Republic P-47D Thunderbolt – Miss Plainfield, 334th FS, 4th FG, ,USAAF, Steve Pisanos, RAF Debden, England, 1943 (Nose Art Panel)

Corgi Aviation 1/72 scale US33816: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Miss Plainfield, 334th FS, 4th FG, ,USAAF, Steve Pisanos, RAF Debden, England, 1943. One of the Nose Art series, with a large scale panel showing the aircrafts Nose Art insignia. Limited Edition of 1,510 models, intended mainly for US issue.

Length 6 inches Wingspan 6.75 inches

This aircraft was flown by ex-Eagle Squadron ace Steve Pisanos, who was of Greek descent. This aircraft was one of a number of 4th Fighter Group P-47s adorned with some of the most professionally rendered nose art seen in the European Theatre. Why Pisanos chose to name his Machine “Miss Plainfield” remains a mystery. Four of his five kills were claimed in this early built P-47D.

Designed by Alexander Kartveli meeting a USAAC requirement for a heavy fighter, the P-47 was first flown on May 6th, 1941. Later models featured a “bubble-top” canopy rather than the sharply peaked “razorback” fuselage which resulted in poor visibility for the aircraft’s pilot. The P-47, a deadly pursuit aircraft, featured 8 x 12.7mm machine guns; all mounted in the wings. Even with the complicated turbosupercharger system, the sturdy airframe and tough radial engine, the P-47 (“Jug” or “Juggernaut” as it was nicknamed) could absorb damage and still return home. Built in greater quantities than any other US fighter, the P-47 was the heaviest single-engine WWII fighter and the first piston-powered fighter to exceed 500 mph.