Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-47>HA8408

General Background

The Republic Aviation P-47 "Thunderbolt" entered service in May 1942 with the introduction of the P-47B. It had a "Razorback", a high dorsal spine behind the side-ways opening canopy that reduced visibility. As improvements were made a "D" variant was produced with 12,602 being manufactured. The British developed a sliding bubble canopy for their Typhoon and this was adopted by the USAAF starting with the P-47D-5. With its ability to survive enemy fire along with impressive armament and bomb load the P-47 excelled at ground attack roles.

The Aircraft

On April 24, 1944 1st Lt. Raymond Knight led two other P-47s on a raid of a German airfield at Ghedi, Italy. During the strafing runs he destroyed 5 and the other P-47s account for two more. Later that day he led a raid on Bergamo; making ten strafing passes destroying six twin-engine aircraft and two fighters. The next day he attacked Bergamo again and destroyed three more German aircraft but this time "Oh Johnnie" was critically hit and crashed killing the 22 year old 1st Lt. Raymond Knight.

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