Why US Pilots Loved The Thunderbolt So Much

The P-47 Thunderbolt earned a reputation for its rugged construction and air-cooled radial engine, which allowed it to take on heavy damage and keep flying.

Strengths and Limitations

While the Thunderbolt was slow to climb and had sluggish acceleration, it excelled in one key area: diving. It could outdive almost any enemy aircraft, and its sturdy build enabled it to endure significant battle damage. By the end of World War II, the Thunderbolt had downed 7,000 enemy planes.

Armament and Power

Weighing up to 17,500 lbs, the Thunderbolt was a heavy fighter, armed with eight .50-cal machine guns—four in each wing—and capable of carrying 2,500 lbs of bombs. However, firing all eight guns simultaneously would slow the plane by 35 mph.

Engine Durability

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine, which produced 2,000 horsepower, the Thunderbolt’s air-cooled engine was a standout feature. It lacked a water-cooled radiator, which allowed for better survivability. Many pilots reported successfully landing planes with significant engine damage, including missing cylinder heads.

The Thunderbolt’s Legacy

Although initially underpowered, the introduction of the “Paddle-blade Propeller” and water injection significantly improved performance, boosting the engine’s power by a third when activated. The Thunderbolt’s resilience and firepower left a lasting impression, earning it high praise from pilots. The 56th Fighter Group, for example, was so attached to the Thunderbolt that they refused to switch to the Mustang, remaining the only group still flying P-47s at the war’s end.

The P-47 Thunderbolt is remembered as one of the finest fighters of its time, valued for its toughness and ability to keep fighting under the harshest conditions.