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Republic P-47 “Thunderbolt” Fighter.
Who said that only Japanese have a tendency for megalomania? One glance at this aircraft is enough to understand that Americans are equally vulnerable to this disease. Maximum take-off weight of this so-called “fighter” exceeded 9 tons in the P-47N modification.
This aircraft was born as a high-flying escort fighter. This, and the powerful “Pratt&Whitney R-2800” engine, defined the aircraft’s look: rather small wings, clean forms, large fuel tanks, heavy weaponry consisting of 6 or 8 12.7mm machineguns. The aircraft sported long range, high cruise speed and durability. It was equipped with tank protection and armored cockpit.
Citing the USSR test pilot Mark Gallay, “it was an aircraft, which could excellently fly straight and level. But that’s not enough for a fighter”.
Apart from these “advantages”, the aircraft had certain flaws, among which it’s worth to mention low maneuverability at low height and high demands for the base airstrip: the aircraft required an airstrip to be long and of high quality, or else it could nose over.
Despite those facts, over 15 thousand “Thunderbolts” were made, which mostly accomplished their main purpose: escorted strategic bombers. Nevertheless, they had their share of air victories. For example, the most effective pilot at the Pacific seat of war was Lieutenant-Colonel Kirby, who shot down 22 enemy aircraft.
P-47 “Thunderbolt” Fighter in the "Pacific Storm"
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