• In May 1941, as the war raged in Europe, a single-engine fighter of more than 4 tons made its first flight.
• This fighter was the XP-47B, prototype of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of which a total of 15,683 units would be built.
• Thanks to war experience, this aircraft was equipped with a 2,000hp radial R-2800 engine, a supercharger and eight 12.7mm machine guns.
• The XP-47B was to reach 633km/h and in January 1942, just after the United States went to war, the production of P-47B began.
• It was followed by the P-47C that incorporated various improvements and, from April 1943, by the P-47D, the most built version.
• The P-47D was equipped with an R-2800-59 engine, which can develop up to 2,300hp with combat emergency water injection system engaged.
• The ducts that were passing on the sides and below the cockpit to connect the supercharger placed behind the pilot' s seat gave to this plane its massive aspect.
• Many sub-types of the P-47D, designated D-1 to D-40, were produced but the first versions were called "Razorback" because of their sharp edge dorsal fin.
• The D-25 sub-type, which was introduced around June 1944, was fitted with an electrically actuated bubble canopy in order to improve pilot visibility and increased capacity fuel tanks.
• This decision resulted in a completely remodeled plane shape.
• All subsequent sub-types were also fitted with the bubble canopy and became a characteristic feature of late production Thunderbolts. The P-47 "Bubbletop" proved to be an excellent, well-balanced fighter-bomber.

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