Stephan Wilkinson wrote:
Thank you, dollar65, that's the exact authoritative answer I needed.
Just to add a little bit of clarity to what was discussed. The "foldable" rudder pedals that hinge down is only available on the "N" model and not the "D" model. As everyone knows from history, the "N" model was specifically developed for long range service in the Pacific to escort the B-29's on the long range missions from Saipan, etc. to Japan. No "N" models were used operationally in combat in Europe. I confirmed that the "D" models did not have the same hinge setup as the "N"'s by looking in several P-47 manuals I have ranging from early war until post VE-Day. The "D" model rudder pedals have a locking mechanism which allow the rudder pedals to move forward and aft, but not to fold down as on the "N" model. My guess is that this was an intentional design for the "N" model for pilot comfort since it was to be used for very long range missions, much greater than was used in Europe.