Affectionately nicknamed "Jug," the P-47 was one of the most famous AAF fighter planes of World War II. Although originally conceived as a lightweight interceptor, the P-47 developed as a heavyweight fighter and made its first flight on May 6, 1941. The first production model was delivered to the AAF in March 1942, and in April 1943 the Thunderbolt flew its first combat mission -- a sweep over Western Europe. Used as both a high-altitude escort fighter and a low-level fighter-bomber, the P-47 quickly gained a reputation for ruggedness. Its sturdy construction and air-cooled radial engine enabled the Thunderbolt to absorb severe battle damage and keep flying. During WWII, the P-47 served in almost every active war theater and in the forces of several Allied nations. By the end of WWII, more than 15,600 Thunderbolts had been built.
Production P-47B, C, early D and G series aircraft were built with metal-framed "greenhouse"-type cockpit canopies. Late D series (dash 25 and later) aircraft and all M and N series production aircraft were given clear "bubble" canopies, which gave the pilot improved rearward vision.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force has a P-47D-15-RE and a P-47D-40-RA on display.
Type
Number built/
converted
Remarks
XP-47
0
Lt. interceptor (canceled)
XP-47A
0
Modified XP-47; no guns or radios
XP-47B
1
Improved P-44 and XP-47 design
P-47B
171
First prod. aircraft; eight .50-cal. in wings
P-47CC
602
Improved P-47B
P-47D-RE
3,963
Razorback P-47D; Blocks 1-22
P-47D-RE
2,546
Bubble canopy P-47D; Blocks 25-30
P-47D-RA
2,350
Evansville, Ind., plant; Blocks 2-23
P-47D-RA
3,743
Evansville bubble canopy; Blocks 26-40
XP-47E
1 (cv)
Modified B (171st built); press. cockpit
XP-47F
1 (cv)
Modified P-47B; laminar flow wing
P-47G-CU
354
Curtiss-built D model
XP-47H
1 (cv)
Modified P-47D; 16-cylinder Chrysler engine
XP-47J
1
New model; six .50-cal.
XP-47K
1 (cv)
Modified P-47D with Hawker Typhoon Cnpy.
XP-47L
1 (cv)
Modified P-47D-20
YP-47M
3 (cv)
Modified P-47D; dive brakes
P-47M
130
High-speed version
XP-47N
1
Improved D; new wing
P-47N-RE
1,667
Long-range escort model
P-47N-RA
149
5,934 canceled after VJ-Day
TECHNICAL NOTES (P-47D): Armament: Six or eight .50 cal. machine guns and either 10 rockets or 2,500 lbs. of bombs Engine: One Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 of 2,430 hp Maximum speed: 433 mph Cruising speed: 350 mph Range: 1,030 mi. Service ceiling: 42,000 ft. Span: 40 ft. 9 in. Length: 36 ft. 2 in. Height: 14 ft. 8 in. Weight: 17,500 lbs. maximum Crew: One
