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P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Eighth Air Force

$17.95

Aircraft of the Aces: Men & Legends - Book 37

Published in 2001 by Del Prado / Osprey, UK
Softcover, 64 Pages
Size - 25cm * 19cm

Amongst the first American-built fighters to be operated by the USAAF in Europe, the 56th FG joined the Eighth Air Force in Britain to undertake the escort role for the latter's growing B-17 bomber force in late 1942. Initial encounters with German fighters were not encouraging, as the P-47 was easily outmanoeuvred at low to medium altitudes, and its engine performance was rather lacklustre (the "Jug's" short range was also criticised).

However, the arrival of the first P-47Cs in mid-1943, with external tanks, addressed the problem of the aircraft's short combat radius. As combat tactics evolved, pilots learnt how best to fly the Thunderbolt in order to counter the more nimble Luftwaffe fighters, and aces of the calibre of "Hub" Zemke and "Gabby" Gabreski began accruing scores.

Built to absorb damage, and rock steady as a gun platform, the Thunderbolt was soon able to more than hold its own. The arrival of the definitive P-47D in late 1943 was followed shortly after by the "bubble top" Thunderbolt, which then became the favoured mount thanks to its superior rearward visibility.

Fully Illustrated with B&W photos and 12 pages of colour drawings