The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was the largest, heaviest, and most powerful single piston engine fighter of World War II. The Thunderbolt was a key fighter for the American air force when soldiers and airmen from the United States arrived in Britain to join the fight against Nazi Germany. Using an engine designed for use in multiples in large bombers and transports, attached to a large and heavy turbosupercharger system that took up much of the interior volume of the fuselage, the P-47 had almost unprecedented power and could afford to be a lot of airplane. It was armed with eight .50 calibre machine guns (two more than the standard for U.S. fighters) and could carry a substantial amount of ordnance.  The P-47 could easily out dive the enemy fighters and could “dish-out” terrible punishment form its eight 50 cal. Browning machine guns.  

The seven-ton aircraft became extremely popular with A.A.F. pilots because of its ability to absorb extensive battle damage and remain flying. Perhaps the most outstanding tribute to this aircraft is the fact that all 10 of the leading Thunderbolt aces survived the war.

For sale: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt N147PF, s/n 45-49192 (cn 39955731) [Via]

To date no larger single piston engine fighter has ever been produced. From the 1st prototype produced in 1941, 15,686 P-47s were produced, the last of which was accepted by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) from Republic Aviation' Evansville, Indiana factory. More Thunderbolts were manufactured during World War II than any other American fighter. Although partially overshadowed by the famous Mustang, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt established a distinguished record as a high altitude interceptor and bomber escort. 

Most of the last production blocks would continue in service with the post-war USAAF and the new USAF. The P-47 would also be the foundation stock for rebuilding a majority of the post-war European air forces. In the early 1950s as the now renamed F-47 was being retired from active USAF service, these aircraft were through various Military Assistance Programs (MAPS) offered to numerous South American countries. For the next 15 years, the F-47 would continue as a front line fighter with these nations. 

For sale: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt N147PF, s/n 45-49192 (cn 39955731) [Via

For the next 22 years, except for two razorback versions, the P-47 would progressively diminish from U.S skies. It was only in 1968 with the retirement of the Peruvian Air Force's P-47s and the successful importation of six aircraft would the population of these aircraft begin to grow.

For sale: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt N147PF, s/n 45-49192 (cn 39955731) [Via

Republic P-47D-40-RA Thunderbolt 45-49192 presented as P-47D-25-RE 42-26671 'No Guts-No Glory' (MX-X) of the 82nd Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group, nicknamed "No Guts-No Glory!", while flying for Claire Aviation in Wilmington, Delaware, USA [Via Wikipedia]

The P-47D for sale on 'Courtesy Aircraft Sales' was restored in 1985 by Fighter Rebuilders-Chino and sold with fresh inspection by Ocean Aire. Transponder and ELT inspections completed on sale. It was in service with USAF and Peruvian AF, until it was imported to the US in 1969. 

For sale: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt N147PF, s/n 45-49192 (cn 39955731) [Via]

It is painted all over metallic silver with checkerboard cowl, invasion stripes, USAF Stars and Bars. “NO GUTS NO GLORY” represents the personal aircraft of Lt. Col. Ben Mayo (CO 82nd FS).

For sale: Republic P-47D Thunderbolt N147PF, s/n 45-49192 (cn 39955731) [Via]

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More information at: 'Courtesy Aircraft Sales'