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In the entire history of military aviation, there has never been an airplane that could match the P-47 Thunderbolt for ruggedness and dependability.The pilots who flew it into combat called it "The Unbreakable" and "The plane that can do anything."P-47s often came safely back from combat shot full of holes, their wings in tatters.Only 0.7% were lost in combat.
The prototype Thunderbolt first took to the air on May 8, 1941.By mid-1943, improved P-47s included an external fuel tank to increase range, and a longer fuselage to improve maneuverability.More powerful engines were built, giving the Thunderbolt a maximum speed of 470 mph.
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