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P-47 vs. the Competition – Strengths and weaknesses of the mighty Thunderbolt

"Big Chief" was a P-47D-28 of the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, featuring the fillet ahead of the vertical fin to improve stability of the bubble canopy models by replacing the side area lost when the fuselage was cut down for the new canopy. (Photo by Brian Silcox)

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World War II fighter pilots — the ones who survived first contact with the enemy — could aggregate and share their experiences in flying against hostile aircraft. Debriefs were an important source of intel, yet the heat of battle could limit the useful information. So, the Army Air Forces pounced on flyable captured enemy fighters as a way to quantify the performance of them-versus-us. For the pilot of the massive Thunderbolt, it could boil down...

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All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.