P-47 Thunderbolt: The FLYING TANK That Ruled the Skies! | Upscaled HD WWII History Documentary

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, affectionately known as the "Jug," was one of the most important and impactful fighter aircraft of World War II. This video dives into the fascinating history of this legendary warbird, from its challenging development to its dominance in the skies over Europe and the Pacific, and it includes poignant testimony from war heroes that piloted it and helped defeat Nazi Germany.

We'll explore how the P-47 wasn't initially designed for the role it ultimately mastered. Early models faced criticisms regarding their climb rate and maneuverability compared to more nimble fighters like the Spitfire and Bf 109. However, Republic Aviation, led by the brilliant Alexander Kartveli, relentlessly refined the design. The introduction of the massive Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine, coupled with a turbo-supercharger, transformed the P-47. It became swift at high altitudes, capable of diving at tremendous speeds, and possessed exceptional durability.

The "Jug" truly earned its nickname. Its robust construction allowed it to absorb incredible punishment and still bring its pilot home. This ruggedness, combined with its heavy armament of eight .50 caliber machine guns, made it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat and a devastating ground-attack platform.
We'll cover the P-47's crucial role in the European Theater, where it served primarily as a high-altitude escort fighter for American bombers like the B-17 and B-24. Its long range, thanks to drop tanks, allowed it to protect the bombers deep into enemy territory. Later in the war, the P-47 excelled in the ground attack role, strafing and bombing enemy troops, tanks, trains, and infrastructure. Its ability to carry bombs and rockets made it a vital asset in supporting Allied ground forces.
The P-47 also saw extensive service in the Pacific, where its long range and firepower were equally valuable. While it faced different challenges against the more maneuverable Japanese fighters, its sheer power and ruggedness still made it a force to be reckoned with.
This video will touch on key aspects like:
Design & Development: The challenges and triumphs of bringing the P-47 to life.
The R-2800 Engine: The heart of the beast and its crucial turbo-supercharger.
Armament & Firepower: Why eight .50 cals were so effective.
European Theater: Escort duty and ground attack dominance.
Pacific Theater: Adapting to a different kind of aerial warfare.
Notable Pilots & Aces: The heroes who flew the Jug.
Post-War Service: The P-47's continued use after WWII.
Legacy: Why the Thunderbolt remains an icon of aviation history.

P-47 General characteristics:
Crew: 1
Length: 36 ft 1.75 in (11.0173 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 9+5⁄16 in (12.429 m)
Height: 14 ft 8+1⁄16 in (4.472 m)
Airfoil: Seversky S-3
Empty weight: 10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 17,500 lb (7,938 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 2,000 hp (1,500 kW)
Propellers: 4-bladed Curtiss Electric C542S constant-speed propeller, 13 ft 0 in (3.96 m) diameter
Performance
Maximum speed: 426 mph (686 km/h, 370 kn) at 30,000 ft (9,100 m)
Range: 1,030 mi (1,660 km, 900 nmi)
Service ceiling: 42,000 ft (13,000 m)
Armament
Eight .50 in (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns (3400 rounds)
Up to 2,500 lb (1,100 kg) of bombs
Ten 5 in (127 mm) HVAR unguided rockets

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