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.

On April 24, 1944 1st Lt. Raymond Knight volunteered to lead two other P-47s on a raid of a
German airfield at Ghedi, Italy. Knight kept the other P-47s high while he flew at tree-top to
reconnoiter the field. He spotted 8 aircraft and during following strafing runs he destroyed 5 and
the other P-47s account for two more. Later that day he led a raid on Bergamo; making ten
strafing passes destroying six twin-engined aircraft and two fighters while the other P-47s
destroyed 5 twins and one fighter. On April 25, 1944 Knight attacked Bergamo again and
destroyed three more German aircraft but this time “Oh Johnnie” was critically hit and crashed
killing the 22 year old 1st Lt. Raymond Knight.

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

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