Tamiya #61086 . 1/48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt RAZORBACK

Tamiya #61086 . 1/48 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt RAZORBACK

Highly detailed 1/48 scale assembly model kit of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a single-seat single-engine fighter used extensively by the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II.

The P47 was the largest single-engine fighter of the era, earning the nicknamed "Jug? by pilots who flew it. The P-47 was a formidable dogfighter, but the Jug?s ruggedness and superb firepower made it an exceptional ground-attack aircraft. P47s were fitted with a large Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp two-row 18-cylinder radial engine, which not only provided excellent horsepower but also provided Thunderbolt pilots with a shield against frontal attacks. In addition, the "Jugs? were armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns which were devastating against both air and ground targets.

This beautifully detailed 1:48 scale assembly model kit of the famed “Jug” by Tamiya depicts the P47D variant with “razorback” canopy configuration.

Features:

• The massive form of the plane, especially its belly and its cowling, has been accurately reproduced.
• Flaps come as separate parts and can be attached in the up or down position.
• 3 types of mirrors, gun sights and propellers are provided.
• Engine cowling flaps and the intercooler air outlets on each side of the fuselage can be represented in the opened or closed position.
• 500 pounds bombs, rocket launchers and 2 types of drop tanks are part of the kit.
• A pilot figure and decals for two different markings are included.
• 230mm total length assembled

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.