The P-47M was designed to run down and destroy the German buzz-bombs and the Luftwaffe’s
new jets and rocket powered aircraft. To accomplish this a Pratt and Whitney P&W R-2800-57
(C) engine was added as well as a new larger super-charger. The engine also had water
injection and all this allowed the P-47M a war-emergency power of 2,800 hp @ 32,500 feet. Air
brakes were added to help the aircraft slow during a dive. No under-wing racks were attached
because the P-47M was strictly meant to be a fighter. Because of delays the P-47M didn’t reach
the ETO until December 1944.

Major George Eugene Bostwick was assigned 2 P-47s during his tour with the 62nd FS, 56th
FG, US 8th AF stationed at Boxted, Essex, England. Both of the P-47s were named “Ugly
Duckling” but this name was never painted on his aircraft. Bostwick scored eight aerial victories
between June 7, 1944 and April 7, 1945. On March 25th 1945 Bostwick shot down an ME-262
and damaged another on April 7, 1945. Along with his eight aerial victories Major Bostwick is
credited with 2 aerial damaged and 6 ground victories.

P-47M was based on the P-47D-30 model and given a 2,800 HP R-2800-57(C) engine and used
to intercept V-1 rockets. There were 130 M variants produced

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

This new site is being updated regularly and it will be much improved before too long. Please be patient, give it time, and check back regularly. Opportunities for community collaboration are in the works for a little further down the road.