1:48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt - "Razorback"
Item# 61086

In 1943, the 8th Air Force was launching raids on Germany with
its B17 and B24 from England. The aim was to destroy German main
production factories. Unfortunately, losses during theses
missions were very heavy and it became urgent to develop a
fighter able to escort the bombers over enemy soil. The limited
ranges of the Spitfire and P-38 Lightning did not make these
fighters able to go further than Paris, leaving the bombers alone

to fend for themselves for the rest of the flight. With the
development of the P-47, this problem was overcome. The P-47 was
the first single-seated fighter to be equipped with a
supercharger, allowing it to fly at the same high altitude as the

bombers. This high-flying fighter was armed with eight 12.7mm
machineguns that proved very useful in the intense fighting that
occurred in the European skies. Equipped with drop tanks for
longer range, the P-47D was then able to escort the bombers all
the way to the German border. The Thunderbolt also allowed many
Allied pilots to become Aces. Bomber crews plagued day after day
by intensive German interceptions, would remark that the presence

of the P-47 was of great help.