What was the P-47 Thunderbolt used for?

What was the P-47 Thunderbolt used for?

Built in 1944, this P-47D-30-RA was used primarily as an aerial gunnery trainer in the United States. After the war, it became part of the U.S. Army Air Forces Museum, now the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, before being transferred to the Smithsonian.

What replaced the P-47 Thunderbolt?

P-51 Mustang
Although the North American P-51 Mustang replaced the P-47 in the long-range escort role in Europe, the Thunderbolt still ended the war with 3,752 air-to-air kills claimed in over 746,000 sorties of all types, at the cost of 3,499 P-47s to all causes in combat.

Why was the P-47 so big?

While the P-47 looks bulky , this is largely due to the use of a big radial engine plus all of the ductwork, intercooler and turbocharger hardware packaged inside the fuselage.

How many P-47 Thunderbolts were made?

Nicknamed the “Jug” (short for “Juggernaut”) by adoring pilots, the P-47 was a heavyweight warbird — and one that packed a devastating punch. More than 15,600 Thunderbolts were manufactured between 1941 and 1945 and they served in every theatre of the war performing a variety of missions from bomber escort to close air support.

Could the Mustang do what the P-47 Thunderbolt could not?

Sure, the P-51 is virtually worshiped by its masses of fans, but the Mustang could do nothing that the P-47, in its many guises, could not do or had already accomplished. Ultimately, more Thunderbolts were produced than any other American fighter in World War Two.

Was the P-47 Thunderbolt the best high altitude fighter ever?

Still, the finest high altitude fighter in Europe, the invasion of France would thrust the P-47 into a new and far more dangerous job. Once again, the Thunderbolt would rise to the mission and ultimately, become one of the best tactical fighter-bombers in the Allied inventory.

What aircraft are in the Thunderbolt?

These Thunderbolts sit in company with a Lockheed Ventura and a Hudson. In the background is a rare Brewster Bermuda. Almost as soon as they set up shop in their new quarters, they began to hear from RAF pilots that the P-47 just can’t hope to cut it with the “Jerry fighters”.