Republic P-47
Thunderbolt
Technical Information
Background
The P-47 Thunderbolt was
hailed by pilots as on of the most rugged and durable fighter
aircraft. Its heavy weight allowed it to dive at incredible speeds,
and its large radial engine was able to absorb damage which made
it well suited for ground attack. Armed with eight .50 browning caliber
machine guns and could carry considerable bombs and even rockets.
Production
Built at three locations: Farmingdale, NY and the Indiana Division of Republic Aviation was opened at Evansville, IN and a small number at Curtis-Wright Company in Buffalo, NY.
The main production was at Republic at Farmingdale, NY were identified by the "-RE" suffix.
A second plant, Indiana Division of Republic Aviation was opened at Evansville, IN identified by the "-RA" suffix. The factory produced its first plane, P-47D "Hoosier Spirit" 42-22250 completed on September 20, 1942. A total of 6,242 were built at the factory, plus spare parts for 1,560. Also, Republic also operated the Evansville Modification Center in Evansville, IN. Thanks to Kenneth Wilson for additional information.
Also,
the Curtis-Wright Company in Buffalo, NY built 300 Thunderbolts under contract, but none of these left the continential United States (CONUS) for service overseas.
