Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

Background

Although not operated by the RNZAF, New Zealand pilots did fly the Thunderbolt in RAF service - notably in Burma. Aircraft of this type were operated in the Pacific theatre by the USAAF. The example pictured below (42-8066) was operated by the 4911(F) group in New Guinea. The 'Jug' was recovered in 1975 by Bill Chapman and Charles Darby from a swamp about 40 kilometres from Port Moresby. It had forced landed after running out of fuel. Believed to be the oldest P-47 extant, the aircraft went on display at MoTaT in 1987, before being passed to the RNZAF museum. The aircraft has subsequently been used as a swap item by the Museum, and is now in Australia.

Last Update:- 12 May, 1997

Technical Data

Figures are for P-47D model

• Accommodation : 1
• Dimensions
  • Span : 12.40m (40'10ft)
  • Length : 11.00m (36'2ft)
  • Height : 4.30m (14'2ft)
• Weight
  • empty : kg (lb)
  • max : 5,675kg (12,500lb)
• Power Plant : 1,625hp P&W R-2800-59
• Performance :
• max speed : 704km/h (440mph)
• max climb : ft/min (m/min)
• ceiling : 40,000ft (12,200m)
• range : km (miles)

Images

© 1997 Phillip Treweek, all rights reserved