Hobby Master HA8452 | P-47D Thunderbolt "Razorback" 42-22668, Col. Neel Kearby "Fiery Ginger IV" 348th FG., New Guinea, March 1944

General Background:

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.

The Aircraft:

By March 5, 1944 Col. Neel Kearby had scored 21 victories and was trying to beat Eddie Rickenbacker’s 26 total. On this day Kearby and two other pilots attacked a Japanese formation
with Kearby downing the lead aircraft while his wingmen took out the Japanese wing men. Before
Kearby knew it he had a Japanese aircraft on his tail and was unable to shake it. Flying P-47
42-22668 “Fiery Ginger IV” Kearby didn’t return to base. Col. Kearby was one of two P-47 pilots
to receive the Medal of Honor.

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