Republic P-47D
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt
This aircraft is currently undergoing restoration offsite.
The P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the most successful American fighters of World War II. The initial concept for the Thunderbolt was as a light weight interceptor, but the aircraft that eventually came out of the Republic factories was the largest and heaviest single-seat fighter ever accepted by the Army Air Forces.
The Thunderbolt made its debut as a long-range escort fighter, but the plane really made its name as a fighter-bomber. The P-47’s heavy armor and 8 machine gun armament made it perfect for strafing and rocket attacks near the front lines.
The P-47D is the most built version of the Thunderbolt with over 12,000 constructed. Unusually, the P-47D underwent a major design change mid-way through the production run without a corresponding change in the letter designation. The early D models had a high rear deck that came up behind the pilot’s head. This caused a significant blind spot to the rear. In late 1943, the design was modified to lower the rear deck and incorporate a bubble canopy that effectively eliminated the blind spot.
Wingspan | 40 ft 9 in. |
Wingspan |
Length | 36 ft 1 in. |
Length |
Height | 14 ft 2 in. |
Height |
Weight | 14,925 lbs (loaded) |
Weight |
Max. Speed | 433 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
Service Ceiling | 42,000 ft |
Service Ceiling |
Range | 550 miles |
Range |
Engines | One Wright R-2800-21 radial with 2,000 horsepower |
Engine |
Crew | 1 |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Republic
Markings
348th Fighter Group, 341st Fighter Squadron, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 1943
Designation
P-47D “Frankie”
Serial Number
42-8130