns to a wing).
Optional ordnance for fighter-bomber role:
2 x Conventional drop bombs under wings (one bomb to a wing); single bomb could be carried at centerline.
10 x 5" unguided air-to-surface rockets.
Also centerline, jettisonable fuel tank for extended operational ranges.
Supported Types:
Machine Gun(s)
Conventional Drop Bombs
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel
P-47 "Thunderbolt" - Base Designation.
XP-47 (AP-10)
XP-47A
P-47B
XP-47B
P-47B-RE
RP-47B
XP-47E
XP-47F
P-47C
P-47C-RE
P-47C-1-RE
P-47C-2-RE
P-47C-5-RE
P-47D - Definitive operational/production model of World War 2.
P-47G
XP-47H
XP-47J
XP-47K/L
P-47M
P-47N
XP-72 (AP-19) - Experimental high-altitude, high-performance interceptor prototype.
P-47 "Turbobolt" - Turbojet-powered design study.
AP-47 - Proposed dedicated ground-attack variant of 1948.
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