Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, often nicknamed the "Jug," was one of the most iconic and heavily produced American fighter aircraft of World War II. A massive, single-engine, single-seat fighter, the P-47 was known for its ruggedness, high altitude performance, and exceptional firepower. Designed as a high-altitude escort fighter, it soon proved its worth in a multitude of roles, including ground attack, dive bombing, and close air support thanks to its durable construction and impressive payload capacity.

Bubble Canopy: Later versions of the Thunderbolt featured a bubble canopy, providing pilots with excellent all-around visibility.
While initially criticized for its maneuverability compared to smaller fighters, the P-47 compensated with its speed, diving ability, and sheer firepower. It became a vital asset in the European and Pacific theaters, racking up impressive scores against enemy aircraft and playing a crucial role in Allied victory.

Possible Nicknames (from Community Forum Discussions):

Beyond the well-known "Jug," discussions in community forums often reveal more informal and humorous nicknames attributed to the P-47, stemming from its characteristics and the experiences of those who flew and maintained it. Some examples that might be found include:

• "The Milk Bottle": A less common nickname possibly inspired by the early P-47's bulky fuselage (before the bubble canopy (Razorback version)).

• "Lead Sled": (due to its weight and perceived lack of agility compared to other fighters)

• "The Tank": (emphasizing its ruggedness and ability to absorb damage)

• "The Flying Fortress Maker": (a tongue-in-cheek reference to its initial role as a bomber escort, and the fact that its sheer size sometimes caused friendly fire incidents)

- About the variant

P-47D-25-RE/RA series
These aircraft were based on the XP-47L with increased fuel capacity. Bubbletop P-47D production totaled 3,028 aircraft, built in eight production blocks, for a grand total of 12,558 P-47Ds

C O N T R O L S
Trim : Flaps, cruising 'rotate' adjuster
VTOL : Further flaps