Republic P-47D-30 to P-47N Thunderbolt – The Final Evolution of the Thunderbolt

Republic P-47D-30 to P-47N Thunderbolt – The Final Evolution of the Thunderbolt

The Final Version – P-47N Thunderbolt
The final and most advanced version of the P-47 was the P-47N, designed to escort long-range bombers in the Pacific.

Technical Improvements
Wings with increased span and slightly angled tips for improved range and stability.

Internal fuel tanks within the wings, which added 870 liters, raising the total range to 3,000+ km.

New supercharger and upgraded Pratt & Whitney R-2800-77, with 2,800 hp.

Upgraded aerodynamic rudders for improved flight control at high speeds.

Armament
The P-47N retained the Thunderbolt’s rugged armament:

8 Browning M2 .50 cal machine guns (four on each wing)

Carrying capacity:

2,500 lbs of bombs

10 5″ HVAR rockets

or a combination of bombs and external tanks

Areas of Service

The P-47N was not used in Europe. Instead, it specialized for missions in the Pacific, escorting B-29 Superfortresses on long-range missions from the Marianas to Japan.

Fighter Squadrons
318th Fighter Group (21st, 19th, 73rd FS) – Marshall Islands and Saipan

507th Fighter Group – Iwo Jima

413th Fighter Group – Guam and Okinawa

Pacific Air Forces (PAF) and later in the USAF (after 1947)

Camouflage & Insignia
Camouflage:
Most Pacific units had:

Natural Metal Finish (NMF) – shiny aluminum

Often with brightly colored rudders, noses, tails for identification.

Some had anti-glare olive drab noses.

Insignia:
USAAF Blue-white-red roundels (1944-45 standard)

Tail codes and nose art with names, pin-up art or squadron logos.

Examples:

“Big Ass Bird II” (318th FG)

“Fireball Express”

“2 Big and Too Heavy”

 P-47D Thunderbolt, John S. Lolos “Naughty Nadine” 

The P-47 was the largest and heaviest single-engine fighter of World War II – but just as deadly. Pilots called it the “Jug” (from “Juggernaut”).