Tennessee vs The Maxims vs Kentucky

[SmokinBob]

Sighhh - now I can move forward! Many thanks from your dedicated reader.

 

[OneManGang]

"Jugs" - Awesome aircraft. I believe that the low altitude climb was improved with the switch to Curtiss and Hamilton "paddle props" beginning in '43. Though some believe that paddle props debuted with the bubble canopy models, I think that they were retro-fitted to earlier models in theatre.

OMG, did not the P-47M match the various German fighters climb rate in a tight upward spiral?

I do know that even earlier models of 47s could turn inside most German fighters, something no one would expect from such a giant among single-seaters.

According to either Roger Freeman (Zemke's Wolfpack) or Robert S. Johnson (Thunderbolt) - I forget which, both books are outstanding -the -47M's had engine reliability problems and so weren't often used except over England. Republic only built around 500 of them versus over 12,000 -47D's.

Yeah, the -47 was quite maneuverable but only at very high altitude. They would never get into a turning fight with a Bf-109 or FW-190 much below 20,000ft if at all possible.