Why was the P-47 Thunderbolt such a powerful weapon?
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Why was the P-47 Thunderbolt such a powerful weapon?
The P-47 proved to be a formidable fighter-bomber due to its good armament, heavy bomb load, and ability to survive enemy fire. The P-47’s survivability was due in part to its radial piston engine, which unlike comparable liquid-cooled engines, had a high tolerance for damage. The Thunderbolt’s eight .
How much is a p47 Thunderbolt?
$85,000
Each plane cost $85,000 (about $1.1 million in 2015). All told, the War Department spent $1.2 billion on P-47 Thunderbolts before VJ Day.
Where was the P-47 Thunderbolt built?
Evansville, Indiana
P-47 Thunderbolt Southern California Wing The P-47 earned a reputation as a tough airplane due to its beefy construction and a stunning ability to absorb punishment while still bringing its crews home safely. The CAF’s P-47 was built at the Republic Aviation Factory in Evansville, Indiana.
What engine did the p47 Thunderbolt have?
Despite its considerable mass, the P-47’s 18-cylinder, 2,600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine (the same power plant used by the Vought Corsair and Grumman Hellcat) enabled the unwieldy Jug to keep pace with the Mustang. Both had a top speed of around 440 mph (700 km/h).
What does P stand for in P-47?
For example, before the new system, the Army Air Force used the “P” designation, which stood for pursuit, on a wide variety of its fighter aircraft, like the P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning. The Navy, though, used the “F” designation for its fighter aircraft.
Which was better P-51 or P-47?
Which plane would come out on top in a dogfight? The P-51’s superior speed, range, and maneuverability might help in a dogfight, but the P-47 survived hits from weapons far more powerful than the M2 Browning — notably the 20mm and 30mm cannon on German fighters like the FW-190 or Me-109.
Was the Thunderbolt a good plane?
The P-47 was one of the toughest Allied planes during WWII and had the most firepower from its eight . 50 caliber guns in its wings (3,400 rounds.) It was even more effective as a ground attack aircraft; it was capable of carrying as much as 3,000 pounds of external ordnance.
