P-47D Thunderbolt

This P-47D wears the WW2 markings of a US Army Air Force P-47 nicknamed ’Nellie’, of the 48th Fighter Group, 492nd Fighter Squadron, coded “F4″ and with the identifying character “J”. The squadron markings have a distinctive red checkerboard nose with red nose band and red rudder. 492 FS were equipped with P-47′s in early 1944, flying their first combat missions in the type in April 1944. The squadron moved into Europe after assisting with the Normandy invasions with bombing and ground attack. The present day USAF squadron is now based at RAF Lakenheath flying the F-15E Strike Eagle. The P-47 Thunderbolt is nicknamed the “Jug” (because its profile was similar to that of a common milk jug of the 1940s). The largest and heaviest single-seater piston-engined fighter in history, (it weighs in at seven tons and is heavier than even a Bristol Blenheim or a Bristol Beaufighter). It is the most numerous American fighter ever produced. It was a hugely successful high a