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P-47 Thunderbolt
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Photo: Robert Deering
1980 Carswell AFB (FWH) Fort Worth, Texas |
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Affectionately
nicknamed "Jug," the P-47 was one of the
most famous AAF fighter planes of World War
II. Although originally conceived as a
lightweight interceptor, the P-47 developed
as a heavyweight fighter and made its first
flight on May 6, 1941. The first production
model was delivered to the AAF in March
1942, and in April 1943 the Thunderbolt flew
its first combat mission -- a sweep over
Western Europe. Used as both a high-altitude
escort fighter and a low-level
fighter-bomber, the P-47 quickly gained a
reputation for ruggedness. Its sturdy
construction and air-cooled radial engine
enabled the Thunderbolt to absorb severe
battle damage and keep flying. During WWII,
the P-47 served in almost every active war
theater and in the forces of several Allied
nations. By the end of WWII, more than
15,600 Thunderbolts had been built.
Production P-47B, C, early D and G series aircraft were built with metal-framed "greenhouse"-type cockpit canopies. Late D series (dash 25 and later) aircraft and all M and N series production aircraft were given clear "bubble" canopies, which gave the pilot improved rearward vision. |
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