The Ultimate Soldier Eagle P-47 Thunderbolt Bubbletop WWII Plane W/ Pilot NRFB

In the summer of 1940, Republic Aircraft began work on a new fighter, designed around the massive new R-2800 twin row, 18 cylinder radial engine. This powerplant could develop over 2,00 hp and was capable of absorbing enormous damage and still keep running.

Throwing aside the standard thinking of designing the most compact airplane possible, the engineers created a fighter design that dwarfed all of its contemporaries. The Thunderbolt's size was partly attributable to the turbine powered supercharger and its complex systems of ducts. This gave the P-47 remarkable performance at high altitudes. The addition of long range drop tanks gave it an extended combat radius, making it ideal for escort duties while protecting the B-17 and B-24 bombers that were engaged in daylight bombing raids deep into enemy territory.

The Jug, as it was affectionately called, was first fitted with a high rear deck and heavily framed sliding canopy. It was superseded by the Bubbletop version, with its teardrop canopy giving superior rear vision that is critical to a pilot's survival in a dogfight. many aces flew the Thunderbolt. It was loved by its pilots and feared by its enemies.

The P-47 entered service in April of 1943 and served in every theatre until the final days of the war. Range was in excess of 800 miles; much more when fitted with drop tanks. The T-Bolt had a top speed of over 450 mph, and could out dive any other fighter aircraft of its time. It carried a powerful punch, being equipped with eight .50 caliber machine guns in the wings. Bombs, rockets, and bazooka tubes could also be carried, making a deadly ground attack aircraft. In all, 15,579 were built. The Thunderbolt played a very important part of winning the of WWII in the air.

Xtreme Detail Series - Includes Pilot action figure - Eagle Decal - Collect them all! - 1:18 scale

The box has some wear, creasing, bends and scuffing. The plastic has come loose from the box on the top. The plastic has some denting.