Number 7: The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
The Jug proves that size does matter - at least in a dive.
by Staff Writer

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Synopsis: The "Jug" was an interesting fighter design that proved quite worthy in practice. The P-47 had the uncanny ability to utilize its oversized airframe to gain the advantage over an opponent in a dive (the oversized frame was due to the turbocharger ductwork running from behind the cockpit to the engine in front). The exceptional performance from the turbocharger and high altitude abilities made for one sweet ride in either the bomber escort or ground strike. By the end of the war, the P-47 would be mass-produced in a handful of ever-improving variants that would include a "hot rod" alternative capable of near-500mph speeds designed for the purpose of intercepting Germany's V-1 rockets. While the P-47D proved the quantitative success in seeing over 12,000 examples produced, the P-47N proved the ultimate evolution of the species.

Pros: 8 x .50 caliber guns; 1,000lb bomb and 10 x 5-inch rocket capability; exceptional diving qualities; good visibility out of the bubble canopy; airframe could sustain a great deal of damage.

Notoriety: Fatty accounted for 3,752 confirmed enemy air kills; no fewer than 546,000 sorties recorded; scored victories versus the newfangled jet-powered Messerschmitt Me 262 and Arado Ar 234 aircraft - something few other other aircraft can brag about; produced more than any other American fighter of the war - beating out the sexier P-51 Mustang.

Total Production: 15,668

Operators: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Republic of China, Columbia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Honduras, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Soviet Union, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela and Yugoslavia.

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