P-47D THUNDERBOLT AS FLOWN BY GABRESKI MODEL

This collectable model P-47D Thunderbolt represents the “Jug” – a tough fighter that began the air war in Europe as a bomber escort and later became the primary fighter-bomber of the theater. This 1/32-scale model P-47D Thunderbolt makes a great pilot gift or a present for any veteran, aviation enthusiast or history buff.

The P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest single-engine fighters of the war, an airframe built around a powerful R-2800 radial engine of 2,500 horsepower. Armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns and able to carry up to 2,500 pounds of bombs or 10 5-inch rockets, the Thunderbolt was fast, tough and effective.

Service deliveries of the P-47 began in 1942, with its first combat mission on March 10, 1943. The Thunderbolt found air-to-air success, with tactics that took advantage of its ability to dive, then zoom-climb to regain energy. The P-47 shot down more than 3,700 enemy aircraft, then struck fear into Wehrmach formations as the ground war in Europe began again in 1944. Its ability to deliver bombs or rockets, as well as being a potent strafing platform severely hindered the movement of German units.

The P-47 served briefly with the Strategic Air Command following World War II. A number of P-47 remain flyable, and can often be seen and exhibits and air shows.