Thread: P-47 Thunderbolts Planes in Action

Found this great WWII video and thought you might enjoy.

rick

Aviation Video: P-47 Thunderbolt | Patrick's Aviation

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Great film/video.

Some of those runs over the airport reminded me of the story from a number of years ago of a Pan Am pilot arriving at Berlin International Airport and asking for progressive taxi instructions (as Berlin International Airport is supposed to have a confusing taxi system), the ground control operator read out each turn one after the other all at once, so the Pan Am pilot gets to the first turn and again asks for progressive taxi instructions - the ground controller reads all the turns out one after the other again, the Pan Am pilot gets to the next turn and again ask for progressive taxi instructions - the ground controller goes ballistic and rants on about the pilot not being able to fly or follow directions ... then finally asks the pilot (with indignation in her voice) 'I take it you've never been to Berlin International Airport before?' ... a moment of silence and the Pan Am pilot goes back on the air and says, in a good old southern drawl "Yes ma'am, I have been here once before, 1945, but I didn't stop." ... after a prolonged silence (all ground talk stopped when the pilot said that, everyone waiting for the ground control operator's next statement) when the ground control operator finally came back on, she said "Glad to have you back Captain, I will be more than happy to guide you turn by turn to your terminal ... proceed to ... and I will stay here with you."

Awesome.

My Grandfather was too old to go overseas so he served as an instructor. They sent pilots into combat with fewer hours than it takes to get your private pilot's license today. I have always had a lot of respect for that entire generation, but even more so now that I am learning to fly.

The "Jug" as it became known was a very large fighter, making it better for attack duties than dogfighting. It did have a powerful radial engine in it and a good top end speed, but it was lacking in maneuverability, especially at low altitudes. Range was limited also, compromising its use as a bomber escort. It was known, as were a lot of U.S. airplanes, for being able to absorb a lot of damage and still make it back. You have to love that aspect.

But regardless, you have to hand it to the guys who flew them. Some were mere kids by todays' standards.