Republic P-47 Thunderbolt

* The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the main US Army Air Forces (USAAF) fighters of World War II. The P-47 was a big, rugged, overbuilt aircraft that was effective in air combat but proved particularly useful as a fighter-bomber. The Thunderbolt also served with a number of other air arms. This document provides a history and description of the P-47 Thunderbolt -- as well as Republic's "XF-12 Rainbow" long-range reconnaissance platform.

[1.0] P-47 Origins

• [1.1] EARLY SEVERSKY AIRCRAFT / P-35 & P-35A
  
• [1.2] P-43 LANCER & XP-47B
  
• [1.3] P-47B & P-47C
  

[2.0] P-47 In Service

• [2.1] P-47 ENTERS COMBAT
  
• [2.2] P-47D, P-47G, XP-47K, XP-47L
  
• [2.3] P-47D AT WAR
  
• [2.4] XP-47H, XP-47J, P-47M, P-47N
  
• [2.5] XP-72 / END OF THE ROAD
  
• [2.6] REPUBLIC XF-12 RAINBOW
  
• [2.7] COMMENTS, SOURCES, & REVISION HISTORY