P47D Thunderbolt "Razorback" USAAF, Lt. Col. Francis Gabreski, 61st FS, Halesworth, Jan 1944

Product description

The Republic Aviation P-47 “Thunderbolt” entered service in May 1942 with the introduction of the P-47B. It had a “Razorback”, a high dorsal spine behind the side-ways opening canopy that reduced visibility. As improvements were made a “D” variant was produced with 12,602 being 
manufactured. The British developed a sliding bubble canopy for their Typhoon and this was adopted by the USAAF starting with the P-47D-5. With its ability to survive enemy fire along with impressive armament and bomb load the P-47 excelled at ground attack roles.

Flying with the 61st FS, 56th FG, 8th AF, out of Halesworth Lt. Col. Francis Gabrseki’s was assigned his second P-47D HV*A s/n 42-75510 in December 1943 and scored 10 of his 28 
victories. On June 27, 1944 Grabreski scored his 27th victory followed by his 28th and final WWII victory on July 5, 1944. On July 20, 1944 Grabreski flew one last mission and crashed spending the remainder of the war as a POW. On August 15, 1944 42-75510 piloted by Lt. William Buttner was lost.

Republic Aviation P-47D specifications

Number Produced – 12,602 most numerous variant

Crew – 1

Dimensions
Length – 36 ft. 1 in.  (11 m)
Wingspan – 40 ft. 9 in.  (12.42 m)
Height – 14 ft. 8 in.  (4.47 m)

Performance
Engine – 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 twin-row radial, 2,535 hp  (1,890 kW)
Maximum Speed – 433 mph @ 30,000 ft  (697 km/h @ 9,145 m)
Service Ceiling – 43,000 ft.  (13,100 m)
Rate Of Climb – 3,120 ft/min  (15.9 m/s)
Range – 800 mi. combat, 1,800 mi. ferry  (1,290 km combat  /  2,900 km ferry)

Armament
8 x .50 in.  (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns w/ 3,400 rounds
Maximum 2,500 lbs  (1,134 kg) of bombs
10 x 5 in.  (127 mm) unguided rockets