Switch to full style
This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Post a reply

Republic XP-47E Thunderbolt ...

Sat Jun 21, 2025 4:47 pm

The XP-47B was first flown on May 6, 1941. It was powered by a 1,960 hp XR-2800-21 engine and featured an elliptical wing, an all-metal construction (except for the fabric-covered control surfaces), and a hinged canopy. The main landing gear retracted inward into the wings, telescoping nine inches to clear the underside of the fuselage, and the steerable tailwheel was fully retractable. With a loaded weight of 12,086 lb, the XP-47B was almost twice as heavy as its competitors. Performance was higher than expected with a maximum speed of 412 mph. Only 171 were completed as P-47B's before production switched to the P-47C. The aircraft's nickname, Thunderbolt, was created by Republic's Director of Military Contracts, C. Hart Miller.

Sub-variants and modifications:
XP-47B, single prototype powered by a 1,960 hp XR-2800-21 engine.
P-47B-RE, 171 aircraft powered by a 2,000 hp R-2800-21 engine with other modifications.
RP-47B, designation originally applied to a handful of P-47B modified into photo-reconnaissance aircraft with a camera mounted in the port intercooler vent. Later applied to all P-47Bs in 1944 to denote its status as restricted from combat.

XP-47E. The final P-47B was converted in September 1942 into a prototype for a high-altitude variant as the XP-47E. Modifications included a pressurized cockpit with a hinged canopy. The project was canceled due to increased emphasis on low-level operations over Europe

Image
XP-47E-Thunderbolt Ser. 41-6065 left side view at factory Farmingdale NY.

Image
XP-47E-Thunderbolt Ser. 41-6065 Last P-47B converted.

Image
XP-47E-Thunderbolt Ser. 41-6065 front view R-2800-59 engine, a pressurized cockpit with a hinged canopy, Farmingdale NY.

Image
XP-47E-Thunderbolt Ser. 41-6065 left side view in snow factory field Farmingdale NY.

Image
XP-47E Thunderbolt Ser. 41-6065 left rear 3-4 view at factory field in snow Farmingdale NY.

Image
XP-47E Thunderbolt Ser. 41-6065 left front 3-4 view at factory field Farmingdale NY.

Re: Republic XP-47E Thunderbolt ...

Sat Jun 21, 2025 4:53 pm

And ... P-47D-11-RE 42-75568
Per J Baugher (MSN 3919) Air Technical Service Command, Republic Field, Farmingdale, Long Island, NY; 406th FS [4W-B], 371st FG, 9th AF, Dole/Tavaux [Y-7], France; 7th Depot Repair Squadron, 7th Air Depot Group, 9th AF, Reims/Champagne [A-62], France; Crash landed 18Nov44 after engine failure at Reims. Pilot survived, aircraft badly damaged, unknown if repaired.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Re: Republic XP-47E Thunderbolt ...

Sun Jun 22, 2025 12:46 am

Bloody hell Mark you are a star! I never knew this existed.

I'd also like to thank you so much for your efforts: in a time of global sh*ttiness you bring a ray of much-needed sunshine into my world. It's good to be taken back to a time when we seemed to be united, and understood what we were fighting for.

Re: Republic XP-47E Thunderbolt ...

Sun Jun 22, 2025 7:07 pm

Far from a star, but thx kindly. My threads are probably the most oxymoronic of and public forum on the internet lol
Post a reply