How Effective Was The P-47 Against German Tiger Tanks?

Could the machine gun fire from a P-47 Thunderbolt penetrate the armor of a German Panzer 6 Tiger tank?

There was a popular WWII YouTube clip that went viral showing the footage of a P-47 Thunderbolt strafing a German Tiger tank. But under what circumstances could a .50 caliber armor-piercing bullet penetrate the Tiger’s armor?

Factors

There are several factors to consider such as the Tiger’s floor thickness and type of armor, the strike speed of the .50 caliber armor bullet, and the bullet’s strike angle of obliquity.

All of these three factors have a significant effect on the bullet’s penetrating power.

In a page from a June 1943 War Department military intelligence service bulletin, the tank’s top and armor thickness was measured at 26 mm. Additionally, the armor is homogenous.

When it comes to the strike speed, the P-47’s 50-caliber armor-piercing bullet will strike the Tiger at a speed of 2,570 ft/sec at a firing range of 400 yards.

Finally, the bullet strike angle is calculated at an obliquity angle of greater than or equal to 37 degrees.

Findings

Based on these data, it’s concluded that to penetrate an armor plate of 1.02 inches, the bullet will have to strike with a speed of 3,000 ft. per second at a 20-degree obliquity angle.

In conclusion, it doesn’t appear that the 50 caliber armor-piercing round would be able to penetrate the Tiger Tank’s upper or floor armor plating. It might do some damage, though!