The P-47 Thunderbolt, produced by Republic Aviation Company was another mainstay fighter aircraft of the USAAF during WW2. It entered combat operations in Europe in 1943. Initial B-17 escort missions were limited by the Thunderbolt’s fuel capacity, and only able to provide cover for the first part of bmbing missions.
By 1944, the P-47 design had been refined to the point where it was capable of escorting bombers on raids into Germany, and then attacking ground targets on the return home. It is in the role of ground support at which the P-47 excelled the most. In this capacity, the Thunderbolt racked up an incredible record for destroying tanks, locomotives, parked aircraft and trucks. By this point, the P-47 was often loaded with 500 pound bombs for fighter-bomber service, or rockets for ground attack operations.
P-47s of the 350th, 352nd and 353rd Fighter Groups over Europe.
P-47 escorting the B-17 Sally B at an air show in 2006.
Chief Wahoo.
P-47 attacking ground targets with rockets.
P-47 in flight.
Four P-47s in flight. These Thunderbolts have the bubble canopy developed during the war to provide improved rear visibility.
P-47 with rocket tubes mounted.
P-47N with rocket tubes mounted.
Most of these images are from the National Museum of the USAF.
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