It was strong, lethal, rugged, and heavy, but the P-47 got the job done and it brought it’s pilots home safe. The P-47 Thunderbolt was Republic’s answer to the need for a single-engine fighter early in WWII. This massive plane weighed 10,000lbs when emptied, had armor plating, eight 50 caliber machine guns, and self-sealing fuel tanks. Like most planes when it came off of the assembly line there were issues but as more were, pilots found ways to improve upon them and they became well-liked by those that flew and maintained it. Several years ago I was very glad to be able to go down to Planes of Fame where five P-47’s attended. It was quite the show one which I can’t wait to see happen again.