Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was the largest and heaviest single-engine fighter of WWII, powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial delivering over 2,000 hp and used for bomber escort and ground attack missions. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. undefined
What is the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt used for in flight training?
The P-47's immense power required careful rudder management during takeoff to counteract the massive torque of the R-2800 engine. WWII P-47 pilots trained on progressively more powerful types before reaching the Thunderbolt. A handful of P-47s fly on the airshow circuit including European events. Pilots who achieve a P-47 rating typically hold significant warbird experience, making it one of the more advanced warbird qualifications available in European aviation.