Republic P-47D Thunderbolt - Lt Col F S Gabreski 3D model

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The Thunderbolt, a renowned Republic aircraft in WWII, was first flown on May 6th, 1941. It was designed as a high-performance fighter/bomber with the large Pratt and Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine for enhanced performance and load capacity. Deliveries began in June 1942 for the US Army Air Corps' use in the European Theater. The aircraft, featuring a bubble canopy on later models for increased rearward visibility, also served as escort fighters for B-29 bombers in the Pacific, excelling primarily in ground attack roles. Its "razorback" fuselage was replaced by a bubble canopy in later versions.