P47D Thunderbolt "Razorback" USAAF, 42-22668, Col. Neel Kearby "Fiery Ginger IV", 348th FG., New Guinea, March 1944

1/48 scale pre-finished
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.


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