By contemporary standards the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was a large fighter. At seven tons, its gross weight was equal to that of some light bombers of the day. However, its size was also the secret to its success, because housed inside the P-47's bulky yet streamlined fuselage was 600 lbs. of turbo-supercharging equipment for its 2,000 horsepower Pratt and Whitney engine. This allowed the Pratt and Whitney to draw full power at altitudes up to 30,000 feet, far above where most German engines gasped for air. The P-47's weight also gave it an edge when diving, allowing it to accelerate more quickly than its lighter opponents. Heavily armed, with eight .50 caliber machineguns mounted in its wings, the Thunderbolt had more than enough firepower to shred any German fighter. The P-47 was in its prime at high altitudes and could outperform most German fighters there. Lower, where the turbo-supercharger was useless extra weight, a Thunderbolt could be outmaneuvered by a well-flown German fighter. Overall, though, the Thunderbolt was a strong and capable fighter lacking only in range. It had an excellent record in the war, and by virtue of its toughness also served as a low attitude fighter-bomber.
TACTICS: Fly high. You have a significant performance edge over German fighters above 25,000 feet where the German engines lose a lot of their power. Conversely, below 18,000 feet you'll find that your marginal advantage in maneuverability will not offset the superior German acceleration.
STRENGTHS: The P-47 is heavily armed and tough as nails. It can absorb a terrific pounding and keep flying. You also carry a lot of ammunition which allows you the luxury of being able to fire often, even on low-percentage shots. Also good high-altitude performance.
WEAKNESSES: Though your maneuverability is reasonably good, your power-to-weight ratio is not, except at high altitude. Generally your acceleration will be poor. When escorting heavy bombers, be careful not to be caught out of position because with your sluggish response it may take too long to get back into the fight.
MODELS:
C: Original 1943 "razorback" model.
D-1: Adds extra cockpit armor and machinegun ammunition.
D-15: Has a more powerful engine, including an emergency power setting. More-efficient paddle-blade propellers also fitted.
