Republic P-47D Thunderbolt
The Republic P-47D Thunderbolt—nicknamed the “Jug”—was the heaviest and most powerful single-seat piston-engine fighter of World War II. First flown in 1941 and powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp engine, the P-47D combined high-altitude performance with unmatched durability. It excelled as both a bomber escort and ground-attack aircraft, absorbing extraordinary battle damage and still bringing pilots home.
With over 15,000 built, the P-47D served across Europe, the Pacific, and the Mediterranean, equipping 31 USAAF groups and multiple Allied air forces. Its variants included the early “razorback” canopy models and the later bubble-canopy versions for improved visibility. Armed with eight .50 caliber machine guns and capable of carrying bombs and rockets, the Thunderbolt was a formidable presence in the skies.
This category features high-resolution prints of P-47D aircraft in flight, on takeoff, and in museum preservation—captured by aviation photographer Stuart H. Bourne. Included are restored examples like G-THUN “Nellie”, N47DD, and NX4747D, each cataloged with verified serials, squadron markings, and archival context.
