ColorPicThunderbolt

Although the P-51 "Mustang" was, perhaps, the most famous single
seat fighter the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) put into the
sky during the Second World War in reality the P-47 "Thunderbolt"
represented the USAAF's workhorse. Affectionately known by its pilots
as the "Jug" 15,683 were built between 1940 and 1945 and USAAF
pilots flew more than 500,000 combat sorties in the Jug in both the
European and Pacific Theater of Operations between March 1943 and
August 1945. In particular, the most numerous model, the P-47D,
carved out a reputation as one of the best fighters to patrol Europe's
skies during World War II.

A massive 2,535 h.p. Pratt & Whitney radial engine powered the
P-47D and enabled the heavy fighter, weighing 10,660 lbs. empty, to
reach a maximum airspeed of 430 m.p.h. - a comparable top speed to
its most common foe; the German Me-109G. Besides matching the
lighter German aircraft in airspeed the P-47D could also climb higher
and far outranged the Me-109G - with a range of 1,860 miles against
a 435 miles range for the Me-109G. In addition to outperforming its
Axis opponents the P-47D brought the tremendous hitting power
provided by eight .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine guns. The P-47 was
also one of the best fighter-bombers of the War, with a rugged
airframe able to absorb tremendous punishment and dish it out as
well. The P-47 could carry externally upwards of 2,500 lbs. of bombs,
rockets or napalm - with these weapons used to devastating effect
against the Axis.

Picture Courtesy of Steven Mercatante