Academy 12491 1/72 Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Bubbletop

This is a plastic model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. So glue, model paints and other basic modelling tools are additionally required.

The P-47D was a workhorse of the U.S. Army Air Force during the last half of World War II saw action in both the European and Pacific theaters of the war.

Although its 2,000 horse power R-2800 "Double Wasp" engine and exhaust turbine made the aircraft necessarily large and heavy, these proved to be no barrier to high performance, and it was utilized not only as an escort to U.S. bombers but its bomb load capacity made it outstanding in the ground attack role.

One of the most notable changes made to the Thunderbolt during the course of production was the installation of a 360 degree, all-round view "Bubble Canopy". This was achieved by removing the upper part of rear section of the previous type called "Razor Back", and this change was so advantageous in the visibility afforded the pilot. Originally it was intended to introduce this improvement with a new model designated P-47L, but in the event, decided to continue the P-47D series and the introductions were made with the P-47D-25 from Farmingdale and the P-47D-26 from Evansville.