About the Thunderbolt "Bubbletop"
In May 1941, as the war raged in Europe, a single-engine fighter of more than 4 tons made its first flight. This fighter was the XP-47B, prototype of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of which a total of 15,683 units would be built. Thanks to war experience, this aircraft was equipped with a 2,000hp radial R-2800 engine, a supercharger and eight 12.7mm machine guns. The XP-47B was to reach 633km/h and in January 1942, just after the United States went to war, the production of P-47B began. It was followed by the P-47C that incorporated various improvements and, from April 1943, by the P-47D, the most built version. The P-47D was equipped with an R-2800-59 engine, which can develop up to 2,300hp with combat emergency water injection system engaged. The ducts that were passing on the sides and below the cockpit to connect the supercharger placed behind the pilot's seat gave to this plane its massive aspect. Many sub-types of the P-47D, designated D-1 to D-40, were produced but the first versions were called "Razorback" because of their sharp edge dorsal fin. The D-25 sub-type, which was introduced around June 1944, was fitted with an electrically actuated bubble canopy in order to improve pilot visibility and increased capacity fuel tanks. This decision resulted in a completely remodeled plane shape. All subsequent sub-types were also fitted with the bubble canopy and became a characteristic feature of late production Thunderbolts. The P-47 "Bubbletop" proved to be an excellent, well-balanced fighter-bomber. |