Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-47>HA8406

General Background

The P-47M was designed to destroy the German buzz-bombs, new jets and rocket powered aircraft. It was equipped with a Pratt and Whitney P&W R-2800-57 (C) engine with a larger super-charger and water injection that allowed the P-47M a war-emergency power of 2,800 hp @ 32,500 feet. Air brakes were added to help the aircraft slow during a dive. No under-wing racks were attached because the P-47M was strictly meant to be a fighter. Because of delays the P-47M didn't reach the ETO until December 1944.

The Aircraft

During his time with the 63rd Fighter Squadron Capt. John C Fahringer flew two P-47s. Both aircraft wore UN-F and were named "Devastin' Deb" The first aircraft was a P-47D while the second was a P-47M 44-21160. On March 25 1945 44-21160 was flown by Major George Bostwick, newly assigned to the 63rd FS, when he shot down an Me-262 and damaged another. On April 5, 1945 Captain Fahringer, Operations Officer for the 63rd, scored his fourth and final aircraft when he downed an Me-262 while flying "Devastatin' Deb".

Specifications :

Total Number Produced:	12,602 most numerous variant
Crew:	1
Dimensions:
Length:	36 ft. 1 in. (11 m)
Wingspan:	40 ft. 9 in. (12.42 m)
Height:	14 ft. 8 in. (4.47 m)
Performance:
Engine:	1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 twin-row radial, 2,535 hp (1,890 kW)
Maximum Speed:	433 mph @ 30,000 ft (697 km/h @ 9,145 m)
Service Ceiling:	43,000 ft. (13,100 m)
Rate Of Climb:	3,120 ft/min (15.9 m/s)
Range:	800 mi. combat, 1,800 mi. ferry (1,290 km combat / 2,900 km ferry)
Armament:	8 x .50 in. (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns w/ 3,400 rounds
	Maximum 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) of bombs
	10 x 5 in. (127 mm) unguided rockets