P-47 Fighter Aircraft Facts Every Aviation Fan Should Know P-47 Fighter Aircraft: History & Legacy

BY SANDHYA | 14 AUG 2025

The P-47 Thunderbolt

One of WWII’s heaviest and most powerful fighter aircraft.

Introduced in 1941

Designed by Republic Aviation for the US Army Air Forces.

Impressive Size

Weighed over 10,000 lbs fully loaded — a true heavyweight.

Top Speed

Could reach up to 433 mph (697 km/h).

Heavy Armament

Equipped with eight .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns.

High Durability

Excellent at bombing and strafing missions.

Bubble Canopy

Provided excellent visibility for pilots in later versions.

Long Range

External fuel tanks allowed deep penetration missions.

WWII Combat Record

Credited with destroying over 7,000 enemy aircraft.

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