P47D Thunderbolt "Razorback" USAAF, "Penrod and Sam", Captain Robert Johnson, 62nd FS/56th FG, Boxted, May 1944,

Product description

Die-cast metal with a minimum of plastic. Professionally painted. All markings pad applied for superb results. Cockpit slides open. Comes with a pilot that can be removed.Comes with display stand. Can be displayed with landing gear up or down.

The Republic Aviation P-47 “Thunderbolt” entered service in May 1942 with the introduction of the P-47B. It had a “Razorback”, a high dorsal spine behind the side-ways opening canopy that reduced visibility. As improvements were made a “D” variant was produced with 12,602 being manufactured. The British developed a sliding bubble canopy for their Typhoon and this was adopted by the USAAF starting with the P-47D-5. With its ability to survive enemy fire along with impressive armament and bomb load the P-47 excelled at ground attack roles.

Robert S Johnson ended WWII with 27 victories while flying P-47s. Johnson scored his first victory in June 1943 and was promoted to Captain March 15, 1944. Johnson was assigned a total of 4 P-47s, 3 with the 61st FS where he scored 25 victories and P-47D 42-25512 “Penrod and Sam” with the 62nd FS. The name came from Sgt. J. C. Penrod who was Crew Chief & Samuel was Robert Johnson's middle name. On May 8, 1944 Johnson scored victories 26 and 27 breaking Eddie Rickenbacker’s WWI record of 26.

Republic Aviation P-47D specifications

Number Produced – 12,602 most numerous variant

Crew – 1

Dimensions
Length – 36 ft. 1 in.  (11 m)
Wingspan – 40 ft. 9 in.  (12.42 m)
Height – 14 ft. 8 in.  (4.47 m)

Performance
Engine – 1 x Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 twin-row radial, 2,535 hp  (1,890 kW)
Maximum Speed – 433 mph @ 30,000 ft  (697 km/h @ 9,145 m)
Service Ceiling – 43,000 ft.  (13,100 m)
Rate Of Climb – 3,120 ft/min  (15.9 m/s)
Range – 800 mi. combat, 1,800 mi. ferry  (1,290 km combat  /  2,900 km ferry)

Armament
8 x .50 in.  (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns w/ 3,400 rounds
Maximum 2,500 lbs  (1,134 kg) of bombs
10 x 5 in.  (127 mm) unguided rockets