P-47D Thunderbolt – Little Chief, Frank Klibbe, 61st FS, USAAF DISPLAYED

Dragon Models Warbirds 1/72 scale 50125; Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Little Chief of 61st FS, 56th FG, USAAF, as flown by Frank W Klibbe who was accredited with 7 kills. Differs from the Corgi model by having an optional position cockpit canopy and lowering wing flaps.

Length 6 inches Wingspan 6.75 inches

PLEASE NOTE: This is an imperfect ex display model. Comes with raised and lowered undercarriage plus optional canopy positions, moving flaps and display stand in original box. Paintwork has the odd imperfection which has been touched in but not in A1 condition. Photos of actual model. Central drop tank is missing and aerial is non standard.

Nicknamed “JUG”, the P-47-D was one of the most important and most produced fighters of the American Air Force during the WWII. Although the P-47D was the largest and heaviest single-seat aircraft to see service in the Second World War, it became a high speed and high altitude capable fighter when powered by the huge 2000hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 “Double Wasp” engine and a unique supercharging system. Shaped with a sharp upper ridge, the early types of P-47D were given a name “Razorback”. During the war, the Razorbacks served as striking fighters and sometimes escort fighters of the allied bombers when conducting raids over Germany.

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. Differs from Corgi models by offering optional canopy positions.