| The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (specifications), which was also nicknamed the 'Jug', was one of the toughest and most successful fighter aircraft of World War II. It was powered by the 2,000 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 air-cooled engine, and with a turbo-supercharger, the P-47 could climb to 40,000 feet. More than 15,600 P-47 Thunderbolts were produced, with the aircraft seeing service in both the European and Pacific theatres of operation. The famous 56th Fighter Group, also known as Zemke's Wolfpack, produced many well known P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aces, including Francis S. Gabreski, Hubert Zemke, and Walker 'Bud' Mahurin. |
