P-47

also called Thunderbolt, fighter and fighter-bomber aircraft used by the Allied air forces during World War II. A single-seat, single-engine, low-wing monoplane, it was developed in the United States by Republic Aviation to meet the need for a high-speed long-range fighter. It first flew in 1941 and went into production the following March; it was in action from British bases a year later. Variously modified as production went on, the P-47 had an armour-protected cockpit and carried eight .50-calibre machine guns. It had a maximum bomb load of 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) and could carry 10 5-inch rockets beneath its wings. With all its arms and armour, its 2,000-horsepower radial engine by Pratt & Whitney was able to bring it to a maximum speed of 440 miles (700 km) per hour and a ceiling of 40,000 feet (12,200 m). More Thunderbolts15,683were built for the Allied air services than any other fighter. It remained in service until 1955.