Italeri 1:48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (ETO)

Italeri 1:48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (ETO)

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The Republic P-47D Thunderbolt undoubtedly holds a significant role in the history of military aviation. This single-seat, low-wing American fighter-bomber was notable for its powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine, which produced over 2,000 HP, enabling it to achieve remarkable speeds, particularly at higher altitudes, and to offer extraordinary operational flexibility. The P-47 was effective both as a fighter, providing escort to bombers, and as a lethal aircraft for ground support and attack missions. Its airframe was exceptionally robust, and it was heavily armed with eight 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns. Additionally, it could be equipped with bombs and rockets to enhance its offensive capabilities. The P-47 was successfully employed by the United States from 1943 onwards across various operational theaters.

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt is an American, single-engine fighter and fighter-attack aircraft, built in a low wing configuration with a classic tail. Considered one of the best American fighters of World War II. The flight of the prototype took place in 1941, and serial production continued in the years 1942-1945. The P-47 can be described as the workhorse of the US Air Force in both Europe and the Pacific. Although the 2000HP R-2800 Double Wasp engine, turbine and exhaust system made the plane very large and heavy, it was not a barrier to achieving great performance. The usefulness of the machine was so great that it was used both for bomber escorts and for bombing missions with the P-47 in the lead role. The P-47 class is evidenced by the sheer number of aircraft produced. There were 15660 of them, and as many as 12602 in the D specification, which is an absolute record when it comes to the number of fighters produced in one version. Another common version was the P-47N, with changed wings, larger fuel tanks, and a more powerful engine. It was used both as a fighter and an assault machine. Even after World War II, the Thunderbolt was one of the most popular American fighters until the early 1950s. Technical data (P-47D version): length: 11m, wingspan: 12.42m, height: 4.47m, maximum speed: 697km / h, rate of climb: 15.9m / s, maximum range: 2900km, practical ceiling: 13,100m, armament: fixed - 8 12.7mm M2 machine guns, suspended - up to 1100 kg of bombs or unguided missiles.