Air Power Series>1:48 die-cast display model>P-47>HA8456

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

P-47D 42-26044 “Silver Lady” HV-Z (underlined Z indicates second time HV-Z was used) was first flown in combat by Capt. James Carter and Major Les Smith of the 61st FS/56th FG, Boxted, England 1944. In May 1944 Smith returned to the U.S. and the “Silver Lady” was flown by many notable pilots. Gabreski scored four of his victories with 42-26044, other pilots were J. Jure, J. Rankin, C. Thomton, and M. Gladych. In August 1944 “Silver Lady” was fitted with a Malcolm hood and flown 21 times by Witold Lanowski.

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