P-47D-28

P-47D-28

P-47D-25

P-47N-15

P-47D-28

P-47D-25

P-47N-15

USA

III Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
4.0	5.0	4.3

Class:

Fighter

Research:33 000

Purchase:105 000

Show in game

Description

The P-47D-28 Thunderbolt is a Rank III American strike fighter with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB), 4.7 (RB), and 4.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.

The Thunderbolt was originally designed for high altitude bomber escort role, but due to limited range, it was not very successful on the European theatre of operations where it couldn't escort the bombers all the way to their target. The newer P-51B/C and later P-51D fitted with a Merlin engine turned out to be a much better long range, high altitude escort fighter, and the P-47 was relegated to other duties. Due to the Thunderbolt's large size and strong construction, the aircraft was well suited for carrying large amounts of air-to-ground ordnance, and was often used in ground attack role against small targets that level bombers could not reliably hit, such as bridges.

In War Thunder, much like in real life, all Thunderbolt variants have tremendous potential as a high altitude fighter, but can also be used very effectively as ground attack aircraft, thanks to their impressive payload capacity. When fighting against enemy aircraft, boom and zoom tactics are a must, never try to dogfight with the 'Jug'. When diving on a target, if you don't secure the kill, don't try to turn and finish him, use the speed you built in the dive and climb up, circle around and do it all again. Don't be afraid to go head-on; you have a radial engine and eight x fifty-caliber machine guns.

Except for having a different propeller, and (as of patch 1.77) 70" HG of boost, there are very few differences between the P-47D-25 and D-28. The D-25 uses a Hamilton Standard Hydromatic 13 ft. 7/8 in. diameter propeller, while the D-28 uses a Curtiss Electric "sleeved" propeller with 13 ft diameter. Despite a popular misconception that the D-28 uses a "paddle-blade" propeller while the D-25 doesn't, both were actually called "paddle-blade" propellers, and offered virtually identical performance. The origin of this misconception is that the early Thunderbolt variants used a smaller Curtiss Electric propeller with only 12 ft. 2 in. diameter, which proved insufficient for the R-2800 engine's power output. Larger propellers were needed to transform more engine power into thrust, giving the Thunderbolt a boost in climb rate and acceleration. These propellers were used starting from the Thunderbolt D-series manufacturing block 22 (P-47D-22) and the main distinction between these propellers was simply that aircraft manufactured on Republic's Evansville plant received the new Curtiss Electric propellers, while the Long Island manufacturing facility used Hamilton Standard propellers.

Compared to the D-25, the D-28 variant offers the M10 Bazookas as an additional armament option, although its better to use the HVAR rockets as it is far more destructive than the bazookas.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 9,114 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
660	653	12,500	26.6	27.2	5.4	7.2	700
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 9,114 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
733	695	12,500	23.4	25.0	18.0	10.6	700

Details

Features
Combat flap	Take-off flap	Landing flap	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
✓	✓	✓	X	X

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flap (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
885	450	520	~14	~6

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 380	< 452	< 450	> 250

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
7,350 m	2,000 hp	2,300 hp

Survivability and armour

• No armour plating
• No armour glazing
• Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
• More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

Armaments

Offensive armament

The P-47D-28 is armed with:

• 8 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (425 rpg = 3400 total)

Suspended armament

The P-47D-28 can be outfitted with the following ordinances:

• 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
• 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
• 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (2,500 lb total)
• 10 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (2,500 lb total)
• 10 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
• 10 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
• 10 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
• 10 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
• 6 x M8 rockets
• 6 x M8 rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)

Usage in the battles

Always maintain speed. The P-47 handles like a dream at about 350-400 mph (563-643 km/h), but once it gets to >220 mph it handles like a pig dipped in mud. One great thing about the handling at high speed, though, is that the P-47 responds quickly at high speeds, and this allows some impressive defensive scissoring without losing wings at terminal velocity. The high-wingloading is an issue, though, as the Jug will lose most of its energy in a blackout turn. This does endow the Jug with one key feature- it is a rock-solid gun platform.

Unfortunately, zoom-climbing and dive acceleration are not the "Jug's" forte. The BF-109 has a superior dive acceleration, and the Fw 190 can zoom-climb far faster. Still, the energy retention of the P-47 is great, along with the fact that it flies far faster than both the Würger and Messerschmitt. The P-47 is NOT A TURN-FIGHTER. Although it is possible to out-turn a heavy fighter like the BF-110 C or Do 217, it is not recommended- the acceleration is mediocre, and once a P-47 is a sitting duck, it will be be swarmed like flies to fruit in a compost pile. Acrobatic pilots will not be impressed by the P-47 as well, because it performs Immelmans very sluggishly and the roll rate is not magnificent as well.

Durability, like mentioned above, is pretty good. As in WW2 itself, the P-47 was renowned for its rugged construction. In War Thunder, the biggest weak point of the P-47 is its engine and wings. The wings can break fairly easily in maneuvers at speeds around ~ 675.9 kph or so. They also tend to break after a well placed cannon burst (from planes like the FW-190, A6M2/3). The engine though is also fairly susceptible to catching fire while chasing a bomber, but this is not due to its durability, but to its size. Speaking of fire, the P-47D will be heavily damaged by the time it pulls itself out of a fire. One should immediately try to limp home if set aflame.

Performance of the P-47 at altitude is very good, but once you go above about 9,000 meters (~30,000 feet, its critical altitude), any energy lost will have to be regained by diving and losing altitude. Even though the D-28 now gets 70" boost (which is significantly more than the D-25), it still will have some troubles accelerating and climbing. Keep in mind that this boost is only achieved on WEP, although on military power it still has 65" of boost.

When used skillfully, the tracer rounds can be used to "derp", because of the high caliber (for a machine gun) and fire rate, tracers can be absolutely terrifying to anyone attacked by them. However, due to the "scare" effect and low take down capabilities, the tracers have limited practical use.

Modes

Arcade: In Arcade, the P-47 can make the most of its capability. In Arcade, engine overheating is not a problem and the "Jug" can get an air start. Keep WEP on automatic, and climb as high as possible. Watch out for Spitfires, Fws, and Bf 109s, which have the capability to climb as high and as quickly as the P-47. Once a height of around 4,000 - 5,000 m is reached (bomber level), go for the bombers. If rockets are equipped, expend them against the bombers. Then initiate the tactics seen in "Shredding Planes". You CAN stay at altitude and prey on any high-flying prey. Beware, the Fw 190 will be your competitor as well.

Realistic: In realistic, one has to be much more careful with how he/she uses the P-47. On takeoff, climb to as high as possible before an engine overheat. If Radiator is installed overheating will still be a problem, but not nearly as bad a one as a stock P-47 will be. If overheating does occur, pull the throttle to around 80% and do a slow climb away from the enemy. Once high enough, attack high-altitude marauders or use BnZ. In high speed dives (BnZ), make sure not to make "blackout" turns, because the "Jug" will rip its wings, even though it has fantastic durability. Keep in mind the fact that the plane will respond more sluggishly in Realistic- one should not try to be an acrobat.

Simulator: The "Jug" is one of the best planes available for SB. Not only is the only fighter with a full-blown "bubble canopy" to provide a great view, but it also has full high-caliber machine gun armament, which is invaluable for beginners. The machine guns are very forgiving due to easy adjustment, high rate of fire, and large ammunition capacity. Take advantage of the high durability, as well. Other than that the physics of the "Jug" are identical to RB.

In RB and SB one has to be precise with the ordnance. It is recommended to use the P-47 almost like a dive bomber to have the best accuracy possible.

Armament tips

Offensive guns
The 8 Browning M2 Machine Guns pack great punch when used correctly. Long bursts are the forte of the guns, not conservative bursts that one would normally use on a cannon-armed fighter (Fw 190). One should also make the most of the low caliber by using stealth (the tracers are a waste, as the the machine guns do not require as much firing accuracy as cannon- you can spray those M2s!), or belts such as Ground Targets, as wing spars were nerfed in Patch 1.69, as well as AP being buffed. Fire from about .8-1.2 km at max. The M2s are very accurate and have a minimal drop, so long range harassing fire can be quite effective. However, depending on one's pilot aiming skills and his/her own, it may be better to fire from around .3-.5 km. Firing closer to the target is also very advantageous in Boom & Zoom, because the high dive speed and inability low turn rate (if the opponent manoeuvers)- one does not want to lose a kill by firing from too far behind and then diving past his/her prey because one's opponent simply turned. The high burst mass output (4.44 kg, compared to the 5.17 kg of the Beaufighter) combined with the high ammunition capacity and accurate and straight-firing M2s make the P-47 one of the deadliest opponents in the 3.7-4.7 BR range.

The ammunition capacity is pretty good, but do not expect it to last for too long (they are MGs, after all). Therefore, do not just aim for the body of any plane. Try to aim for the wings and possibly tail. These are weak points that can result in relatively quick kills. The MGs can rip control surfaces off of any foe quickly, and are extremely effective against the wings of opponents.

Payloads
The P-47 is one of the most famous WWII ground attack planes- no wonder it was named the "Jug"! In War Thunder, the load it can carry is frightfully large- 3 large bombs (2 1000 lb, 1 500 lb) and a max of 10 HVAR rockets. Indeed, the P-47 is better equipped than an A-20, which is still largely used even in BR 3-4 battles. Thus, a P-47 can be vital to a Ground-Strike mission. Its speed, combined with climb rate and durability make it a great attacker on its own.

Like mentioned above, the P-47 Thunderbolt's 8 M2 Brownings make a pretty effective strafing weapons if used properly. When equipped with Ground-Attack ammunition, they can effectively take out most "Soft" targets, (light pillboxes, etc.).

The D-28 has two different rocket types to choose from: Bazookas and High-Velocity-Attack-Rockets. The latter is simply far superior to the former, as currently the Bazookas do not have their HEAT warhead modeled.

In full maximum payload the Jug is difficult to take off in or to handle. With three bombs + ten rockets dive bombing attacks are nigh impossible to manage from low altitudes, especially if one intends to keep the second bomb drop (2 x 1,000 lb). For combined forces it is therefore suggested to only equip 2 x 1,000+ 10 x HVAR and ignore the 500 lb for superior speed and handling.

Specific enemies worth noting

Planes that the P-47 will face will be between the 3.7 and 5.7 BR range. Depending on what planes one equips, one can expect planes like the Fw 190 A-1 to the Fw 190 A-4, Bf 109 F-1 to the F-4.

Counter-tactics

Try to climb above the Jug. It does not climb well enough to remain on par with most planes, as it is very heavy. The Jug is bad at vertical maneuvers, so you can try using those (be careful, as he can still prop-hang you). The Jug is also not very good at low-to-medium speed maneuvers, although, again, BE CAREFUL. The Jug is surprisingly maneuverable for such a large plane, especially when its flaps are extended.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
		Oil	Water	Type
Controllable	Not controllable	Not controllable	Not controllable	Separate	Not ontrollable	Not controllable

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage Repair	Radiator		Offensive 12 mm	FMBC mk.1
II		Compressor	Airframe		FRC mk.2
III	Wings Repair	Engine		New 12 mm MGs	Rocket Launcher M10
IV	G-Suit	Engine Injection	Cover		FLBC mk.1

• Climb rate and acceleration is a big issue for the stock P-47D. Focus on Compressor, Engine, Wing repairs and Engine Injection first. During this performance focused grind, you can additionally research Offensive 12.7 mm and the various payload modules to unlock the higher tiers for the better performance upgrades.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Great at diving and Boom & Zoom
• Impressive firepower
• Impressive payloads
• Great engine performance above 6,000 m
• Fantastic gun platform- the 2 "quartets" of M2s are extremely accurate and in many cases as powerful as cannon
• Great high-speed handling
• Fantastic top speed in level flight
• Fantastic ground attack capability
• Good scissoring capability
• Great durability
• Great cockpit visibility
• Cools rapidly and can WEP for long duration of time without overheating
• Has 20 Mins of ADI
• Currently running 70" of boost, almost as high as P-47M, P-47N

Cons:

• Terrible turning radius at low altitude
• Mediocre climb performance (but fully spaded you can reach 20m/s at 15*)
• Engine prone to being set on fire
• Poor low-speed handling
• Large target
• Engine can overheat quickly if you constantly use WEP
• Machine guns are mounted very far apart

History

Developed by North Republic Aviation, the main role of the P-47 Thunderbolt was Bomber Escort, at high altitude the 'Jug' could contend with the latest from the Luftwaffe. The design was to also include much better protection for the pilot by having increased armor around the cockpit, however this increased it's weight substantially. It was the first American fighter to receive more than the standard 6 x .50 caliber M2 Browning machine guns, a total of 8 all together. making it the most powerful Allied aircraft in terms of firepower at the time. Thanks to it's rugged design, the Thunderbolt was able to take a considerable beating, more so than other allied aircraft, also with it's sturdy air frame and large engine, the 'Jug' quickly took on the role of ground attack, able to arm itself with 2,500 lbs of bombs and rockets. All in all the Thunderbolt was one of the most successful allied aircraft during the war, even with the introduction of the faster and more nimble P-51 Mustang, later modifications of the Thunderbolt would go on to see action in the later part of the Pacific Campaign against the Imperial Japanese Navy.

A total of 750 D-28 model P-47s were built. The aircraft is very similar to the P-47D-25 except for one primary difference. This model introduced the Curtiss Electric 13ft paddle-blade propeller. The addition of this larger propeller helped cure the P-47's issues of low altitude climbing.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,

• reference to the series of the aircraft;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

Sources

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• topic on the official game forum;
• page on aircraft encyclopedia;
• other literature.