P-47D Thunderbolt

Republic Aviation’s P-47 Thunderbolt was the biggest and heaviest armed single engine American fighter of World War II. Known affectionately as the “Jug,” this monster of a machine was remarkably fast and maneuverable despite its bulky shape. This year, the Abbotsford International Airshow is proud to showcase this legendary fighter from the Erickson Aircraft Collection.

The P-47D saw action in every theatre of the war. It proved itself to be a devastating low-level ground attack aircraft and was versatile enough to serve as an effective high altitude escort fighter.

The Machine: Heavyweight Firepower

The Thunderbolt was built for durability and concentrated power. Its sturdy construction allowed it to handle extreme missions, while eight 50-caliber machine guns made it equally adaptive as a ground support aircraft or a bomber escort.

Key performance and design features include:

• Ruggedness: P-47s often demonstrated their dependability by returning home with combat damage that would doom any other production fighter.
• Diving Ability: While early models could not match the overall performance of the German fighters they faced, the P-47’s massive weight allowed it to out dive any airplane in the sky.
• The “D” Model: Republic enhanced the aircraft by improving turbo supercharger effectiveness and replacing the original razor back canopy with a bubble variant.
• Visibility: The bubble canopy was a vital upgrade that gave pilots 360 degree visibility during combat.

A Legend in Numbers

The P-47 was a massive undertaking for American industry. A total of 15,683 Thunderbolts were built, more than any other single engine fighter of the war. These aircraft were produced at an average cost of $96,000 each, with the improved “D” model being the most plentiful variant.

Witness the raw power and presence of the “Jug” live on the flight line. This is a rare opportunity to see one of the most resilient and hard-hitting fighters in history.