P-47 Thunderbolt (World Fighter Aircraft Collection)

The world's only flying early model "razorback" P-47 Thunderbolt, in the air at the 2006 Chino airshow.

The Thunderbolt was the largest and heaviest single-engined fighter of World War Two, a marked contrast to cramped aircraft like the Bf 109 and Spitfire.   Although not as maneuverable as those planes, it was jokingly said that a P-47 pilot could dodge bullets simply by running around inside the cockpit.   It was certainly true that the Thunderbolt cockpit was much larger, and it also had air conditioning and a seat which one pilot described as being as comfortable as a lounge chair.   However in addition to its size, at that time the Thunderbolt was also the most expensive single-engined Army Air Force fighter, at a cost of $US85,000 each in 1945, compared to $US51,000 for the P-51 Mustang.

In spite of its size, the plane's good aerodynamics and powerful 14 cylinder radial engine, fitted with a turbo supercharger like the P-38 Lightning, gave it a high top speed, a late variant reaching 505 miles per hour in level flight.   This speed and its eight 50 caliber machine guns made it an excellent fighter, and it was able to dive at up to 550 miles per hour, meaning that enemy aircraft couldn't escape by that route.   When a new paddle-bladed propeller was added, German aircraft could no longer escape by climbing, either.   The P-47 destroyed a total of 3752 German aircraft and was the steed for the most successful American ace in Europe, Francis Gabreski, who achieved 28 kills.

Even when fully armed there was enough power left over from the engine to allow the carrying of up to 2500 pounds of bombs or ten 5 inch rockets, making the Thunderbolt a very effective ground attack aircraft.