Republic P-47 Thunderbolt — America’s Flying Tank

Grady Trent2 weeks ago

0 598 8 minutes read

Republic P-47 Thunderbolt — America’s Flying Tank

The P-47 Thunderbolt was an absolute monster of a fighter plane. Sporting a maximum takeoff weight of 17,500 pounds, the P-47 was more than twice as heavy as a comparable British Supermarine Spitfire. Power came from a Pratt and Whitney R-2800-59 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine producing 2,000 horsepower. This was the same powerplant used in the Vought F4U Corsair, the Martin B26 Marauder, the Douglas A26 Invader and the Grumman F6F Hellcat.

Captured mid-flight, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt and its iconic radial engine earned a fearsome reputation in the skies. Image: NARA

The massive Thunderbolt packed eight M2 Browning .50-cal. machine guns in the wings, each with 425 rounds of ammunition. Most American fighters carried six. Thunderbolt pilots called the big plane the “Jug.”

The Republic P-47D Thunderbolt is flying high, looking like it owns the entire sky. You can almost hear the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 growling, ready to take on anything that dares cross its path. This is not just a plane — it’s a flying fortress with attitude and a whole lot of .50 caliber persuasion. The kind of plane that says, “I’ll get you there and back — unless you’re the enemy, in which case, good luck!” — With its rugged design, the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt shows why it earned the nickname “The Jug.” Image: NARA

While early models suffered in the climb, subsequent upgrades with wide-chord paddle propellors let the mighty Thunderbolt milk every bit of power out of that enormous radial engine. The heavy fighter could also outdive most anything in the skies. When used to its maximum advantage, this made the P-47 an exceptionally lethal air combat platform.

A squadron of bubbletop Republic P-47D Thunderbolts glides over the dramatic peaks of Italy’s Appenine Mountains like a flock of very determined eagles. Their bubble canopies shine in the sunlight, giving pilots a panoramic view — and probably a killer sunburn. These machines are not just flying; they’re strutting, showing off their teamwork and power. It’s like synchronized swimming, but with bombs and machine guns! — Bubbletop Republic P-47D Thunderbolt variants of the 12th Air Force flying in formation over Appenine Mountains in Italy. Image: NARA

Arguably the most redeeming attribute of the P-47 was the plane’s toughness. Where liquid-cooled engines were susceptible to the most trivial damage to their radiator systems, the radial-powered Thunderbolt was an absolute beast in combat. There are anecdotes wherein entire cylinders would be shot away on the R-2800 engine, and the big plane would still get its pilot home.

A P-47 Thunderbolt pilot from the 352nd Fighter Squadron is caught in a candid moment, glancing at the camera like he knows he’s the star of the show. The cockpit canopy sparkles, framing his “don’t mess with me” expression. It’s the kind of look that says, “Yes, I fly a Thunderbolt, and no, I don’t break a sweat.” Somewhere in the background, another pilot is probably saying, “How do I get my photo taken like that?” — The pilot of a 352nd Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolt looks at the camera. Image: NARA

In a world dominated by Lightnings, Spitfires and Mustangs, the big and heavy Thunderbolt represented a radical departure from convention. When equipped with external drop tanks, the P-47 did an admirable job of long-range bomber escort. When unleashed against terrestrial targets, the Jug was pure death against such stuff as locomotives and tank columns. The unconventional design of the big plane had some curiously international origins.

Origin Story of the P-47 Thunderbolt

Alexander P. de Seversky was a Russian national originally from Georgia. The Germans blew his leg off while he was flying combat missions for the Czar over the Eastern Front in 1915. Once he recovered, Seversky resumed flying combat missions with an artificial leg. By war’s end, he was credited with 13 kills.

A group of P-47 Thunderbolts flies in tight formation, acting as the ultimate airborne bodyguards for B-25 Mitchell bombers. You can almost hear the roar of engines and the pilots saying, “Not on our watch, Luftwaffe!” Their sleek design and rugged firepower make them look like the Avengers of the sky. Somewhere, a German target is already regretting today’s schedule. — P-47 Thunderbolts of the 12th Air Force fly in formation during a mission escorting North American B-25 Mitchells headed for German targets in northern Italy. Image: NARA

In 1918, Seversky was sent to the U.S. to study aircraft design. While there, the communists took over in Russia and began killing most everybody they could catch. Seversky wisely stuck around in America, eventually earning U.S. citizenship and serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve.

Loading .50 BMG ammo into the wings of a P-47 Thunderbolt looks like the aviation version of packing a lunchbox, except this meal packs a serious punch. The crew’s focus shows they know this is no ordinary chore — it’s prepping for air supremacy. Each bullet is a promise of protection and a message to the enemy: stay out of the sky. This is teamwork at ground level, making sure the Thunderbolt is locked, loaded, and lethal! — Ground personnel load .50 BMG ammunition into the wings of a P-47 Thunderbolt, prepping it for its next mission. Image: NARA

Seversky’s first aviation company succumbed to the stock market crash of 1929. However, in 1931, he launched the subsequent Seversky Aircraft Corporation. Once established, Seversky hired Michael Gregor and Alexander Kartveli, two other expatriate Russian engineers. Together, they started out building floatplanes.

A P-47 Thunderbolt pilot enthusiastically shares his story, waving his hands like he’s still in the cockpit. You can almost hear him say, “Then I banked hard, and bam! Got him right in my sights!” His excitement is infectious, and his grin says, “Just another day at the office — if your office is the sky.” Somewhere, his audience is thinking, “Can we buy this guy a drink already?” — With animated movements, a P-47 pilot vividly describes a dogfight while escorting bombers to their targets. Image: NARA

The Seversky SEV-3 set a new world speed record for amphibious aircraft. It also laid the foundation for greater things to come. The SEV-3’s broad, semi-elliptical wing eventually found its way onto the P-47 Thunderbolt.

A Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, loaded with bombs, stands ready for a critical strike in the Philippines during World War II. Known for its versatility, the Thunderbolt excelled in both air combat and ground attack missions. — A Republic P-47 Thunderbolt armed for a bombing strike in the Philippines during World War II. Image: NARA

Seversky then produced the BT-8 trainer that they sold to the Army Air Corps. This led to the P35, Seversky’s first fighter aircraft. He sold this ugly little airplane to the Soviets, the Colombians, the Swedes and the Japanese.

Seversky subsequently developed the AP-4, a radial engine-powered fighter that incorporated a radical turbo supercharger. This plane lost out to the Curtiss P-40 in the competition to become the Army Air Corps’ premier pursuit plane. However, Uncle Sam knew he was about to need a whole bunch of combat aircraft, so he still contracted to buy 13 copies just to keep the manufacturing line solvent. These production examples were designated the XP-43 Lancer. Along the way, there was a shake-up in management and Seversky Aircraft Corporation became Republic Aviation.

Give Us More P-47s war bond poster in World War II In the “Give Us More P-47s” poster, a Thunderbolt streaks toward the viewer, practically shouting, “Buy war bonds or else!” Its bold lettering and striking design feel like a pep rally for the war effort. This wasn’t just a poster — it was a high-energy sales pitch for national pride. If art could win wars, this one would have been a secret weapon! — The “Give Us More P-47s” war bond poster highlights the vital role of the Thunderbolt in the war effort. Image: NARA

A total of 272 Lancers were ultimately produced, 108 of which went to the Chinese Nationalists in their existential fight against Japan. After a great deal of extremely accelerated mechanical evolution, the P-43 eventually begat the Republic P-47B Thunderbolt. In addition to all that legendary Thunderbolt ruggedness, the integrated turbo supercharger gave the tubby-looking plane exceptional high-altitude performance.

P-47 Fighter Details

The XP-47B prototype clocked a blistering 412 mph at 25,800 feet in 1942. This was truly stupendous performance for its day. By war’s end, the P-47 had become America’s most-produced fighter aircraft. 15,636 copies saw service.

With a casual wave and a smile, 2d Lt. Jorge Taborda looks every bit the ace pilot in his P-47 Thunderbolt. His parked aircraft seems to hum with anticipation, like it’s saying, “Let’s go, Jorge!” As one of Brazil’s 48 heroic pilots in the U.S. 12th Air Force, he brought skill and charm to the skies of Italy. If planes could talk, his Thunderbolt might say, “We make a great team, don’t we?” — 2d Lt. Jorge Taborda, 1st (Brazil) Fighter Squadron in the cockpit of his P-47 Thunderbolt. He was one of 48 Brazilian fighter pilots assigned to the U.S. 12th Air Force in Italy. Image: NARA

Where the Lightning and Mustang were delicate thoroughbreds, the Thunderbolt was a draft horse. The Quick Engine Change system built into the airframe cut the time for an engine swap by 60%. The Jug came from the factory with an air conditioner as well as a roomy cockpit and comfortable pilot’s seat. One Jug driver described it as being, “Like a lounge chair.” The Thunderbolt’s eight M2 .50-caliber machine guns gave the warplane a practical rate of fire of around 100 rounds per second.

Bombs are loaded onto a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in England on February 15, 1944, as part of the preparation for a strategic mission. The image reflects the Thunderbolt’s versatility as a fighter-bomber capable of delivering significant firepower. The aircraft’s design allowed it to carry heavy payloads, making it indispensable in Allied campaigns. The effort shown here represents the critical support work behind every successful sortie. — Clusters of bombs are carefully loaded onto a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in 1944. Image: NARA

In addition to ample attention paid to pilot comfort and rugged structural design, the P-47 incorporated some remarkably advanced systems for its day. Among them was a tail-mounted radar threat warning device. This narrow-beam, relatively unsophisticated contrivance was intended to provide the pilot with information on enemy aircraft that might be approaching unawares from behind. The system did not work terribly well, and it could be spoofed by false returns from ground clutter, particularly at low altitudes. However, it was illustrative of the cutting-edge technology folded into the machine.

Practical Performance

The P-47 flew its first combat mission over occupied France on 10 March 1943. Major Don Blakeslee scored the Jug’s first kill, a German FW190, the following month. In short order, the Thunderbolt was seeing combat in every theater of war, save Alaska.

A P-47 Thunderbolt conducts an attack on a river boat in France in 1944, effectively targeting an enemy supply route. The image captures the aircraft’s role in tactical missions that disrupted critical logistical operations. With its heavy armament, the Thunderbolt was capable of delivering precise and devastating strikes. This scene highlights the coordination required for air-to-ground operations during World War II. Such missions were a vital component of Allied strategy in Europe. — A Republic P-47 Thunderbolt strikes a river boat in France during a 1944 mission. The aircraft’s powerful armament proved critical in disrupting enemy supply lines. Image: NARA

The big Jug was supplanted by the Mustang in the long range bomber escort mission as P-51’s came available, but the Thunderbolt still wreaked holy havoc against the Wehrmacht. By 1943, the P-47 was the USAAC’s primary fighter-bomber. The D-model would carry 1,000 pounds’ worth of external stores to include general-purpose HE High Explosive) bombs and 5-inch HVARs (High Velocity Aerial Rockets). The HVAR was also called the “Holy Moses” for the impressive racket they made when fired.

Sergeant Thomas J. Zettervall, from the 353rd Fighter Group, prepares a 500 lb bomb by inscribing "The bolt from Yanks" on its surface at Metfield Air Base. In the background, a P-47 Thunderbolt waits, symbolizing the adaptability of this aircraft to carry bombs as well as fight in the skies. The scene demonstrates the expanding role of the Thunderbolt from escort fighter to fighter-bomber. This image captures a moment of ingenuity and determination among Allied forces during World War II. — At Metfield Air Base, Sgt. Thomas J. Zettervall adds a personal message, “The Bolt From Yanks,” to a 500-lb. bomb before it is loaded onto a P-47. Image: NARA

By the end of the war, the P-47 had flown 746,000 sorties and racked up a 4.6-to-1 kill ratio over its Axis opponents. Thunderbolt pilots ultimately claimed 86,000 railroad cars, 9,000 locomotives, 6,000 armored fighting vehicles and 68,000 trucks. In a single engagement during Operation Cobra in July of 1944, Jug drivers from the 405^th Fighter Group obliterated a massive German column consisting of 122 tanks, 259 support vehicles and 11 artillery pieces. The Germans called these ground attack fighter-bombers Jabos, and they were justifiably terrified of them.

Three members of the 50th Fighter Group, Staff Sergeants Anthony Petroski and Matthias Culley, and Sergeant Elmer Martens, haul fuel drop tanks used by P-47 Thunderbolts at a 9th Air Force base. The 108-gallon tanks, vital for long-range missions, were often repurposed for creative uses like sleeping bunks and storage. This image reflects the ingenuity of ground personnel in adapting equipment to meet wartime needs. Their efforts ensured the operational readiness of the Thunderbolt fleet. — Ground crew members carry 108-gallon fuel drop tanks at a P-47 Thunderbolt base. Image: NARA

World War II Story

On 26 June 1943, Robert Johnson was piloting a P-47 Thunderbolt returning from a bomber escort mission in France when he and his squadron mates were jumped by 16 German FW190 fighters. 20mm high explosive cannon shells raked Johnson’s Jug, shattering the canopy and snipping off a chunk of his nose in the process. With his plane on fire, Johnson was horrified to find that the exploding cannon shells had jammed the canopy frame closed.

A gun camera on a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt records the decisive moment of an aerial victory against a German Bf 109 fighter. The footage, grainy but clear, showcases the firepower and accuracy of the Thunderbolt in combat. This visual documentation was vital for confirming kills and evaluating pilot performance. The image reflects the intense and dangerous nature of World War II dogfights. — A gun camera on a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt records a victory over a German Bf 109 fighter aircraft. Image: NARA

The P-47’s hydraulic system was shredded, and Johnson got a face full of hot hydraulic fluid that left his eyes burning and swollen. Engine oil covered what was left of his windscreen such that he could not see forward. Miraculously, the fire went out of its own accord, and Johnson pointed his crippled bird toward England and safety. Now helpless and alone, Johnson was jumped by Egon Mayer, a German fighter ace who would ultimately be killed in action in March of 1945 with 102 Allied victories to his credit.

The horizontal stabilizer of a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt shows clear signs of battle damage, with jagged edges and missing sections. This visible wear speaks to the intense engagements these aircraft endured in World War II. Despite the hits, the Thunderbolt’s durability often kept it in the fight and brought its pilots home safely. This image underscores the resilience of both the aircraft and the crews who flew them. — The horizontal stabilizer of a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt bears the scars of battle, showing the aircraft’s resilience in combat. The Thunderbolt’s robust design ensured many pilots returned safely. Image: NARA

Mayer could tell Johnson’s Thunderbolt was dying, so he took his time. From a range of only 50 yards, the German fighter ace lined up the shattered Jug and opened up with everything he had. Johnson, for his part, just hunkered down behind the armor plate in his seat and took it like a man.

The gun camera of a Republic P-47 records another Thunderbolt firing its weapons, successfully shooting down a Messerschmitt Me 109. The image captures the critical teamwork and combat efficiency that defined the Allied air strategy. It showcases the Thunderbolt’s role not just as an individual powerhouse, but as part of a cohesive fighting force. This scene represents the skill and bravery of the pilots who faced danger to ensure victory. — A gun camera on a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt records another Thunderbolt firing on and downing a Messerschmitt Bf 109. Image: NARA

Time and again, Mayer raked the big American fighter with fire from his 7.92mm machine guns and 20mm cannon. By the time the German pilot ran out of ammunition, both Robert Johnson and his plane were shot absolutely to pieces. In addition to his bloodied nose, Johnson had shell fragments in his hands and two machine gun bullets through his right thigh. The plane, however, was hugely worse off.

The Republic XP-47N flies gracefully, showcasing its extended wingspan and design modifications that distinguish it from the standard P-47 Thunderbolt. Built for long-range missions, this experimental variant represented a leap forward in engineering. The image captures the sleek lines of an aircraft designed to expand the operational reach of the Allied air forces. This test flight demonstrates Republic Aviation’s pursuit of continual improvement in military aviation. — The experimental Republic XP-47N demonstrates its extended range during a test flight. This model was developed to meet the demands of long-range missions in the Pacific Theater. Image: NARA

Having shot his Focke Wulf dry, Mayer ultimately headed home. Johnson miraculously nursed the dying plane back to an English airfield and landed without flaps or brakes. Once safely on the ground, the medics and maintenance guys had to cut the canopy away to get him out. The plane’s armor plate had resisted three direct hits from 20mm cannon rounds. There were five bullet holes through the prop. They stopped counting at 200 rounds that had perforated the big, tough airplane.

A World War II poster promoting the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt underscores the aircraft’s vital role in securing Allied success. The Thunderbolt was known for its ability to perform effectively as both a high-altitude fighter and a ground-attack aircraft. Its rugged design allowed it to withstand substantial damage, ensuring the safety of many pilots and the completion of critical missions. This poster serves as a reminder of the Thunderbolt's significant impact on the outcome of the war. — The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt featured in this World War II poster symbolizes its significant contribution to the Allied victory. Image: NARA

Robert Johnson ended the war with 27 aerial victories. He was the second-most successful American ace in the European Theater of Operations. Johnson later served as chief test pilot for Republic Aviation and died at age 78 in 1998 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, while visiting his nephews and nieces. That rich, full life he owed to the inimitably rugged P-47 Thunderbolt.

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Grady Trent2 weeks ago

0 598 8 minutes read